What is Green Tea Extract?

Green Tea has caught the attention of doctors in the United States. In October 2003, it was announced that the National Institute of Cancer had awarded 0,000 grant to the Medical College of Georgia so scientists continue their research into green tea's cancer-fighting properties.

Green Tea Extract comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. For centuries, various herbal teas have been used by practitioners of traditional medicine for their reputed medicinal qualities. In fact, archeological records date the use of the plant as a beverage since at least the tenth century B.C. in China. Today, tea is the second most consumed beverage worldwide. Only water is consumed more often that tea. It is estimated that over half of the world's population uses herbal tea for medicinal purposes. While nothing can keep you young forever, the life-extending properties of Green Tea may effectively delay at least some of the effects of aging.[1]

Green Tea comes from the same plant as oolong and black tea. Of the three varieties of Camellia sinensis tea, Green Tea contains the highest levels of polyphenols, the antioxidant substance that is believed to provide the anti-cancer properties of green tea. The four primary polyphenols or catechins found in green tea are epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg). A review of studies investigating Green Tea and cancer prevention research data indicate that there is more conclusive evidence for the chemopreventive effect of Green Tea compared with black tea. [2] These same polyphenols are also believed to be helpful in treating atherosclerosis.