• The antioxidants found in tea--called catechins--may selectively inhibit growth of cancer. In laboratory studies using animals, catechins scavenged oxidants before cell damage occurred, reduced number and size of tumors, and inhibited growth of cancer cells. National Cancer Institute researchers are investigating therapeutic and preventive use of tea catechins against a variety of cancers.

• One Chinese study involving over 18,000 men found tea drinkers were about half as likely to develop stomach or esophageal cancer as men who drank little tea, even after adjusting for smoking and other health and diet factors.

• In laboratory, studies have shown tea catechins act as powerful inhibitors of cancer growth in several ways: They scavenge oxidants before cell injuries occur, reduce incidence and size of chemically induced tumors, and inhibit growth of tumor cells. In studies of liver, skin and stomach cancer, chemically induced tumors were shown to decrease in size in mice that were fed green and black tea.

• Green tea catechins can help to prevent tooth decay by killing bacteria (Streptococcus mutans) that cause dental plaque. Green tea also contains fluoride. One cup of brewed green tea contains around 0.3-0.5 mg of fluoride. This is an optimal level of fluoride according to dentists. As we all know, fluoride builds in our teeth's enamel, making it more resistant against acidic environment, of our mouth. Green tea also eliminates other bacteria that responsible for bad breath. According to researchers, green tea polyphenols can inhibit, by 30%, growth of bacteria that causes unpleasant breath.

• A study at Beijing Dental Hospital found consuming 3 grams of tea a day, or about 2 cups, along with application of a tea extract reduced size and proliferation of leukoplakia, a precancerous oral plaque.

• Recent research suggests that green tea can lower cholesterol (LDL, “bad one”) increase HDL cholesterol ( “good one”) and lower triglyceride levels. Several tests have been done. And Green tea extract showed positive results reducing cholesterol.

• At the end of a 5 week experiment, one group with regular diet showed blood pressure increases. For catechin fed group, blood pressure stayed normal. After this initial testing scientists switched diets for two groups. This switch led to a reversal of blood pressure trends. The study concluded that drinking moderate amounts of green tea each day can help to prevent high blood pressure.

The catechins in green tea have addiitonally been shown to help prevent excess cholesterol in blood, killing bacteria that causes food poisoning, lower blood sugar, as well as helping to control high blood pressure by supressing production of angiotensn II. Catechin is also a strong anti-oxidant, which aids in aging related concerns.

Green and white tea leaves are less processed than oolong or black teas, which prevents oxidation and retains highest levels of beneficial compounds. But all teas may be beneficial to your health, so find ones you like, and drink them daily!