Green tea comes from a large shrub with evergreen leaves. The shrub is native to eastern Asia. It has leathery, dark green leaves and fragrant, white flowers. The dried, cured leaves have been used to prepare brewed drinks for more than 4000 years. Green tea and black tea come from the same plant, but green tea leaves are less processed than black tea.
Green tea retains many chemicals of the fresh leaf.
The scientific name for green tea is Camellia sinensis. Common names include green tea and Chinese tea. Reduce the risk of cancer and other fatal diseases. Help prevent dental cavities. Green tea can be drunk, or it can be swallowed in the form of a tablet or capsule.