Green tea: Health benefits, side effects, and research
All types of tea, except herbal tea, are brewed from the dried leaves of the Camellia sinensis bush. The level of oxidation of the leaves determines the type of tea.
Fast facts on green tea
Here are some key points about green tea. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.
- green tea has been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine
- there are many different types of green tea available
- green tea may help prevent a range of ailments including cancer.
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Green tea health benefits
Listed below are the possible health benefits associated with green tea. Green tea was used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine to control bleeding and heal wounds, aid digestion, improve heart and mental health and regulate body temperature.
Green tea and cancer prevention
In countries where green tea consumption is high, cancer rates tend to be lower, but it is impossible to know for sure whether it is the green tea that prevents cancer in these particular populations or other lifestyle factors.
Some studies have also shown the positive impacts of green tea on the following types of cancer:
breast
- bladder
- ovarian
- colorectal (bowel)
