Green tea is made from the dried leaves of the same plant as traditional tea. However, traditional tea leaves are fermented, and green tea leaves are steamed but unfermented. Green tea may be brewed and drunk or ingested in tablet or capsule form. It is thought to have effects that protect cells from damage by oxygen, mutations, and cancer. Green tea contains caffeine, but many extracts have been decaffeinated. It is high in flavonoids, polyphenols, and catechins.
(See also Overview of Dietary Supplements.)
Medicinal claims
Green tea is said to have multiple health benefits, few of which are supported by strong scientific evidence. People take green tea for many reasons, including prevention of cancer and coronary artery disease, as well as treatment of external genital warts. Other reasons are reduction of fat (lipid) levels in the blood, relief of osteoarthritis pain and menopausal symptoms, and enhancement of weight loss, memory, and longevity.
Possible side effects
Drug interactions
More Information
The following is an English-language resource that may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.
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National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: General information on the use of green tea as a dietary supplement
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
|---|---|
warfarin |
COUMADIN |
