Green tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and processed to prevent oxidation and thus much lighter in color than black tea.
After being harvested, they tea leaves are quickly heated and dried to prevent too much oxidation from occurring as it turns the green leaves brown and alter their fresh-picked flavor.
Less oxidation means a green tea is typically lighter in color and flavor than black tea, with more vegetal, grassy or seaweed notes, depending on the tea.
Green tea is an excellent source of the potent antioxidant epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and the reason why it’s touted to be one of the healthiest beverages on the planet.
Green tea contains EGCG, an antioxidant that test-tube and animal studies have demonstrated can fight cancer and bacterial cells and protect your brain and liver.
It’s loaded with antioxidants that have many health benefits, which may include:
- Improved brain function
- Fat loss
- Protecting against cancer
- Lowering the risk of heart disease