Green Tea [Camellia sinensis]: A Gateway to Health and Longevity

Tea is the most consumed drink in the world after water. Since ancient times, traditional Chinese medicine considers green tea as a healthful beverage. Green tea a ‘non-fermented’ product contains high level of catechins. Catechins have been found to be strong antioxidants both in vitro and in vivo studies. In addition an adequate presence of minerals and vitamins gives a further philip to the antioxidant potential of green tea. Recent human and animal studies suggest that green tea may contribute to a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular diseases and some forms of cancer, besides contributing towards the promotion of oral health and other physiological functions such as anti-hypertensive effect, body weight control, antibacterial and antiviral activity, solar ultraviolet protection, bone mineral density promotion, antifibrotic and neuroprotective effects. Increasing interest in its health benefits has led to the inclusion of green tea in the group of beverages with functional properties. Though research evidence on green tea is very promising, future studies are necessary to fully understand its contributions to human health, so as to make advice for its regular consumption in the diets based on firm grounds.