What makes green tea different is the way it is processed.  Green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized.  On the other hand, black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various diseases.  

Green tea has been known to have many medical benefits since ancient times.  The Chinese have used it for years to treat everything from headaches to depression.  Green tea is said to have been used as a medicine in China for 4,000 years.  

 Today, people drink green tea and take green tea pills for all sorts of benefits.  Its benefits are numerous including helping ailments such as cancer, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol and infection.  

The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots.  The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.

If that isn’t enough, green tea can even help prevent tooth decay.  Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacteria that causes dental plaque. The benefits of the intake of green tea seem to be nearly limitless.  So, I think it tastes good and if it’s helping me live a healthier life, then green tea is what I will drink.  Here’s to you, green tea.