The Benefits of Drinking Green Tea

Green tea, derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, is a shrub or small tree. It is naturally green in color, made from fresh tea leaves or buds that undergo processes like blanching, shaping, and drying. Green tea retains the natural compounds of fresh leaves, and its leaves are thin and pointed, with a smooth surface. The flowers are small, white, and polygonal, blooming between October and February. Green tea is named after its green color both in its dry form and after brewing, with the resulting tea soup appearing a vibrant green and the leaves showing a deep green hue.

Origin and Distribution of Green Tea

Green tea originated in China and is widely distributed in regions such as Henan (河南), Guizhou (贵州), and Zhejiang (浙江), with further spread to countries like Japan (日本), Thailand (泰国), North Korea (朝鲜), and South Korea (韩国). Green tea thrives in a humid, warm environment, preferring fertile, loose, mildly acidic soil. The primary methods of propagation for green tea include seed planting and cutting, with cuttings being the more commonly used method.

Historical Significance and Manufacturing

The first mention of green tea can be found in the “Léi Gōng Pào Zhì Yào Xì Jiě” (雷公炮制药性解), which states that “Green tea has a slightly cold nature, and a bitter, sweet taste.” Green tea has the ability to relieve fatigue, reduce excessive sleepiness, alleviate headaches, improve eyesight, and treat conditions such as thirst, urinary issues, and alcohol intoxication. Green tea is the earliest tea type recorded in Chinese history, with a long production history dating back to the Tang Dynasty (唐代). During this time, the method of steaming green tea became popular in China and was later introduced to Japan (日本), and many other countries followed suit. During the Ming Dynasty (明代), the method of pan-frying green tea was invented. Green tea is known for its high fragrance, long-lasting taste, excellent quality, and unique appearance, making it highly appreciated for its artistic value.

It is the highest production tea type in China and the most varied, with a wealth of famous varieties, making it economically valuable.

Health Benefits of Green Tea

1. Anti-Aging Effects

Green tea is rich in polyphenols, which have strong antioxidant properties and physiological activity. Polyphenols act as free radical scavengers, helping to eliminate harmful free radicals from the body. Research has shown that 1 mg of tea polyphenols is as effective at clearing harmful free radicals as 9 µg of superoxide dismutase, a much higher efficiency compared to other substances. Green tea polyphenols can block lipid peroxidation reactions and clear active enzymes. Studies from Japan (日本) confirm that tea polyphenols are 18 times more effective than Vitamin E (维生素E) in preventing aging.

2. Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases

Green tea polyphenols, particularly catechins such as ECG (Epicatechin Gallate) and EGC (Epigallocatechin), help regulate fat metabolism in the body. These polyphenols can suppress the formation of atherosclerotic plaques caused by cholesterol and triglyceride buildup on blood vessel walls. They lower fibrinogen levels, which increase blood viscosity, thus inhibiting the development of arteriosclerosis.

3. Anti-Cancer Properties

Tea polyphenols can block the synthesis of carcinogens like nitrosamines and have direct cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. They also enhance the body’s immune system, providing benefits for cancer prevention and treatment. Studies suggest that tea polyphenols are effective against gastric cancer and colorectal cancer, among others.

4. Antiviral and Antibacterial Effects

Tea polyphenols have strong astringent effects and can inhibit and kill pathogenic bacteria and viruses. They are also effective in treating conditions like diarrhea. Medical units in China (中国) have used tea preparations to treat both acute and chronic dysentery, with cure rates around 90%.

5. Skin and Beauty Benefits

Polyphenols in green tea are water-soluble, and washing the face with green tea helps remove oil, tighten pores, disinfect, and reduce skin aging. Green tea also helps protect skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

6. Mental Alertness

The caffeine content in green tea stimulates the central nervous system, enhancing the excitement of the cerebral cortex, which promotes mental clarity, thought enhancement, and relaxation. Green tea can also help alleviate headaches.

7. Diuretic Effects

Caffeine in green tea stimulates the kidneys, encouraging rapid urine production and improving renal filtration rates. This helps remove waste products and reduce the retention of harmful substances in the kidneys.

8. Fatigue Relief

Green tea is rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C, which help neutralize free radicals in the body and secrete hormones that combat stress. The small amount of caffeine in green tea stimulates the central nervous system, helping reduce fatigue and mental strain. For this reason, it’s recommended to consume green tea in the morning to avoid interfering with sleep.

9. Dental and Eye Health

Green tea is high in fluoride, with each 100g of dry tea containing 10-15 mg of fluoride. Fluoride is water-soluble, and by drinking 10g of tea per day, one can absorb 1-1.5 mg of fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay, strengthens teeth, and combats gum disease. Studies show that students who perform a “post-tea drinking oral rinse” experiment experience an 80% reduction in cavity rates. Additionally, green tea helps reduce the formation of cataracts and protects eye health due to its Vitamin C content.

10. Weight Loss and Digestion

Green tea is known for its digestive properties, as it aids in fat reduction and promotes digestion. The caffeine in green tea stimulates gastric secretion, helping break down food. Green tea’s catechins assist in reducing abdominal fat, supporting weight loss efforts.

11. Other Research and Applications

A team of Chinese researchers discovered that a natural molecule in green tea can act as a “cell controller,” allowing customized cells to release therapeutic drugs in a controlled manner. They have designed a gene expression control system that can be controlled by epicatechin gallate (原儿茶酸), which may one day allow people to administer medication simply by drinking concentrated green tea. Additionally, green tea is being explored for its role in gene editing, further demonstrating its potential for future medical advancements.


In conclusion, green tea offers a range of health benefits, from improving cardiovascular health and preventing cancer to promoting skin health and aiding digestion. It remains one of the most treasured beverages worldwide, celebrated for its ability to contribute to overall well-being.