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Brief Background:
 | Green tea is made from
the dried leaves of Camellia sinensis, a perennial evergreen shrub. Green tea, black tea, and oolong tea are all
derived from the same plant. Green tea is produced by lightly steaming the freshly cut leaf, thus not allowing oxidation of
the enzymes within the leaf to take place. Green tea is produced and consumed primarily in China, Japan, and countries in
North Africa and the Middle East. | | Green tea is a source of caffeine,
a methylxanthine which stimulates the central nervous system, relaxes smooth muscle in the airways to the lungs (bronchioles),
stimulates the heart, and acts on the kidney as a diuretic (increasing urine). One cup of tea contains approximately 50 milligrams
of caffeine, depending on the strength and size of cup (as compared to coffee which contains 65 to 175 milligrams of caffeine
per cup). Tea also contains polyphenols (catechins, anthocyanins, phenolic acids), tannin, trace elements, and vitamins. |
Strength of Expert Opinion and Historic/Folkloric
Precedent:
| Green tea is an accepted
cancer preventive agent in Japan and Fiji. | | Traditional health claims for
green tea include: improving blood and urine flow, assisting in the elimination of alcohol and toxins, relieving joint pain,
and improving resistance to diseases. | | Traditional Chinese Medicine
uses green tea as an astringent, cardiotonic, central nervous system stimulant, and diuretic. It may be used for treating
flatulence, for regulating body temperature, promoting digestion, and improving mental processes. In India, the leaf infusion
of green tea has additionally been used to treat fungal infections. | | Historically, green tea bags
have also been used topically to soothe sunburn, headache, tired eyes, and to stop bleeding of the gums or tooth sockets. |
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