???? What is Green Tea?
Green tea is a type of tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant that produces black, oolong, and white teas.2 What distinguishes green tea is its minimal processing, which prevents the leaves from oxidizing (a process often referred to as "fermentation").3
Key Difference: By preventing oxidation, the leaves retain a high concentration of beneficial plant compounds and maintain their green color and fresh, often grassy flavor.4
???? Health Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea is celebrated for being rich in polyphenols, which are natural compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.5 The most notable and studied polyphenol is Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).6
| Benefit Category | Specific Benefits | Key Compounds |
| Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory | Protects cells from damage (oxidative stress), reduces inflammation, and may slow down aging. | Catechins, especially EGCG |
| Cardiovascular Health | Linked to a lower risk of death from heart disease, helps reduce total and "bad" (LDL) cholesterol, and can help regulate blood pressure. | EGCG, Quercetin, Theaflavins |
| Brain Function | The combination of caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine can boost mood, alertness, reaction time, and memory. L-theanine also promotes a state of relaxed focus (increases alpha waves). | Caffeine, L-theanine, EGCG |
| Metabolism & Weight Management | Can help increase metabolism and energy expenditure, aiding in fat burning and weight loss. | Caffeine, Catechins (EGCG) |
| Blood Sugar Regulation | May help improve insulin sensitivity and lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. | L-theanine, Catechins |
| Cancer Risk | Research suggests a potential link between regular consumption and a reduced risk for certain cancers (e.g., breast, colorectal), but more human research is needed. | Antioxidants, EGCG |