Go green and discover the benefits of a daily cup
IF YOU'RE not already a regular green tea drinker you should be, because there is much more in a cup than you might suspect.
Research continues to demonstrate its antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cavity properties.
This means a few cups of tea per day could improve your health.
Green tea is much more beneficial than black tea because it's far less processed - steamed rather than fermented - and retains catechins.
It seems these natural chemicals, found in the leaves of the tea plant, have powerful antioxidant properties.
Catechins seem to be more powerful than vitamins C and E in halting oxidative damage to cells and appear to have other disease-fighting properties, according to research by Harvard Medical School.
In a 2004 study it found green tea could reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
According to the American Cancer Society, the consumption of green tea is also associated with a reduced risk of pancreatic, breast, colorectal, esophagea, bladder, lung and stomach cancer.
A study published this year by the European Journal of Nutrition found that green tea's antibacterial properties may help against gum disease, bad breath and tooth cavities.
And another, by The Obesity Society, indicated green tea can help reduce body fat. This is because of the combination of caffeine and antioxidants.
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