I arrive at the conclusion of my multi-part series on green tea. First, I went through a ton of evidence regarding its abilities to prevent cancer. I then went on to show how it could boost your heart’s health and could aid anyone wishing to drop some pounds off their frame. In this last part, we look at the other possibilities that lie within this beverage — as well as important dosage information for taking supplements.
There are many health benefits of green tea that require further investigation. That said, preliminary evidence suggests that drinking green tea may have the following influences on your body:
- Reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes
- Increase in the density of your bones, helping prevent osteoporosis
- Reduction of stress
- Protection of skin from UV radiation
- Treatment of human papillomavirus cervical lesions
- Prevention of both cold and flu
- Improvement of cognitive function
- Strengthening of your gums and prevention of gum disease
- Increase in blood pressure in older adults who suffer from hypotension
- Treatment of genital warts
Green tea can be consumed by drinking it or taking a pill. One cup contains 50 to 100 milligrams (mg) of polyphenols. Three cups, the average amount drank in Asian countries, contain anywhere from 240 mg to 320 mg of polyphenols. A green tea tablet contains 100 mg; whereas the capsules contain various amounts: 100 mg, 150 mg, 175 mg, 333 mg, 383 mg, or 500 mg.
For the human-papillomavirus-infected cervical lesions, 200 mg a day is used, plus topical green tea ointment for two to three months. To help prevent cancer, drink between three and eight cups a day. To help reduce cholesterol, drink 10 or more cups a day or take theaflavin-enriched green tea extract; 375 mg a day for 12 weeks. To improve mental capacity and alertness, take 60 mg or one cup a day.