green tea
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Green Tea

Green tea comes from lightly steaming fresh leaves from the plant Camellia sinensis. It has been used for medicinal purposes in China and Japan for thousands of years.

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›  Health benefits

Current uses of green tea as a beverage or supplement include to improve mental alertness, to relieve digestive symptoms and headaches, and to promote weight loss. It has also been studied for use against heart disease and cancer.

Although many studies have been done to test green tea, no real conclusions have been reached to show it to be helpful for any health issues. There is evidence to show that it helps with mental alertness, but this is assumed to come from the caffeine it contains.

The USDA has approved an ointment containing green tea that is used for treatment of genital warts.

›  How much do I need?

The dosage varies depending on age and what it is being used for. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels, and consult your pharmacist, physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Liver problems have been reported in those who consume concentrated green tea extracts. Because of this, they should not be taken by those who have a liver disorder.

›  Dietary supplements

Green tea is consumed as a beverage and can also be sold in liquid extracts, capsules and tablets. It can also be found in topical products.

Source: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

Please consult your health care provider before making changes to your vitamin/supplement regimen.

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