Flavors/Temps: Sweet, Bitter, Cooling

Caution: Considered safe. Green tea can interfere with the chemotherapy drug Velcade and other boronic acid-based proteasome inhibitors, and should be avoided by people taking these drugs.

History/Folklore: Green tea extract has been used by Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines for centuries. Recent studies have shown it to be effective in lowering blood sugar levels and total cholesterol levels without affecting the concentration of HDL cholesterol.

The polyphenols found in green tea are known to have significant antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Despite popular reports there is no clinical research that yet supports the stories that green tea can help you lose weight. It is however, an excellent alternative to sugary drinks that cause weight gain.

There are several different varieties of tea that are popular in China, including Green, Oolong and Black, which all derive from Camellia sinensis. Drinking green tea, in particular, is an integral aspect of any health regime in China. It is recommended for supporting healthy and vibrant longevity.

Drinking green tea is deeply rooted in the history of Chinese culture. A book, “Tea Classic”, written by Lu Yu in 600-900 AD of the Tang Dynasty, is considered a classic history about green tea. Another book written by a Zen priest describes in detail how green tea can affect the five vital organs and how to properly grow and process the plant. Ancient Chinese and Japanese tea ceremonies are an art form dedicated to the meditation, hospitality, preparation, and enjoyment of green tea.