Green tea has been enjoyed in Asia for over 5,000 years, and Asian physicians, philosophers, and scientists have claimed that this beverage provides astounding health benefits. Green tea is associated with everything from longevity to curing cancer, from weight loss to increased physical endurance. But is it true? Right now, in the west more and more people are discovering green tea and scientists here are trying to determine if the “green tea secrets” from the Orient are fact or fiction. First, we have to establish the differences among teas. There is black tea (the most commonly drunk tea in the United States), white tea, green tea, Oolong tea, and fragrant teas (such as jasmine tea and other “Chinese restaurant teas”). All teas come from the tree known as Camellia Senesis. The differences between teas come from when they are picked (white tea is picked sooner than black tea) and how the tea leaves are processed after picking (black tea is exposed to the most oxygen). Green tea is steamed after picking and not exposed to much oxygen, resulting in a mild flavor and pale-colored tea. These distinctions may seem trivial, but the health benefits of tea have been shown to vary depending on the type of tea.

Jo Ann LeQuang is a professional writer specializing in medical topics and a Christ-follower who blogs at AWretchLike.Me.