When researching the health benefits of drinking green tea, I came across the results of studies
showing that tea, especially green tea, also aids in weight loss. That is only one of the many benefits drinking
green tea can have. Here are the most important findings...

~ Research found that green tea drinkers burned an additional 70 calories a day. It is believed that the difference is caused by metabolism enhancing antioxidants, also known as catechins. These metabolism-enhancing catechins are found in green tea.

~ Recent research shows that tea's combination of natural caffeine and phytochemical antioxidants (called "catechins") is incredibly effective at promoting fat loss, mainly by elevating thermogenesis (body heat production).

~ Researchers at the University of Geneva placed 10 healthy young men on a weight-maintenance diet for six weeks. At mealtimes the men took a green tea extract (containing caffeine and other powerful compounds), caffeine, or a placebo. The men who took green tea extract burned more calories, including more fat calories. (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Dec. 1999)

~ Drinking green tea can limit weight gain - Weight is gained as excess sugars and fats are stored in the body as fat cells. Green tea catechins can help prevent obesity by inhibiting the movement of glucose in fat cells. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been found to be especially effective. There is now good evidence that green tea catechins are related to reductions in body fat.

~ Strengthens capillaries.

~ Reduces cholesterol - especially low density lipoprotein (LDL).

~ Green tea is a natural diuretic.

~ Green tea has antioxidants to remove free radicals in human body - Antioxidants are elements that neutralize free radicals, which are known to cause cancer, heart disease, and premature aging. By neutralization, these free radicals are rendered harmless.

~ Reduces the risk of stroke.

~ Stabilizes blood sugar levels - Green tea causes carbohydrates to be released slowly, preventing sharp increases in blood-insulin levels. This promotes the burning of fat.

~ Reduces harmful effects of cigarette smoking.

~ Prevents allergy, cold & flu.

~ Aids in cancer prevention, and reducing tumor growth.

~ Providing oral care and natural fluoride - helps prevent cavities and tooth decay.

~ Drinking 4 cups of green tea daily reduces the development of arthritis in rats by 50%. - Antioxidants in green tea may prevent and reduce the severity of osteoarthritis. Studies have shown that if you consume approximately four cups of green tea a day you may be able to protect yourself from developing arthritis, and if you already have arthritis, consuming green tea can help to diminish the inflammation it causes.

~ There is evidence that chemicals in tea help to protect lean muscle tissue.

~ Promotes longevity - According to epidemiologic studies, Japanese men and women who drink five to 10 cups of green tea daily are more likely to live longer (they're also more likely to stay cancer- and heart disease-free).

~ Helps heal gum infections.

~ About 10 ounces of green tea will significantly increase the body's antioxidant capacity for at least two hours.

~ Because it contains astringent tannin compounds, green tea in moderation can ease indigestion, diarrhea, and other forms of stomach upset.

~ One large-scale study in China found that people who drank as little as one cup of green tea a week for six months had a reduced risk of developing certain kinds of cancers (rectal, pancreatic, and others) than did people who drank green tea less frequently or not at all. Other preliminary research indicates that green tea can help to combat breast, stomach, and skin cancer.

Dosage Information ~
Green tea capsules provide a more potent antioxidant effect than a cup of green tea: Green tea leaf is 8% to12% polyphenols (the key antioxidants) while the capsules can contain anywhere from 50% to 90% polyphenols, depending on the brand.

--To get an adequate amount of polyphenols, you need three to four cups of green tea a day or 100 mg of the extract in capsule form. What you do is largely a matter of personal taste. If you want to make green tea your mealtime beverage (as they do in Japan), then obviously you don't need to take extract capsules. If you drink just one cup a day, you're better off with a capsule.

--Antioxidant researchers say that two 8-ounce cups of green tea contain about as many flavonoids (a type of antioxidant) as a serving of vegetables or fruit.

--For cancer prevention, anti-aging protection, and arthritis pains:
Drink 3 or 4 cups of green tea a day.

--Drink 2 strong cups of green tea half an hour before your workouts. You'll get the energy-boost of coffee as well as the fat-burning, muscle-saving, and health-promoting benefits of tea!

--It doesn't appear to matter what time of day you drink green tea, although doing so throughout the day may be the most beneficial because you get a constant supply of antioxidants. And remember, green tea does contain caffeine, so drink the brew earlier in the day if you find that it keeps you awake at night.

--Take green tea supplements at meals with a tall glass of water to ensure optimal absorption and effectiveness.

Possible side-effects & cautions ~
--Most of the side effects of green tea are the result of its caffeine content. Most green tea supplements have very little caffeine, about 5 to 6 mg in two 250 mg pills. One cup of brewed tea, however, has about 40 mg of caffeine. If you drink excessive amounts of brewed tea, you may experience caffeine-related irritability, sleeplessness, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, or loss of appetite.

--Use green tea supplements (which are very low in caffeine) instead of drinking the tea while breast-feeding; the caffeine in the tea can affect a baby's sleep habits adversely.

--Never brew or drink green tea with boiling water; the high temperature can destroy valuable therapeutic compounds and sipping such hot tea may harm the throat and esophagus.