“Green tea contains vitamin C in amounts comparable to lemon, vitamins K and P (bioflavonoids) comparable to green vegetable and buckwheat rutin respectively and beta-Carotene comparable to carrots. In their capillary and blood vessel strengthening and anti-inflammatory roles, the polyphenols act synergistically with ascorbic acid and improve growth and resistance to infection, increasing accumulation of vitamin C in the tissues and reducing the level of urinary excretion and even inhibiting the ulceration and stomach mucosa bleeding induced by aspirin. Green tea is also high in folic acid and the polyphenols further increase its synthesis by the intestinal microflora.”
This review continued: “The pharmacological action of green tea caffeine (lower than regular tea) is so modified by the interaction with the polyphenols that the beneficial properties of the alkaloid (vasodilator, anti-atherosclerotic, diuretic, fluid balance restoration following vomiting or diarrhoea, assisting recovery of mental depression [the cup that cheers] by providing alertness without loss of tranquility, stimulation of mental alacrity, relief of mental and muscular fatigue, enhancement of liver-metabolism and gastro-intestinal secretion, aiding digestion and relieving post-prandial distress and gout as well as promoting circulation and improving bronchial asthma and cardiac oedema), may be enjoyed without harmful side-effects.”
This review continued: “Green tea has been found to normalize thyroid hyperfunction that causes thyroxicosis and also to afford protection against the development of leukaemia after exposure to radiation, as well as to eliminate radioactive strontium from the body before it reaches the bone marrow and causes long term radiation damage, and furthermore exerts an anti-inflammatory role beneficial in reducing the secondary effects of radiation damage to tissue. Green tea has been used extensively in combating plague and as an adjunct in the treatment of several diseases, including dysentery, typhoid and cholera. It is clear that it is much more than a pleasant, mildly stimulating beverage and warrants a thorough medical reappraisal.”