Green tea is an aromatic beverage which is derived from dried leaves of Camellia sinensis and has been highly valued for its health benefits in China, Japan and some other part of Asia for thousands of years. It also became very popular in the Western world after the results of the scientific studies have shown that most of its traditional uses are justified. But is green tea good for detox as well?
It is made from the same plant as oolong and black teas but only green tea is made from unfermented leaves and is the least processed. For that reason this variety of tea contains most of the plant's chemical compounds including potent antioxidants that work as detox agents. The scientific studies revealed that green tea contains an antioxidant called epigallocatechin gallate, a type of catechin which is more powerful than most other antioxidants including vitamins C and E.
Green tea's detoxifying properties are linked to its powerful antioxidants. These help reduce the damage that is caused by free radicals which according to the National Cancer Institute increase the risk of cancer. For that reason its regular consumption is believed to help prevent some types of cancer. Some scientists also believe that low rates of cancer and heart disease in Asian countries despite high rates of tobacco smoking may be related to drinking of the beverage in large amounts. The researchers at Yale University School of Medicine theorized that high levels of antioxidants and other substances in green tea which help prevent blood clotting and lower "bad" cholesterol levels might be responsible for the so-called Asian paradox.
In addition to anti-cancer effects, antioxidants in the beverage help enhance the immune system and provide a protection against infectious diseases including common cold and flu. A study conducted by the National Institute in Ljubljana, Slovenia, has also shown that the tea has antimicrobial properties which might be responsible for its benefits for oral health.
Regular consumption of the beverage is also believed to help prevent/treat a variety of other health problems and diseases including liver disease, high blood pressure, asthma, arthritis, arteriosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Green tea is also known for increasing metabolism rate which makes it very helpful for weight loss. It is not powerful enough to cause immediate weight loss but is believed to help lose weight faster if combined with healthy eating and exercise habits.
Side effects of the beverage are associated with caffeine. It contains significantly less caffeine than coffee and the lowest levels of all teas derived from Camellia sinensis. For that reason the majority of people do not experience any adverse effects due to caffeine content. Please avoid the beverage if being pregnant or breast-feeding, or if having a kidney or stomach condition. Use decaffeinated products if being sensitive to caffeine.
Green tea antioxidant properties make it very useful for detoxing your body and reduce the risk of numerous diseases including heart attack, stroke and some types of cancer. Regular consumption will boost your immune system and help prevent numerous infectious conditions including common cold and flu.