Hailed by many as the healthiest drink on the planet, green tea has surged in popularity around the world. Originating in China, green tea is made from Camellia sinensis leaves. The more common names used for the plant are tea shrub, tea plant or tea tree. Most teas are produced from the parts of this plant, but the numerous varieties of tea are based on the levels of oxidation that takes place in the leaves. Green tea leaves are unoxidized, making it one of the purest forms of the most consumed drink on the planet.

Green tea leaves are packed full of antioxidants and nutrients that benefit whole body health. Many of the helpful agents of green tea are still being researched. As more tests are done on the leaves and elixir that is made from them, the possible benefits are becoming more mainstream here in the U.S. China and India have already incorporated green tea as a medicinal staple in their healthcare practices.

There is no disputing the fact that antioxidants are vital to a healthy lifestyle. Although there are skeptics who can’t see the numerous benefits of the tea, it is scientifically known that antioxidants are prevalent in green tea. The National Cancer Institute has discovered that green tea contains polyphenols, shown to reduce the speed in which cancer tumors grow. Cancer types which have been identified include breast, bladder, ovarian, colorectal, esophageal, lung, prostate, skin and stomach.

Green tea is beneficial to the body. How beneficial is still being defined, but the results from many research studies are showing that it is a powerful tool in helping and healing the human body.