There are 3 main varieties of tea, green, black, and oolong. The difference is in how the teas are processed. Green tea is made from unfermented leaves and reportedly contains the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols.

Antioxidants are substances that fight free radicals, damaging compounds in the body that change cells, damage DNA, and even cause cell death. Many scientists believe that free radicals contribute to the aging process, as well as the development of a number of health problems, including cancer and heart disease.

Antioxidants, such as polyphenols in green tea, can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause. In traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, practitioners used green tea as a stimulant, a diuretic to help rid the body of excess fluid , an astringent to control bleeding and help heal wounds , and to improve heart health.

Other traditional uses of green tea include treating gas, regulating body temperature and blood sugar, promoting digestion, and improving mental processes.

Green tea has been extensively studied in people, animals, and laboratory experiments. Results from these studies suggest that green tea may help treat the following health conditions:.

Population-based studies indicate that the antioxidant properties of green tea may help prevent atherosclerosis, particularly coronary artery disease. Population-based studies are studies that follow large groups of people over time or studies that compare groups of people living in different cultures or with different diets.

Researchers believe green tea reduces the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Studies show that black tea has similar effects. Research shows that green tea lowers total cholesterol and raises HDL good cholesterol in both animals and people.

One population-based study found that men who drink green tea are more likely to have lower total cholesterol than those who do not drink green tea. Results from one animal study suggest that polyphenols in green tea may block cholesterol from being absorbed in the intestine and also help the body get rid of cholesterol.

In another small study of male smokers, researchers found that green tea significantly reduced blood levels of harmful LDL bad cholesterol. Several population-based studies suggest that both green and black teas help protect against cancer.

For example, cancer rates tend to be low in countries such as Japan where people regularly consume green tea. However, it is not possible to know for sure from these studies whether green tea actually prevents cancer in people. Early clinical studies suggest that the polyphenols in tea, especially green tea, may play an important role in the prevention of cancer.

Researchers also believe that polyphenols help kill cancerous cells and stop them from growing. Bladder cancer. In one study that compared people with and without bladder cancer, researchers found that women who drank black tea and powdered green tea were less likely to develop bladder cancer.

A follow-up clinical study by the same group of researchers revealed that people with bladder cancer, particularly men, who drank green tea had a better 5-year survival rate than those who did not drink green tea. People with cancer should consult with their doctor before adding tea to their regimen.

Breast cancer. Studies in animals and test tubes suggest that polyphenols in green tea inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. In one study of women with various stages of breast cancer, researchers found that women who drank the most green tea had the least spread of cancer.

It was especially true in premenopausal women in the early stages of breast cancer. They also found that women with early stages of the disease who drank at least 5 cups of tea daily before being diagnosed with cancer were less likely to experience a recurrence after they finished treatment.

However, women with late stages of breast cancer had little or no improvement from drinking green tea. There is no clear evidence one way or the other about green tea and breast cancer prevention.

In one very large study, researchers found that drinking tea, green or any other type, was not associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Ovarian cancer.

In a study done with ovarian cancer patients in China, researchers found that women who drank at least one cup of green tea per day lived longer with the disease than those who did not drink green tea. In fact, those who drank the most tea, lived the longest.

But other studies found no beneficial effects. Colorectal cancer. Studies on the effects of green tea on colon or rectal cancer have showed conflicting results. Some studies show decreased risk in those who drink the tea, while others show increased risk.

In one study, women who drank 5 or more cups of green tea per day had a lower risk of colorectal cancer compared to non-tea-drinkers.

However, there was no protective effect for men. Other studies show that drinking tea regularly may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in women. More research is needed before researchers can recommend green tea for the prevention of colorectal cancer.

Esophageal cancer. Studies in laboratory animals have found that green tea polyphenols inhibit the growth of esophageal cancer cells.

However, studies in people have produced conflicting findings. For example, one large-scale population-based study found that green tea offered protection against the development of esophageal cancer, particularly among women. Another population-based study found just the opposite, green tea consumption was associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer.

In fact, the stronger and hotter the tea, the greater the risk. Given these conflicting results, more research is needed before scientists can recommend green tea for the prevention of esophageal cancer. Lung cancer. While green tea polyphenols have been shown to inhibit the growth of human lung cancer cells in test tubes, few clinical studies have looked at the link between drinking green tea and lung cancer in people, and the studies that have been done show conflicting results.

One population-based study found that Okinawan tea, similar to green tea but partially fermented, was associated with lower lung cancer risk, particularly among women. But a second study found that green tea and black tea increased the risk of lung cancer. More studies are needed before researchers can draw any conclusions about green tea and lung cancer.

Green tea should not be used by patients on bortezomib therapy. Pancreatic cancer. In one large-scale clinical study researchers compared green tea drinkers with nondrinkers and found that those who drank the most tea were less likely to develop pancreatic cancer.

This was particularly true for women, those who drank the most green tea were half as likely to develop pancreatic cancer as those who drank less tea. However, it is not clear from this population-based study whether green tea is solely responsible for lowering pancreatic cancer risk.

More studies are needed before researchers can recommend green tea for the prevention of pancreatic cancer. Prostate cancer.

Laboratory studies have found that green tea extracts prevent the growth of prostate cancer cells in test tubes. A large clinical study in Southeast China found that the risk of prostate cancer went down with increasing frequency, duration, and quantity of green tea consumption.

However, both green and black tea extracts also stimulated genes that cause cells to be less sensitive to chemotherapy drugs. People who are undergoing chemotherapy should ask their doctors before drinking green or black tea, or taking tea supplements. Skin cancer.

The main polyphenol in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate EGCG. Scientific studies suggest that EGCG and green tea polyphenols have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties that may help prevent the development and growth of skin tumors. Stomach cancer. Laboratory studies have found that green tea polyphenols inhibit the growth of stomach cancer cells in test tubes, however, studies in people have been less conclusive.

In two studies that compared green tea drinkers with nondrinkers, researchers found that people who drank tea were about half as likely to develop stomach cancer and stomach inflammation as those who did not drink green tea. However, a clinical study with more than 26, men and women in Japan found no association between green tea and stomach cancer risk.

Some studies even suggest that green tea may increase the risk of stomach cancer. Green tea may help reduce inflammation associated with Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, the two types of IBD. If green tea proves to help prevent colon cancer, it would also help those with IBD because they are at higher risk for colon cancer.

Green tea has been used traditionally to control blood sugar levels. Animal studies suggest that green tea may help prevent the development of type 1 diabetes and slow the progression once it has developed.

In people with type 1 diabetes, their bodies make little or no insulin, which helps convert glucose or sugar into energy. Green tea may help regulate glucose in the body. Research also suggests that regular consumption of green tea may help manage type 2 diabetes.

Population-based studies have shown that men who drink more than 10 cups of green tea per day are less likely to develop liver problems. Green tea also seems to protect the liver from the damaging effects of toxic substances such as alcohol.

Animal studies have shown that green tea helps protect against liver tumors in mice. Results from several animal and human studies suggest that plant chemicals in green tea called catechins, may help treat viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver.

In these studies, catechin was used by itself in very high amounts. It is not clear whether green tea, which has a lower concentration of catechins, would have the same benefits. It is important to note that 10 cups of green tea a day could cause problems due to high levels of caffeine.

Ask your doctor about the best way to include green tea in your treatment. 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.

However, other studies show no benefit. Preliminary studies suggest that drinking green tea can help prevent dental cavities.

More research is needed. Green tea may also be useful in inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis. Research suggests that green tea may help arthritis by reducing inflammation and slowing the breakdown of cartilage.

Chemicals in green tea may help treat genital warts, treat dermatologic conditions, and prevent symptoms of colds and flu.

Green tea may play a role in preventing Parkinson disease, cognitive decline, and osteoporosis. Studies also show that drinking green tea is associated with reduced risk of dying from any cause.

Green, black, and oolong tea are all derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Originally cultivated in East Asia, this plant grows as large as a shrub or tree. Today, Camellia sinensis grows throughout Asia and parts of the Middle East and Africa. People in Asian countries more commonly consume green and oolong tea while black tea is most popular in the United States.

Green tea is prepared from unfermented leaves, the leaves of oolong tea are partially fermented, and black tea is fully fermented. The more the leaves are fermented, the lower the polyphenol content and the higher the caffeine content. Green tea has the highest polyphenol content while black tea has roughly 2 to 3 times the caffeine content of green tea.

Researchers think the health properties of green tea are mostly due to polyphenols, chemicals with potent antioxidant potential.

In fact, the antioxidant effects of polyphenols seem to be greater than vitamin C. The polyphenols in green tea also give it a somewhat bitter flavor. Polyphenols contained in teas are classified as catechins. Green tea contains six primary catechin compounds: catechin, gallaogatechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and apigallocatechin gallate also known as EGCG.

EGCG is the most studied polyphenol component in green tea and the most active. Green tea also contains alkaloids including caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline.

They provide green tea's stimulant effects. L-theanine, an amino acid compound found in green tea, has been studied for its calming effects on the nervous system. Most green tea dietary supplements are sold as dried leaf tea in capsule form.

Look for standardized extracts of green tea. There are also liquid extracts made from the leaves and leaf buds. The average cup of green tea contains 50 to mg polyphenols antioxidants. As you can see, green tea extract has demonstrated the ability to promote both of these critical functions.

In a study from Dermatology Therapy , cosmetic formulations containing green tea extracts were found to enhance skin moisture and significantly improve skin elasticity 10 after 30 days of application. Pairing a topical green tea cream with oral green tea supplements was found to have a similar effect in a study 11 : Participants showed cellular improvement in elastic tissue content after eight weeks of application and supplementation.

There are only a few mild side effects of green tea extract to watch out for in fact, you might even see some as perks! The most common side effect you'll experience when you start taking green tea extract is a quick burst of energy, like you just had a shot of espresso.

If you've ever had too much coffee, you know the icky experience of feeling jittery and unable to focus that sometimes follows this rush, so keep this in mind—especially if you're sensitive to caffeine.

If you struggle to get deep, restful sleep, you might want to avoid taking green tea extract late in the day. A few more things to consider: Just like a cup of most kinds of tea, green tea extract has natural diuretic properties.

Make sure to drink lots of water throughout the day to stay properly hydrated. Like any other supplement, green tea extract gets filtered through the liver. As such, those with hepatic or detoxification concerns should talk to their health care provider before adding a green tea supplement to their regimen.

From blood sugar balance and promoting a healthy body composition to skin elasticity and cardiovascular support, green tea extract has many benefits you can take advantage of. Skip to Content. Shop Health Coaching Classes Editor's Picks Beauty Food Healthy Weight Login Login.

Login Login. This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features. Close Banner. Functional Food expert reviewed. Author: Morgan Chamberlain. By Morgan Chamberlain. Some have suggested a lower risk of type 2 diabetes in people who drink green tea than in those who consume no tea.

One study of people with and without diabetes in China associates daily green tea consumption with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. It also associated daily green tea consumption with a lower risk of all-cause mortality in people with diabetes. A further review of dietary polyphenol studies also associated green tea, as part of the Mediterranean diet , with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.

However, further research is necessary to fully determine the relationship between diabetes risk and green tea. A study of adults in China associates regular green tea consumption with better cognitive function, particularly executive function and memory.

Several smaller studies support this. A study suggests acute green tea extract supplementation improved working memory capacity in 10 women ages 50—63, although there was no significant effect for younger adults. Similarly, another study examined the effect of green tea catechins on adults ages 50—69 in Japan.

The authors suggest daily green tea supplementation may benefit working memory. According to a review , certain amino acids in green tea have an anti-stress element that helps to slow brain aging. This may be due to the neuroprotective effects, including anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative stress, of certain catechins in green tea.

Green tea may also benefit other conditions. For example, the United States Food and Drug Administration FDA has approved a green tea extract ointment as a prescription treatment option for genital warts.

A review suggests green tea phytochemicals may reduce skin aging. Other research suggests green tea may have the following effects:. Unsweetened brewed green tea contains fewer than 3 calories per cup.

Green tea contains a relatively small amount of caffeine, approximately 29 milligrams mg per 8-ounce cup, compared with black tea, which has around 47 mg per cup, and coffee, which has about 95 mg per cup.

The caffeine in a cup of tea can vary according to the duration of infusing time and the amount of tea infused. Green tea contains one of the highest amounts of antioxidants of any tea. In adults, there are few known side effects associated with drinking green tea.

However, the following risks and complications are important to note:. Most research suggests that the rare cases of liver injury from green tea extract consumption are idiosyncratic reactions.

Reviews of these instances have yet to conclude direct causality. The Food and Drug Administration FDA does not regulate green tea supplements.

As a result, these supplements may contain other substances that are unsafe for health or have unproven health benefits. Further research is necessary to determine the best time to drink green tea. However, since green tea contains caffeine, some people may prefer to drink it in the morning.

Research suggests it is safe for most adults to drink up to 8 cups of unsweetened green tea daily. However, people should be aware of the amount of caffeine in the brand they choose.

Some research suggests that regular tea consumption, including green tea, may help to reduce body weight and waist-to-hip ratios. However, several factors can influence fat loss, including total calorie intake and exercise levels.

Green tea may have several health benefits. For example, it may help with weight management, skin inflammation, and type 2 diabetes. Some research also links green tea consumption to improved cardiovascular health. Green tea has one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants of any tea.

It is naturally low in calories and contains less caffeine than black tea and coffee. Most people can drink green tea daily with no side effects. However, some people may experience sleep disturbances due to the caffeine in green tea if they drink large amounts or consume it late in the day.