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Green Tea
What is it?
Green tea is brewed from leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. When the leaves are picked they are steamed, which helps the leaves to retain their green color (leaves that are not steamed turn dark, and become black tea). Next to water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world, and people have been brewing it for nearly 5,000 years.
What does it do?
Green tea contains many beneficial compounds, and much of the research interest has focused on a particular group of compounds called polyphenols. These substances are strong antioxidants - they help to fight damage that can occur from free radicals.
Why is it important?
Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can harm cells and tissues in the body if the body lacks adequate antioxidants as a defense. The antioxidant polyphenols in green tea help protect the body against free radical damage.
Where is it found?
Green tea leaves are available packed loose or in tea bags for brewing. Some supplements provide the beneficial green tea compounds in amounts equivalent to what would be found in several cups of green tea.
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