Green tea is from the same plant as black tea, the difference being that it is not fermented. However, green tea, like black tea, does contain caffeine. Research indicates that the polyphenolic compounds in green tea may act as a preventative against the onset of a variety of illnesses. Polyphenolic compounds are powerful antioxidants. Amassed date from several research laboratories worldwide shows convincing evidence that these antioxidants in green and black tea have remarkable cancer preventive effects on a variety of animal tumors.
Green tea is believed to prevent cancer.
In Japan, where green tea is consumed on a regular basis , there is a significantly lower rate for all types of cancer, especially cancer of the stomach, esophagus and liver. Green tea restricts the increase of blood cholesterol. HDL, the good cholesterol prevents atherosclerosis and must exist with the bad cholesterol, LDL, in proper balance for good health. Green tea catechins restrict the excessive buildup of the bad cholesterol. Green tea helps control high blood pressure.