Green tea (Camellia sinesis) information

Source:
Green tea (Camellia sinesis) - is an evergreen plant with distinctive white rose like blooms that reaches a of thirty or more feet if not properly being pruned. The herb is now harvested in the subtropical regions of China, India Indonesia, Europe, Kenya, Zimbabwe, etc. Although there are only three different types of plants there are some 2000 plus varieties of tea. Climate, soil and harvesting techniques play the most significant role in developing the different varieties of teas. Green tea is produced from the same tea plant as black tea. However, black tea is fermented in a damp environment for a long period while green tea is dried quickly. This quick drying procedure retains the antioxidant properties that make green tea so popular as a dietary supplement. Aside from water tea is the most consumed beverage worldwide.

Clinical studies:
Weight loss can be attributed to a reduction in caloric intake or an increase in energy expenditure. Recent studies conducted at the University of Geneva have shown individual treated with Green tea extract showed a 4% increase in energy expenditure as compared to those individuals receiving caffeine or a placebo. Since caffeine alone did not significantly increase the energy expenditure it is hypothesized that the abundance of catechin polyphenols in green tea are responsible for the thermogenic effect. Another study published in 1999 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that green tea extract may increase energy levels and promote fat oxidation. Since the Green tea extracts did not significantly increase the patients heart rates, Green tea extract could prove to be a safer dietary aide than the current prescription and over the counter stimulants on the market. Dulloo, Abdul G., et al. "Efficacy of a green tea extract rich in catechin polyphenols and caffeine in increasing 24-h energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (December 1999):1040-1045.

The antioxidants in Green Tea may also be beneficial in lowering cholesterol hence preventing cardiovascular disease. The data from one 1999 study, which followed over 3,400 tea-drinking residents of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, concluded that regular, long-term tea consumption can have a protective effect against severe atherosclerosis.
Geleijnse, Johanna M., et al. "Tea Flavonoids May Protect Against Atherosclerosis: The Rotterdam Study." Archives of Internal Medicine 159 (October 11, 1999): 2170-2174.

Modern day uses:
Today, Green tea is prescribed by physicians and herbal specialist for the following benefits:

Weight loss -the herb increases energy levels and while promoting fat oxidation.
Cardiovascular system - the extracts have shown to reduce many of the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease including high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, blood clotting, adhesions, etc.
Anti-bacterial - the herb reduces the over growth of e-coli in the intestines.
Periodontal disease -drinking Green tea has shown to reduce the number of cavities and plaque formation.
Cancer reduction - the polyphenols that act as antioxidants by suppressing free radicals, recent studies have shown that the constituents in Green tea may reduce the risks of certain types of cancer including: prostate, oral, colon, stomach. In animal studies Green tea extract injections have actually reduced the size of cancerous tumors.
L-theanine - commonly found in Green tea, promotes relaxation, lowers blood pressure, reduces social anxiety and phobias, heightens mental acuity, supports the immune system.

Precautions and/or adverse effects:
Individuals with preexisting medical conditions should consult with their physician particularly if they are taking prescription or over-the-counter-medications or supplements. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding and children should also consult with there physician prior to taking any new supplements. More specifically, individuals with with a history of ulcers as with any medical condition should consult with their physician prior to using any herbal supplement (green tea can stimulate an increase in gastric acid production). In addition, pregnant and breast feeding women should not consume Green tea secondary to the caffeine content. The caffeine can effect the sleeping patterns of nursing infants (return to homepage).