Green tea comes from the buds and leaves of Camellia sinensis. It is commonly known as unoxidized tea because making it is straightforward. The leaves of Camellia sinensis (whether sun-grown or shade-grown) are plucked, dried out a bit, and cooked right away to avoid oxidation. This intricate process preserves the quality and several medicinal properties of green tea.
Green tea originated in China and has become popular in other Asian countries. Since then, it has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Nowadays, green tea is considered one of the most famous and healthiest beverages. Modern science has revealed the array of medical benefits we can get from green tea. This article lists the different potential health benefits that green tea has to offer.
May Help Prevent Cancer
Cancer may be one of the scariest diagnoses anyone can receive. It is caused by the abnormal and uncontrollable growth and spread of damaged body cells. Oxidative damage and excessive inflammation can also lead to cancer. That’s why antioxidants are essential in preventing oxidative damage. And green tea is known for its impressive antioxidant properties.
Observational studies show that cancer cases in countries with a high intake of green tea are generally lower. Many comprehensive studies have shown that green tea drinkers have a lower cancer risk. For example, women who drink green tea regularly have a 30% lower risk of having breast cancer, while men who drink green tea have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. Cellular and animal experiments yield promising results on the impact of green tea in treating colorectal, lung, skin, stomach, ovarian, bladder, and throat cancers.
The possibilities are inspiring. So, it won’t hurt to include green tea in your diet. However, the evidence is still limited and inconsistent, so more high-quality research is still needed to prove the potential of green tea against cancer cells.
