Is green tea all that it’s brewed up to be?

Its benefits are reported to be many, from reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's to improving oral health and keeping weight in check. But are we expecting too much from this humble leaf?  

Green tea from China is the oldest form of tea, with its production dating back millennia. It remains one of the most popular teas as its purported health benefits continue to be promoted, but is there any evidence to back up these claims?

AROUND the world, we consume billions of cups of tea every day. Green tea from China is the oldest form of tea, with its production dating back millennia. It remains one of the most popular teas as its purported health benefits continue to be promoted, but is there any evidence to back up these claims?

A key component of green tea is a type of polyphenol called a catechin. Polyphenols are compounds found in many plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, tea, dark chocolate, and wine. They can act as antioxidants, meaning they can neutralise harmful free radicals that would otherwise damage cells and increase the risk of conditions like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.