Green tea supplements are basically a concentrated extract from the Camellia sinensis plant and can be taken as capsules, powder or liquid. They contain the extract of the same plant that is grown to produce green tea, black tea and oolong tea. The only difference between the tree is in the way they are processed. Supplements are popular for a range of health benefits associated with green tea including promoting weight loss, regulating blood pressure and helping prevent life-threatening conditions such as cancer.
To benefit from green tea, it can be consumed in the form of tea (brewing dry leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant) or supplements. The latter option is especially popular with those who think that green tea could help them improve their health but don’t like drinking the tea. But many people also choose supplements because they contain only the essentials while being free of the non-essential ingredients which can also include health-hazardous components such as heavy metals. Some green tea supplements have also been removed or reduced caffeine content and can thus be taken by individuals who have intolerance to caffeine.
Green tea is most often consumed for its unmistakable, slightly bitter taste but the beverage as well as the supplements also getting increasingly popular around to word for health reasons. It has been suggested to be effective in prevention, management and treatment of a number of health issues. These include problems with both low and high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, depression, Parkinson’s disease, osteoporosis and diarrhoea, to mention only a few. But it has also been suggested to be effective against the most severe conditions including cancer. A special ointment that is used topically has been approved for treatment of genital warts.
Green tea – both as beverage and supplement – is supposedly effective against a range of cancers including those involving the endometrium, ovaries, cervix, colon, breast, lung and many other organs. But more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of green tea against most types of the disease. The only exception are ovarian and endometrial cancers as their prevalence has been found to be lower in women who regularly take green tea by mouth, most often in the form of tea.
Even though green tea has undoubtedly positive effects on health and well-being, it can be harmful if taken in large amounts or/and for a long time. This is because - besides its disease-fighting components – it also contains caffeine which can cause mild to severe side effects in sensitive/intolerant individuals. They include irritability, headache, inability to sleep, vomiting, diarrhoea, irritability, confusion, tremor and even convulsions. Another chemical found in the tea tree has recently also been associated with increased risk of liver damage if taken by mouth in high doses.
Green tea is safe for most people, no matter if being consumed as tea or taken in its supplement form as a capsule, powder or liquid. Those who are sensitive to the effects of caffeine, however, can still benefit from green tea by choosing reduced or zero caffeine supplements. To avoid potential complications, people who are taking any medications or have a medical condition as well as pregnant women should talk to their doctor before taking green tea supplements.