Health Benefits of Green Tea

Green Tea and Health Benefits

Although there are more than 3,000 types of tea, all tea is made from the evergreen plant species Camellia sinensis and classified as green tea (unfermented), oolong tea (semi-fermented and black tea (fully fermented). Semi- and fermented tea turns brown due to fermentation activating oxidization of enzymes, or a biochemical reaction of proteins, in the tea. Green tea is quickly dried by steaming or pan-firing. This inactivates enzymes, which is why green tea maintains its natural, chlorophyll color and high catechin content.

Tea polyphenols, consisting mostly of tea catechins, account for 20% of the tea leave and are responsible for the majority of the health benefits of green tea. Tea polyphenols have found wide application in foods, cosmetics, supplements and pharmaceuticals.