However, the authors highlight the need for more research, particularly longer studies with more diverse populations. According to the American Heart Association AHA , drinking large amounts of green tea without sugar may reduce the risk of stroke.

A review and meta-analysis supports this, associating moderate green tea consumption with a lower risk of stroke after evaluating five studies with , participants and 11, incidents of stroke. Studies concerning the relationship between green tea and diabetes have been inconsistent.

Some have suggested a lower risk of type 2 diabetes in people who drink green tea than in those who consume no tea. One study of people with and without diabetes in China associates daily green tea consumption with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

It also associated daily green tea consumption with a lower risk of all-cause mortality in people with diabetes.

A further review of dietary polyphenol studies also associated green tea, as part of the Mediterranean diet , with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. However, further research is necessary to fully determine the relationship between diabetes risk and green tea.

A study of adults in China associates regular green tea consumption with better cognitive function, particularly executive function and memory.

Several smaller studies support this. A study suggests acute green tea extract supplementation improved working memory capacity in 10 women ages 50—63, although there was no significant effect for younger adults.

Similarly, another study examined the effect of green tea catechins on adults ages 50—69 in Japan. The authors suggest daily green tea supplementation may benefit working memory. According to a review , certain amino acids in green tea have an anti-stress element that helps to slow brain aging.

This may be due to the neuroprotective effects, including anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative stress, of certain catechins in green tea. Green tea may also benefit other conditions. For example, the United States Food and Drug Administration FDA has approved a green tea extract ointment as a prescription treatment option for genital warts.

A review suggests green tea phytochemicals may reduce skin aging. Other research suggests green tea may have the following effects:. Unsweetened brewed green tea contains fewer than 3 calories per cup.

Green tea contains a relatively small amount of caffeine, approximately 29 milligrams mg per 8-ounce cup, compared with black tea, which has around 47 mg per cup, and coffee, which has about 95 mg per cup. The caffeine in a cup of tea can vary according to the duration of infusing time and the amount of tea infused.

Green tea contains one of the highest amounts of antioxidants of any tea. In adults, there are few known side effects associated with drinking green tea.

However, the following risks and complications are important to note:. Most research suggests that the rare cases of liver injury from green tea extract consumption are idiosyncratic reactions.

Reviews of these instances have yet to conclude direct causality. The Food and Drug Administration FDA does not regulate green tea supplements. As a result, these supplements may contain other substances that are unsafe for health or have unproven health benefits.

Further research is necessary to determine the best time to drink green tea. However, since green tea contains caffeine, some people may prefer to drink it in the morning.

Research suggests it is safe for most adults to drink up to 8 cups of unsweetened green tea daily. However, people should be aware of the amount of caffeine in the brand they choose. Some research suggests that regular tea consumption, including green tea, may help to reduce body weight and waist-to-hip ratios.

However, several factors can influence fat loss, including total calorie intake and exercise levels. Green tea may have several health benefits.

For example, it may help with weight management, skin inflammation, and type 2 diabetes. Some research also links green tea consumption to improved cardiovascular health. Green tea has one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants of any tea.

It is naturally low in calories and contains less caffeine than black tea and coffee. Most people can drink green tea daily with no side effects. However, some people may experience sleep disturbances due to the caffeine in green tea if they drink large amounts or consume it late in the day.

Do you enjoy tea for its flavor or the soothing feeling brought by holding a steaming cup? In this Spotlight, we tell you which brews are best for….

Matcha is a green tea powder that people tend to use in traditional tea ceremonies. Modern uses include flavoring smoothies, cakes, and lattes. It may…. Some studies have shown that caffeine can benefit overall health.

However, others suggest that it may be harmful in excess. Read more to find out…. What are micronutrients? Read on to learn more about these essential vitamins and minerals, the role they play in supporting health, as well as…. My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health?

Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut Tools General Health Drugs A-Z Health Hubs Health Tools Find a Doctor BMI Calculators and Charts Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide Sleep Calculator Quizzes RA Myths vs Facts Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction Connect About Medical News Today Who We Are Our Editorial Process Content Integrity Conscious Language Newsletters Sign Up Follow Us.

Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. What are the health benefits of green tea? Medically reviewed by Jared Meacham, Ph. While we strive for accuracy, these articles may not contain verified information and should be used for informational purposes only.

We recommend consulting verified sources or experts for accurate and reliable information. They are believed to have a range of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and helping to protect against certain types of cancer. They are available in dietary supplement form.

Catechins are a type of dietary supplement commonly found in green tea, as well as other foods such as apples, grapes, and cocoa. They are believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and are often used to help support weight loss, improve heart health, and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

Catechins are commonly used in the food industry as a dietary supplement. They are often added to food products to provide antioxidant benefits, as well as to enhance the flavor and color of the food.

Catechins are also used to extend the shelf life of food products, as they act as natural preservatives. Additionally, catechins can be used to reduce the amount of fat and sugar in food products, making them healthier options. Catechins are a type of antioxidant found in green tea and other plants.

They have been linked to a variety of health benefits, including improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and improved cognitive function. They may also help protect against certain types of cancer, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, and help with weight loss.

Additionally, catechins may help reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. While they have been linked to a number of potential health benefits, there are also some potential risks associated with taking catechins as a dietary supplement.

These risks include an increased risk of bleeding, liver damage, and allergic reactions. Additionally, catechins may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, and can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches.

It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplement, including catechins, to ensure that it is safe for you.

Catechins are regulated differently across the world. In the United States, catechins are regulated as dietary supplements by the Food and Drug Administration FDA.

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Experts In This Article. For example, the United States Food and Drug Administration FDA has approved a green tea extract ointment as a prescription treatment option for genital warts.

A review suggests green tea phytochemicals may reduce skin aging. Other research suggests green tea may have the following effects:. Unsweetened brewed green tea contains fewer than 3 calories per cup. Green tea contains a relatively small amount of caffeine, approximately 29 milligrams mg per 8-ounce cup, compared with black tea, which has around 47 mg per cup, and coffee, which has about 95 mg per cup.

The caffeine in a cup of tea can vary according to the duration of infusing time and the amount of tea infused. Green tea contains one of the highest amounts of antioxidants of any tea.

In adults, there are few known side effects associated with drinking green tea. However, the following risks and complications are important to note:. Most research suggests that the rare cases of liver injury from green tea extract consumption are idiosyncratic reactions.

Reviews of these instances have yet to conclude direct causality. The Food and Drug Administration FDA does not regulate green tea supplements. As a result, these supplements may contain other substances that are unsafe for health or have unproven health benefits.

Further research is necessary to determine the best time to drink green tea. However, since green tea contains caffeine, some people may prefer to drink it in the morning. Research suggests it is safe for most adults to drink up to 8 cups of unsweetened green tea daily. However, people should be aware of the amount of caffeine in the brand they choose.

Some research suggests that regular tea consumption, including green tea, may help to reduce body weight and waist-to-hip ratios. However, several factors can influence fat loss, including total calorie intake and exercise levels.

Green tea may have several health benefits. For example, it may help with weight management, skin inflammation, and type 2 diabetes. Some research also links green tea consumption to improved cardiovascular health.

Green tea has one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants of any tea. It is naturally low in calories and contains less caffeine than black tea and coffee. Most people can drink green tea daily with no side effects.

However, some people may experience sleep disturbances due to the caffeine in green tea if they drink large amounts or consume it late in the day. Do you enjoy tea for its flavor or the soothing feeling brought by holding a steaming cup?

In this Spotlight, we tell you which brews are best for…. Matcha is a green tea powder that people tend to use in traditional tea ceremonies. Modern uses include flavoring smoothies, cakes, and lattes. It may…. Some studies have shown that caffeine can benefit overall health.

However, others suggest that it may be harmful in excess. Read more to find out…. What are micronutrients? Read on to learn more about these essential vitamins and minerals, the role they play in supporting health, as well as….

My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health? Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut Tools General Health Drugs A-Z Health Hubs Health Tools Find a Doctor BMI Calculators and Charts Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide Sleep Calculator Quizzes RA Myths vs Facts Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction Connect About Medical News Today Who We Are Our Editorial Process Content Integrity Conscious Language Newsletters Sign Up Follow Us.

Medical News Today. Keen, PhD, Sheri Zidenberg-Cherr, PhD, Center for Nutrition in Schools, Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Catechins and epicatechins are phytochemical compounds found in high concentrations in a variety of plant-based foods and beverages.

Based on their structure, these compounds are classified as flavanols and include the following compounds: catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin gallate.

High concentrations of catechin can be found in red wine, broad beans, black grapes, apricots and strawberries. Finally, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin gallate are found in high concentrations in both black and green tea 1.

The consumption of foods rich in catechins and epicatechins has been associated with a variety of beneficial biological effects including increased plasma antioxidant activity ability of plasma to scavenge free radicals , brachial artery dilation blood vessel expansion , fat oxidation, and resistance of LDL to oxidation and promotion of gut health 1.

The gut microbiota can biotransform catechin and epicatechin, and conversely the presence of these nutrients in the gut can induce changes in gut microbial populations. Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between consumption of red wine and susceptibility to certain chronic diseases including lung cancer, prostate cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

Antioxidant capacity is the ability for a compound or compounds to reduce the concentration of free radicals in a given system. Tea has been consumed by Asian populations for thousands of years and is purported to have numerous beneficial effects on health.

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Nearly two in five adults in the United States have high cholesterol levels, which raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Research has found that the L-theanine content in green tea may improve memory. A study published in found that green tea extract improved working memory among 12 healthy volunteers.

Working memory is a type of short-term memory necessary for cognitive functions like:. In the study, researchers gave the volunteers a milk-based drink that contained either The volunteers then completed certain tasks while an MRI tracked their brain activity. Those who consumed the green tea extract had improved working memory, brain connectivity—how well different areas of the brain work together—and task performance.

The study used a small sample of patients, so the results are not definitive. More research is needed to understand how green tea impacts memory. Green tea may manage and prevent type 2 diabetes.

Some evidence suggests that the antioxidants in green tea may reduce insulin resistance. Insulin resistance causes your cells to be less receptive to insulin than usual. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells convert sugar into energy.

Insulin resistance is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability among adults in the United States.

Research has found that drinking green tea may be one way to help prevent your risk of stroke. It's unclear why green tea lowers stroke risk. Some experts suspect that the lifestyle habits of green tea drinkers, such as eating a balanced diet, may influence stroke risk.

Some evidence suggests that green tea may help you lose weight. Green tea is a source of catechins, an antioxidant that helps break down fat. Catechins may increase your metabolic rate, which helps you burn more calories, such as while exercising.

Most available research has only looked at green tea extract rather than steeped tea. Even so, green tea extract may have minimal effects on weight loss.

Experts advise eating a balanced diet and regularly exercising to help you lose weight. Excess weight may increase your risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Green tea may protect heart health by lowering blood pressure. Research has found that drinking green tea reduces blood pressure significantly, particularly in people with a high risk of heart disease.

High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke because it damages the lining of the arteries, which increases the risk of plaque buildup. As a result, the arteries narrow, restricting blood flow to the heart and brain.

Research has found that green tea may lower blood pressure due to its high antioxidant content. Those antioxidants help decrease inflammation and dilate your blood vessels, which supports healthy blood flow.

Eight brewed ounces of green tea contains the following nutrients:. Green tea is not a significant source of calories or nutrients per cup. Still, green tea contains various antioxidants and small amounts of 27 minerals. Some of the trace amounts of minerals in green tea include:.

Small amounts of those minerals can add up, depending on your daily green tea intake. Consuming up to eight cups of green tea daily is safe. One eight-ounce cup of green tea contains 30—50 milligrams of caffeine.

The Food and Drug Administration warns against consuming over milligrams of caffeine daily. Some people may be more sensitive to caffeine than others.

Consuming too much caffeine may cause side effects like:. Talk to a healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. They may advise drinking less than milligrams of caffeine.

Too much green tea may raise the risk of birth defects, and caffeine may pass through breast milk. High doses of green tea may interact with certain medications, including those that treat heart problems and high blood pressure. Although rare, research has linked liver problems to tea products, especially green tea extract.

Whether you sip your green tea iced or hot, here are a few tips to keep in mind:. The caffeine in green tea is a stimulant, increasing alertness and keeping you awake. You may drink a cup of green tea in the morning as a substitute for coffee for an energy boost.

In contrast, caffeine generally stays in your body for up to six hours, so avoid green tea too close to bedtime. Consider pairing a cup of green tea with food.

Caffeine increases the amount of acid in your stomach, which may cause an upset stomach and heartburn. There are several types of green tea, including:. One of the most common types of green tea is Sencha, typically made in Japan. Sencha includes Bancha and Matcha. Bencha has less caffeine and L-theanine, while Matcha has the highest amounts.

Green tea is a staple in many cultures and may offer essential benefits, like protecting your bone, brain, and heart health. Even so, green tea may be risky for people with caffeine sensitivity or who take certain medications.

Ask a healthcare provider or dietitian for guidance about how green tea may impact your health goals if you do not currently drink it and are unsure if it's right for you.

You may be able to reap the possible benefits of green tea by consuming it daily. Other factors like eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep , managing stress, and regularly exercising are essential to good health. Ensure that you are practicing healthy lifestyle changes in addition to drinking green tea daily.

It's safe to drink eight cups of green tea daily. Each eight-ounce cup of green tea has about 30—50 milligrams of caffeine. The Food and Drug Administration advises not drinking more than milligrams of caffeine daily.

Green tea products may add caffeine during manufacturing and only list the amount added. There's not enough evidence about the optimal amount of green tea to reap the most benefits. Manufacturing typically destroys antioxidants. Pharmacol Res ; Comparative analysis of antimicrobial activity of leaf extract from fresh green tea, commercial green tea and black tea on pathogens.

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Molecules ; 9: Method for isolation of caffeine-free catechins from green tea. United States Patent , Apr 3. Process for the production of - -epigallocatechin gallate.

Optimizing conditions for the extraction of catechins from green tea using hot water. J Sep Sci ; 34 21 : Tea extraction methods in relation to control of epimerization of tea catechins.

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J Nat Prod ; 64 3 : Isolation of - -epigallocatechin from green tea extract by means of immobilized tannase. Planta Medica Int Open ; 3 2 : e Superheated Water extraction of catechins from green tea leaves: modeling and simulation. Trans C: Chem Chem Eng ; 16 2 : Antioxidative activity of phenolic compounds on the metalion breakdown of lipid peroxidation system.

ESR study on the structure-antioxidant activity relationship of tea catechins and their epimers. Biochim Biophys Acta ; 14 27 : Antioxidant properties of - -epicatechingallate and its inhibition of Cr VI -induced DNA damage and Cr IV - or TPA-stimulated NF-kappa B activation.

Mol Cell Biochem ; Antioxidant activity of Camellia sinensis leaves. Int J Curr Microbiol Appl Sci ; 2 5 : Antioxidant effects of Camellia sinensis L. extract in patients with type 2 diabetes. J Food and Drug Anal ; 22 4 : Immunomodulatory effects of EGCG fraction of green tea extract in innate and adaptive immunity via T regulatory cells in murine model.

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A review of 15 studies found that drinking green tea was associated with a decreased risk of liver disease 4. However, in , some experts noted that while matcha may benefit people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD by reducing liver enzymes, it may increase liver enzymes in people without NAFLD 5.

More research is needed to look at the effects of matcha on the general population since most research is limited to studies examining the effects of green tea extract in animals. Some studies have shown that matcha could prevent liver damage and decrease the risk of liver disease.

However, additional studies are needed to look at the effects on humans in the general population. Some research shows that several of the components in matcha could help enhance brain function. One study in 23 people looked at how people performed on a series of tasks designed to measure brain performance.

Some participants consumed either matcha tea or a bar containing 4 grams of matcha, while the control group consumed a placebo tea or bar. Those that consumed matcha showed improvements in attention, reaction time, and memory compared with those consuming the placebo 6. Another small study showed that consuming 2 grams of green tea powder daily for 2 months helped improve brain function in older people 7.

Matcha has a higher concentration of caffeine than green tea. Matcha also contains a compound called L-theanine , which alters the effects of caffeine, promoting alertness and helping avoid the crash in energy levels that can follow caffeine consumption 8.

How else can matcha boost your energy and focus? Matcha has been shown to improve attention, memory, and reaction time.

It also contains caffeine and L-theanine, which can improve several aspects of brain function. Matcha contains some compounds that have been linked to cancer prevention in test tubes and animal studies.

For instance, matcha is high in epigallocatechingallate EGCG , a type of catechin that may have powerful anti-cancer properties. Some laboratory and animal studies have suggested it may help prevent some types of cancer, although more research is needed 1 , 9.

Test tube and animal studies have found that the compounds in matcha may inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Some research has suggested that drinking green tea, which has a similar nutrient profile to matcha, may help protect against heart disease. Green tea consumption has been linked with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, compared with coffee, and some studies have suggested it might help lower the risk of high blood pressure and other complications in people with heart disease The compounds in matcha are similar to those in green tea, and some people have suggested it may have similar benefits.

However, at least one animal study appears to contradict this claim Green tea is well known for its ability to enhance weight loss and often features in weight loss supplements.

A review concluded that, together with dietary measures and exercise, taking up to mg per day of green tea for 12 weeks might reduce body mass index Although most studies have focused on green tea, matcha comes from the same plant and contains similar compounds.

Some studies show that green tea extract helps increase metabolism and fat burning, both of which may aid weight loss. You can make traditional matcha tea by sifting 1—2 teaspoons 2—4 grams of matcha powder into your cup, adding 2 ounces 59 ml of hot water, and mixing it together with a bamboo whisk.

For a thinner tea, reduce the powder to a half teaspoon 1 g and mix with 3—4 ounces 89— ml of hot water. For a more concentrated version, combine 2 teaspoons 4 g of powder with just 1 ounce 30 ml of water.

There are many ways to prepare matcha, so you can choose the one you like best. It can also be incorporated into a range of different recipes. Matcha contains more caffeine than green tea. While some caffeine may be beneficial, too much can have adverse effects, such as increasing the heart rate 1 , Some scientists say that a high intake of catechins can cause liver problems, although they note that this is unlikely when people consume green tea as food or drink Drinking matcha may also increase your exposure to contaminants like pesticides, chemicals, and even arsenic found in the soil where the tea plants are grown 15 , Research has suggested that mg of catechin and EGCG per day is safe for adults to consume.

This is the amount in around 4 g of matcha, or 2 level teaspoons 17 , 1. However, the maximum tolerable intake of matcha powder may depend on the individual. To be safe, make sure to consume matcha in moderation. Drinking a lot of matcha may not be beneficial for everyone.

Opt for organic matcha and drink 1—2 cups per day for maximum benefit.