Is Green Tea Good for Your Health?

People worldwide have been sipping green tea for a long time, and it seems to be only growing in popularity. These days, people don't only drink green tea--they wash their hair with it, brush their teeth with it and even put it on their face. Many think green tea has the ability to combat cancer. Scientist Santosh Katiyar, Ph.D, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham researched this theory for 16 years. His findings led him to think green tea does protect against cancer.

Polyphenol

• Because of the high amount of polyphenols in green tea, the beverage might inhibit tumor growth, according to Katiyar's research.

EGCG

• Green tea's strongest antioxidant, epigallocatechin-3-gallate--frequently called EGCG--protects against the sun's ultraviolet rays and resulting tumors, Katiyar determined.

Interleukin-12

• Green tea's polyphenols increase interleukin-12 production, which assists in the repair of DNA. Because of this, green tea helps prevent skin cancer, Katiyar found.

Weight Loss

• Metabolic rate and the rate of fat oxidation have much to do with weight loss. Green tea elevates both of these.

Internal Cancer and Keratosis

• Green tea might be effective in treating internal cancer and keratosis, according to research findings.

Brewing

• To reap the maximum benefits from a cup of green tea and prevent decreasing the potency of polyphenols, bring water to a boil before adding tea leaves. The pot should then be removed from the flame and covered, and the tea should be allowed to steep for about 5 minutes.