According to information provided by the Mayo Clinic, drinking green tea contributes to your daily caffeine intake. The amount that it contains varies from cup to cup, but you can expect 10-60mg per eight ounce cup. That's about half of what you would find in an equivalent cup of coffee.



Many doctors suggest switching from coffee to tea, because of the lower caffeine content, but when it comes to the green varieties, there are some added benefits. The leaves of the tea plant camellia sinensis contain antioxidants, known as catechins. The fermentation process which blackens and oxidizes the leaves destroys the catechin content, but does not increase the caffeine content, as some people believe. So, either variety may give you a little caffeine boost, but only the green ones will increase your antioxidant intake.

When it comes to historical usage, there is written green tea information from 1191 AD. In the “Book of Tea”, written by a Zen priest, it is described as having a positive effect on of the vital organs, but especially the heart. It was used by traditional healers to control bleeding, heal wounds, regulate body temperature, improve blood sugar levels, improve urinary function and promote digestion.

Modern day scientists have confirmed some of these uses, but not others. As far as promoting digestion goes, it depends on the person. It may improve urinary function, because it has diuretic activity. Diuretics help prevent fluid retention.

It would not be effective for controlling bleeding, because it has anti-coagulant activity. It would actually increase the flow by preventing blood from clotting. This, however, is a good thing for the heart, where clots can cause heart attack and for the brain, where clots can cause strokes.

Recent green tea information from the Vanderbilt University of Medicine found that a daily dose of the extract significantly lowered LDL and total cholesterol. LDL is often referred to as the “bad” type, because it sticks to the arterial walls, becomes oxidized and causes blockages.

There's not much data supporting its use for reducing blood sugar. The antioxidant resveratrol has taken over the spotlight for that benefit.

As far as regulating temperature and promoting digestion, that green tea information was from a source that presumed we would drink the tea. Some of us don't like it. If you do, then go ahead and drink, just remember that your total daily caffeine intake should not exceed 400-500mg. Anything higher could cause a variety of health problems.

If you don't like the beverage, you can get the benefits by taking a supplement that contains the extract. One of the benefits that have been found by modern researchers is a reduced risk of cancer. They may not agree on all of the green tea information that is available, but healthcare professionals agree that increasing your daily antioxidant intake decreases your risk of cancer and heart disease by neutralizing free radicals and preventing oxidative stress. Green tea antioxidants are just some of many found in nature.