green tea a miracle drink?

Green tea benefits

These are some great benefits of green tea.

Powerful anti oxidants

Green tea's antioxidants, called catechins, scavenge for free radicals that can damage DNA and contribute to cancer, blood clots, and aging. Grapes and berries, red wine, and dark chocolate also have potent antioxidants.

Protects from cancers

Marji McCullough, ScD, RD, the American Cancer Society's strategic director of nutritional epidemiology, says human studies haven't yet proven what researchers like Chan have discovered in the lab: green tea's EGCG regulates and inhibits cancer growth and kills cells that are growing inappropriately.

Other health benefits:

Research indicates green tea MIGHT be effective for: Improving cholesterol levels, preventing low blood pressure, reducing the risk or preventing the onset of Parkinson’s disease, and preventing cancers of the bladder, esophagus, ovaries and pancreas. However, more research is needed before anyone can say it’s likely to help.

Good for your heart

A Dutch study of more than 3,000 men and women found that the more tea consumed, the less severe the clogging of the heart's blood vessels, especially in women.

Weight loss benefits:

     Clinical studies suggest that green tea extract may boost metabolism and help burn fat. One              study found that the combination of green tea and caffeine improved weight loss and    maintenance in people who were overweight and moderately obese. Some researchers think that substances in green tea known as catechins are responsible for the herb's fat-burning effect.