We should all be grateful to the ancient Chinese for introducing to us the many wonders of the simple yet pleasurable cup of green tea.

For hundreds of years, green tea was used to relieve headaches and depression in China. The habit of drinking tea has been passed on and today it is becoming popular because of the many benefits being discovered by regularly drinking this relaxing drink.

Tea comes in many forms and varieties, but there are three uniquely different types of tea.

Whether black, green, or red, all tea originates from the leaves of a warm weather evergreen known as Camellia Sinensis and it’s the processing that ultimately makes the differences in the end product.

The more processed the leaves are, the darker the tea becomes, which means that green tea has had the least processing.

Processing of green tea usually involves quickly steaming the leaves, while black and red teas are usually dried, crushed and fermented which makes them seem stronger and more potent.

Don’t be misled by this visible characteristic, as many believe that the closer it is to its natural state, the more valuable the medicinal and healing properties.

Tea is known to have polyphenols, an antioxidant which helps protect our bodies from free radical damage.

The measure of antioxidants is known as the ORAC score and tea ranks higher than many fruits and vegetables so including them into your daily diet is something to be strongly considered.

In addition to the prevention of unwanted blood clotting, studies indicate that polyphenols may lower cholesterol levels and when consumed four to six cups a day my reduce gastric, esophageal and skin cancers. A quick internet search of the benefits of drinking green tea will reveal a seemingly endless list of ailments, aches, and pains that may be relieved through the daily enjoyment of this non-prescription drink.

Among some of the better known of these are treatment and prevention of cancer, reduction of the risk of heart disease, relief from rheumatoid arthritis treatment of impaired immune functions.

The benefits of drinking green tea also extends to the treatment of digestive disorders, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s while raising metabolism and increasing fat oxidation. It has also been found to help prevent tooth decay by killing the bacteria which causes dental plaque.

Whatever your purpose for drinking green tea, it is obvious that everyone can get some benefit from daily intake.

It should be noted that many of today’s more marketable “herbal teas” may or may not be tea at all as many of these products are blends of herbs and spices with other plant parts included for flavoring.

These do not offer the health promoting qualities of Camellia Sinensis. You should read ingredients carefully to make certain that you are getting the product that you expect.