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Green tea's popularity in the United States continues to grow as the number of new medical studies increase, showing that green tea is a rich and natural source of antioxidants. These antioxidants help protect the body from accelerated ageing and increased risk of major diseases.

Medical Benefits:

Among the many medical benefits of green tea, here are a few diseases that green tea is reputably able to prevent from occurring: (1) cancer, (2) rheumatoid arthritis, (3) high cholesterol, (4) cardiovascular disease, (5) infection, and (6) impaired immune function.

The last ten years have seen the wide support of green tea's cancer-preventive effects from various medical studies and research. Many studies have shown that green tea possesses antioxidant properties. In a study published in November 2004, in an issue of Mutation Research, it was found out that the leaves' effects are 120% stronger than those of vitamin C. In addition, it helps starve cancer by inhibiting the development of new blood vessels. The blood vessels are known to supply the cancer cells with nutrients. Without them, cancer cells would not be able to increase its strength, thus, reducing its effect on the body.

In 1994, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published results of a study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly 60%. On the other hand, researchers from the University of Purdue made conclusions from their study that a compound in green tea reduces the growth of cancer cells. In addition, another research indicated its effects of lowering total cholesterol levels, as well as improve the growth of good cholesterol in the body.

Green tea is also known to lower blood pressure and helps prevent hypertension. In a study published in an issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, it was found out that among persons consuming tea regularly for at least one year, the risk of developing high blood pressure was 46% lower among those who drank ' cup to 2 ' cups per day. And for those consuming more than 2 ' cups per day, there is 65% less risk.

Other Benefits:

' Promotes weight loss- There are new evidence that green tea can help dieters. The leaves of green tea plants help raise metabolism in the body. Researchers found during a study that men who were given green tea extract with caffeine burned more calories than those given only caffeine. By increasing the amount of calories burned in a 24 hour period, green tea promotes weight loss.

' Prevent tooth decay and bad breath- Green tea can help prevent tooth decay by destroying bacteria that causes dental plaque. Meanwhile, in a recent study in the University of Illinois, researchers have discovered that an element found in green tea decreases the growth of odor-causing bacteria by 30%. They say that drinking a cup or two of green tea may help maintain fresh breath.

' Reduce smoking risks- Studies have shown that cigarette smokers who drink up to six cups of green tea daily reduces their susceptibility to risks caused by the toxins emitted in cigarette smoke. In a 1997 study in the University of Kansas, they were able to conclude that green tea may be the reason why the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is quite low, despite 75% of them are smokers.

' Beauty remedy- Green tea may be used to freshen up the face and sooth tired or strained eyes. It can be applied to spots and blemishes to lessen their visibility. Meanwhile, beauty remedies containing green tea (such as deodorants and creams) are finding their way in the market.

' Antiseptic properties- Green tea is also known to treat minor cuts and rashes, and is an effective treatment for sunburn.