Even though many eastern countries have used and respected green tea for over four centuries, western society has not taken notice until recently. It has many health benefits, six of which are listed below.

• Save your smile - Some of the bacteria found in green tea has been found to reduce plaque growth. Having less plaque will make your teeth whiter, healthier, and cleaner. Green tea bacteria also work to counteract bad breath bacteria.

• Protect against cancer - Though EGCG is present in a wide variety of teas, its presence is much greater in green tea. EGCG, an antioxidant, works against potentially harmful substances, produced by the body, which could possibly cause cancer. Reducing the risk of cancer growth and helping cancer stay in remission are only some of the things it is believed antioxidants can do.

• Increase heart health - EGCG is believed to lower bad cholesterol, without greatly affecting good cholesterol. It also helps prevent blood clots, which lowers the risk of stroke and heart attacks. Additionally, this antioxidant lowers stress hormone levels, which will relax you and protect your heart even more.

• Help immune system - In addition to dealing with the bacteria in your mouth, green tea also fights potentially harmful intruders throughout your body. Specifically, it’s an amino acid contained in the green tea that works against bacteria and strengthens the immune system. A cup of tea a day keeps the doctor away.

• Reduce arthritis pain - Not only do studies show green tea relieves the discomfort of rheumatoid arthritis, it is possible that green tea can prevent the arthritis altogether. In eastern countries, such as China, they suffer from a lot less cases of rheumatoid arthritis than the western world.

• Slim down - Eating carbohydrate heavy foods causes your body to raise blood sugar, which keeps your appetite elevated. Green tea controls insulin levels, keeping production lower, so that your food cravings are reduced. In addition to eating less, some studies have also shown that green tea can increase metabolism. The combination of boosted metabolism and less food intake is a great recipe for weight loss.

All these are excellent health effects, but it should be realized that drinking green tea alone will not produce the above benefits. A proper diet and exercise are important, as well. Green tea is an excellent complement to a healthy lifestyle, and results have been found in people who drink a minimal amount of tea. There are also green tea supplements available.