Whats about this beverage called green tea that so many benefits are spoken about it? The Chinese were the first to recognize its goodness.

But how does that help? What does it mean to you?

Supposedly beneficial in the context of cardiovascular diseases, It helps to lower LDL cholesterol, which is responsible for the formation of blood clots and thus reduces the risks of stroke and heart attacks. It is in fact as effective as aspirin in preventing platelets from clotting. This fact maybe explains why the Japanese who drink a lot of green tea do not suffer as much from heart disease as their compatriots around the world. The anti oxidants in the green tea are supposed to ensure that the liver is protected against toxins present in cigarette and alcohol.

Green tea also helps to burn those extra calories. It increases the energy that is expended, helps to oxidize fats. In simpler words, it is believed to reduce weight, now is it not a incentive worth having? Results indicated that 266 extra calories were burned per day while taking the green tea product. While these numbers might seem like small increases, it only takes the burning of a small amount of extra calories every day to promote serious weight loss over time. Several studies have also shown that green tea can lower blood fats, including cholesterol, so it seems reasonable that the fat reduction could be extended to fats overall in the body. Taken together, this herb increases thermogenesis, promotes fat oxidation, and lowers blood fats- a potent combination.

Green tea and its extracts have also been used to prevent dental plaque and hence prevent tooth decay. Deodorants and creams promoting oral health are being advertised strongly as science and technology has provided evidence that green tea can actually afford some protection against bacteria causing cavities because of its fluoride content.

The anti oxidant present in green tea help to decrease inflammation of blood and this in turn helps to prevent arthritis. New studies indicate that the beneficial effects of green tea could also include means to combat cancer especially lung cancer. People have always been plagued by high blood pressure, which is triggered by the loss of elasticity in the arteries. Green tea inhibits the production of the substances, which cause the arteries to constrict. Diabetes, which is even more common than high blood pressure, can actually be kept under control by consuming green tea. Starch in any form is converted into sugar and this is done with the help of an enzyme called amylase. The polyphenols present in green tea extract reduces the amount of amylase produced and hence the levels of sugar in the blood also decrease.

Green tea helps to regulate bowel function and regularity. One study showed a significant improvement with a daily dose of 500 mg of total polyphenols. People who drink green tea have less constipation.

It acts as an antibacterial and antiviral agent and in some cases has known to help in influenza and diarrhea. It relieves stress, improves bone structure and delays the onset of osteoporosis.

Green tea may promote longevity. At least, Japanese females who are traditional practitioners of the tea ceremony have particularly low mortality rates. Considering all the other benefits of this herb, though, this seems logical.