Scientists working in this area have identified the compound they believe is responsible for the powerful effects of green tea.
They believe that it is an ingredient called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a powerful anti-oxidant, that gives green tea its amazing properties.
EGCG not only inhibits the growth of cancer cells, but can also kill cancer cells without harming healthy tissue.
That's not all - in addition to its effects on cancer cells, it also lowers LDL cholesterol levels and inhibits the abnormal formation of blood clots - blood clots are the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.
So why is green tea so much more effective than other teas in fighting disease? Surprisingly, green tea and black tea both come from the leaves of the same plant, Camellia Sinensis. The difference lies in how they are treated. Whereas black tea is made from fermented leaves, green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG from being oxidized - it thus retains much more potency.
