Green tea is made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. It is known to have been consumed by the people of China and other eastern countries for centuries. They believed that consumption of the tea helped them gain good health and longevity. It is only recently that Westerners, who are habitual to black tea, have realized its amazing health benefits. So, they have started replacing their regular tea with this magical eastern tea. And it's not just the tea that is known for its wondrous benefits; the extracts, oil, and pills are equally beneficial. Following are the various benefits of this herb. Green Tea » Helps in lowering bad cholesterol, and increasing good cholesterol levels in the body. » Regulates blood pressure. » Helps in reducing high blood pressure. » Helps in protecting the liver from various toxins in the body. » Strengthens the immune system. » Has antiviral and antibacterial properties. » Prevents formation of plaque on teeth, thus keeping the oral health intact. » Stops development of blood clots and thus, prevents heart attack. » Keeps blood sugar levels in check, and is therefore beneficial for diabetes patients. » Has a calming effect on those affected by stress, anxiety, or depression. » Increases metabolism and aids in weight loss. » Helps in preventing cancers of colon, pancreas, stomach, rectum, esophagus, and bladder; due to presence of antioxidants known as catechins. Green Tea Oil » Used in various skin care products, perfumes, and candles. » Helps in making the skin soft and shiny, when applied on skin. » Acts as a natural moisturizer, and keeps the skin glowing. » Has a healing effect on the skin. » Benefits sensitive skin, and heals skin irritations, rashes, or minor cuts. Green Tea Extract » Helps in protecting against infections of the digestive tract and respiratory system, since it contains bioflavonoid. » Has the ability to prevent failure of liver transplants. » Keeps the hormones of the body stabilized and thus, helps in treating acne. » Protects the body against various diseases including stomach, colon, and pancreatic cancer; due to its antioxidant properties. » Keeps the blood pressure in control and lowers cholesterol. » Has antibacterial properties. » Strengthens the immune system, and thus keeps many diseases and infections at bay. » Increases the energy expenditure of the body and also helps in fat oxidization, thus contributing to weight loss. Green Tea Pills » Aid in weight loss. » Speed up the metabolic processes, and thus aid in faster burning of calories. » Make thermogenesis i.e., the fat burning process in the body faster. » Help in preventing cancers and heart problems. » Reduce cholesterol, have antibacterial properties, and are also known to strengthen the bones. » Help in preventing infections and diseases in the body by boosting the immune system. Before consuming green tea, one thing you need to know is its caffeine content. If consumed in excess, it can produce the same side effects as caffeine i.e., headache, irritability, insomnia, heart palpitations, etc. To avoid these, you may opt for the decaffeinated version of the tea, and enjoy its health benefits without a worry.