Drinking green tea may kill oral bacteria that cause cavities and bad breath. Indeed, the Japanese drink green tea to suppress foul breath caused by certain foods. The deodorizing effect of green tea leaves has been known for centuries, and tea leaves traditionally have been used as deodorants. A study demonstrated the deodorizing action of green tea polyphenols in a test against methyl mercaptan, the compound most closely associated with halitosis. Green tea also has been shown to suppress bad smells produced by trimethylamine and ammonia.
Green tea inhibits several viruses, including viral hepatitis.
High stores of iron in the liver preclude successful treatment of hepatitis C. Green tea lowers iron levels throughout the body and may have a direct anti-viral effect against certain strains of the hepatitis C virus. Excessive iron in the liver precludes successful treatment with ribavirin and interferongenerate free radicals that cause cirrhosis of the liver. And you thought green tea was just a delightful way to relax. It is that, of course. But it is so much more.