GREEN TEA
(Camellia sinensis)
Other Names: None.
General Description: Green tea is grown in China, Japan, North Africa and the Middle East. The tea plant is a small tree or shrub. All tea starts out as green tea. When the leaves are allowed to oxidize they become oolong teas, if oxidation is allowed to continue they becomes the traditional black tea.
Parts Used: The leaf.
Active Ingredients: catechins or polyphenols
Traditional Uses: Green tea is traditionally consumed by the cup with meals in Japan. Green tea is a beverage in Asia not a medicinal herb. However studies are now showing that the tea consumption in Japan may contribute to the lower cancer rate seen there.
Current Status: Green tea consumption may inhibit nitrosamine formation. Nitrosamines are known carcinogens or cancer causing chemicals. Green tea is a strong antioxidant even more powerful than vitamin E or vitamin C. Most authorities recommend the consumption of green tea. If you are not a tea drinker, then green tea extract capsules can provide the same benefits.
Precautions: Green tea contains caffeine, which can cause insomnia, nervousness, irritability and anxiety if used in excess.
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