Green tea was discovered by the Chinese Emperor Shen-Nung in 2737 B.C. Green tea comes from the Camellia Sinensis tree, a tree that resembles an evergreen shrub, which can grow to 30 feet in height with dark green leaves and intermittent white flowers.

Green tea is a great source of vitamin C and contains many nutrients, most importantly polyphenols. The primary polyphenols in green tea are the flavonoids catechin and proanthocyanidins. Green tea is also a good source of proteins, chlorophyll, tannins, lignin and the amino acid theanine.

Because of green tea's polyphenols content, there have been many studies that focus on the teas' special flavonoids and their role in the prevention of cancer. These polyphenols provide antioxidant protection inhibiting the formation of cancer cells, stimulating the body's natural detoxification processes and suppressing the growth of tumors. 

Green tea's therapeutic role in cancer does not target all types of cancer, however. In fact, Green tea seems to be especially beneficial for cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, colon or lungs as well as estrogen-related cancers.

Furthermore, there have also been numerous studies that attribute green tea to lowering LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels and raising HDL levels.

You will also find green tea in many weight loss aids due to its ability to benefit fat burning.