Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) leaf extract is rich in catechins, caffeine, and L-theanine — the main bioactive compounds behind tea’s health benefits, as well as vitamins and minerals.
- Catechins are one of the primary active compounds found in the Camellia sinensis plant. Studies have credited them with cancer-fighting properties.
- A typical cup of green tea generally contains about 6% caffeine. Studies have shown regular caffeine intake may help prevent people from developing type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. As a stimulant, caffeine may also increase alertness, reduce fatigue, and improve exercise performance and mental functioning.
- L-theanine is a non-protein amino acid derived from the tea plant. It’s the most abundant amino acid in green tea, comprising about half of its amino acid content. It’s also the compound behind tea’s relaxing effect, which may help improve concentration and learning, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and is associated with improved immune function.
- Contains B vitamins, lipids such as linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, and trace minerals, including magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, and selenium.
Internally it can help for diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis and gastroenteritis.
Regular consumption of green tea may protect you against arteriosclerosis and dental cavity and may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. However, use in excess can cause constipation, palpitations, irritability and insomnia.
Externally, the tea can be used as a poultice or wash to treat cuts, burns, bruises and insect bites.
