Green Tea Benefits

More and more people start their morning by drinking a cup of tea. Tea has become a tradition and habit that gives freshness and a sense of calm. It also has great health benefits especially green tea. It reduces the risk of getting cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, high cholesterol levels, cardiovascular disease, infection, impaired immune function and many more.

If you are a tea drinker it's almost certain that you've heard of tea tannins, which are plant derived chemicals associated with tea. But when it comes to tannins there is a lot of confusion and even some misleading information concerning possible health risks. What is very often referred to as tea tannins are in actuality called polyphenols. Polyphenols, which include flavonoids, give tea a boost of health benefits that help to prevent cancer, heart disease and stroke.

Research has backed these health benefits although it's important to note that results vary based on a person's lifestyle and environment. A subgroup of polyphenols in tea is called catechins and one of the most powerful catechins in tea, especially green tea, is called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) which is said to be a particularly strong antioxidant. Green tea goes through a minimal fermentation process and that’s why it has highest amounts of antioxidants.