In research, the health benefits of green tea and green tea extract have been shown in animal models, though scientists recognize the limitations of their studies and urge more investigation into the effects of green tea on health.
A recent study of nearly 5,000 Japanese people with type 2 diabetes showed that those who drank green tea had a reduced risk of early death, and the more tea they drank, the greater the benefit.
In human studies, evidence of the anticancer effects of green tea has been inconsistent, though in one study, postmenopausal women who drank two or more cups of green tea per day had a lower incidence of digestive and urinary tract cancers than those who drank less green tea.
In animal studies, catechins have been shown to provide a boost in antioxidant activity as well as modify lipid metabolism, which means catechins interfere with the way the body absorbs lipids, including cholesterol.
The DNA in your body’s cells can be damaged by free radicals, which cause oxidative stress.
In addition to fighting the appearance of aging, green tea benefits for skin also include anti-inflammatory compounds that may help soothe eczema, and the FDA has approved an ointment that contains green tea extract as a treatment for genital warts.
Not only can green tea influence your mood, it may also have benefits for mental function, including improved memory, increased alertness, and reduced anxiety.
Removing excess sugar from your diet, along with increasing your physical activity and eating heart-healthy foods, can help you shed those extra pounds.
It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before adding supplements to your diet to discuss possible interactions with other health conditions or medications you may have.