A human study showed that the toxic compound methylguanidine decreased significantly one month after the administration of green tea polyphenols. 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.
And, while high stores of iron 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. Thus, green tea is highly recommended for hepatitis patients who may have too much iron in their livers. Further, iron interacts with the hepatitis B and C viruses to generate free radicals that cause cirrhosis of the liver. Excessive iron in the liver also precludes successful treatment with ribavirin and interferon. Green Tea Bags Smooth tasting organic Japanese green tea is considered a gourmet treat by many tea drinkers.