Green Tea Aids in Overall Health

Stephen F Austin State University, Baker Pattillo Student Center, Regent's Suite A and Twilight Ballroom

Green tea is highly effective in aiding in overall health if consumed on a daily basis and can reduce incidence of cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The primary compounds found in green tea are polyphenols which include catechins, epicatechin(EC), epigallocatechin(EGC), epicatechingallate(ECG), andepigallocatechingallate(EGCG). Five research studies were analyzed to verify the validity of the hypothesis that green consumption is beneficial in overall health. In these studies, green tea was found to aid in weight loss with those who consumed green tea regularly, as well as having effects on thermogenesis and fat oxidation to control wait maintenance. There was also a beneficial inverse association between green tea, coffee, and caffeine consumption and the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mortality rates. The EGCG in the green tea was considered to be the primary ingredient that reduced mortality rates. Green tea is known to contain powerful antioxidants that help fight off diseases such as cancer. Green tea was statistically proven to contain the highest antioxidant content compared to other teas such as black tea, oolong tea, and roasted tea (p