• Weight Loss.
  Green tea has thermogenic properties (a thermogenic increases the metabolism of the body’s fat), and promotes fat oxidation beyond that explained by its caffeine content. In a recent study of 60 obese subjects, it was concluded that green tea could reduce body weight by increasing energy expenditure and fat oxidation. In another study involving obese subjects, it was found that continuous ingestion of a green tea extract led to a reduction in body fat and LDL cholesterol. The three ingredients in green tea that promote fat loss are catechins, caffeine and theanine that work by inhibiting the enzymes that digest triglycerides, which play an important role in metabolism as energy sources and transporters of dietary fat.

• Diabetes.
  Consumption of green tea has been associated with a reduced risk for type 2 diabetes, and people who drink green tea regularly are less likely to develop diabetes. The results of a study published in the August 2004 issue of BMC Pharmacology, stated that green tea promoted glucose metabolism in the healthy human participants, providing evidence that green tea has an anti-diabetic effect.

• Cancer.
  EGCG is the catechin polyphenol in green tea that is thought to be responsible for it’s anti-cancer properties. EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, with the ability to kill cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. EGCG accomplishes this by inhibiting the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), which cancer cells need to be able to grow, and which happens to be a target of anti-cancer drugs such as Methotrexate. However evidence to date has been obtained only from preliminary trials, and further studies are needed to determine the ability of EGCG as an anticancer agent.

• Skin.
  It has been suggested that a polyphenolic fraction from green tea may prevent UV radiation-induced skin cancer. There is however insufficient scientific research to back this theory up, and further studies are needed. In a double blind trial of green tea extracts in its role to treat aging skin, participants treated with a combination regimen of topical and oral green tea showed improvement in elastic tissue content.

• Tooth Decay.
  Several studies have demonstrated the anti-bacterial properties of green tea polyphenols are an effective agent against tooth decay.

• Arthritis.
  In vitro studies concluded that green tea consumption might benefit arthritis sufferers by reducing inflammation and slowing cartilage breakdown. Further studies are required to confirm in vitro results.

EGCG Content in different green teas

EGCG concentration (% of leaf weight)