The ancient chinese proverb “Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one.” The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. Today, scientific research in both Asia and the West is providing hard evidence for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea.

What makes green tea so special? The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant. Besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering bad (LDL) cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. However, the latter takes on added importance when you consider that the formation of abnormal blood clots is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.

Green tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets green tea apart from other teas is the way it is processed. Green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized, which results in the EGCG effective in preventing and fighting various diseases.

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