James Metz, MD Abramson Cancer Center of the University of
Pennsylvania Last Modified: November 1, 2001 Green tea has been
promoted as an agent to prevent the development of cancer. It
purported to contain antioxidants that reduce the risk of some
cancers, particularly those of the gastrointestinal tract.
Claims have also been made that it can lower cholesterol and
triglyceride levels and lower the risk of cardiovascular
disease. It originates from the same plant as black tea, but the
leaves are prepared differently. Unlike black tea, the leaves
are steamed to prevent oxidation of the active agents. Green tea
is very popular in China, Japan, and India. People generally
drink 3 cups per day to promote health. The taste of green tea
is very different from black tea, which has limited its
popularity in the western world. It is available in grocery
stores and sold in tea bags or as dried herb. There are a number
of retrospective studies performed in Japan and China that
indicate individuals who drink green tea ha