*3.3.1 Antioxidant properties*

Different compounds found in green tea showed significant *in vitro* and *in vivo* antioxidant effects. Indeed, ECGC-specific green tea originating from catechin is a *Green Tea and Its Numerous Health Benefits DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.107368*

**Figure 1.** *Different benefits of green tea.*

**Figure 2.** *Different forms of catechins.*

potent antioxidant capable of inhibiting the growth of cancer cells [24]. Green tea can boost humoral and cell-mediated immunity and reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. ECGC is responsible for much of the chemopreventive properties of green tea against cancer [25]. It is suggested to induce apoptosis and promote the arrest of cell growth by alternating expression of cellular regulatory proteins [25]. As already mentioned, green tea contains a large amount of antioxidants called polyphenols. There is ample evidence supporting the ability of green tea flavonoids to prevent tumors by suppressing free radical production [26–28]. These antioxidants can slow or inhibit the development of cancer and heart disease, promote immune function, and delay the aging process (**Figure 1**) [29–32].

### *3.3.2 Cardioprotective diseases protection*

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are unpredictable problems that include various variables. Associated risk factors include irritation, oxidative pressure, platelet total, and lipid digestion. In recent years, many studies have focused on the possibility of using green tea against CVD [33, 34]. Smoke-related heart disease is associated with several risk factors. They are most common in the western world, likely due to the lifestyle in this part of the world, which involves a diet high in saturated fats and low physical activities [35, 36].

It has been reported that people who drink at least 3 cups of green tea per day have a 2% lower risk of stroke compared to those who drink less than one cup a day [37]. Regular consumption of green tea tends to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.

One of the causes of high blood pressure is the lack of arterial elasticity. Over time, this elasticity is lost and one of the causes of arterial constriction is thromboxane. The source of hypertension is an enzyme called angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACE), which is secreted by the kidney. Green tea has been reported to inhibit the activity of this enzyme, which significantly lowers blood pressure [30, 38].

### *3.3.3 Anticancer properties*

A variety of studies based on people's dietary habits have confirmed the anticancer effect of green tea [39, 40]. For example, the cancer incidence rate tends to be low in countries like Japan, where green tea is regularly consumed. One of the benefits of green tea is that carcinogenesis in the digestive tract is believed to be inhibited by the action of ECGC [41, 42].

Colorectal cancer may be prevented or delayed by adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle. Obesity increases the risk of developing abdominal cancer, especially if the obesity is visceral and results from an unhealthy lifestyle that lasts for a long time [43]. Colorectal cancer may be less likely to occur if EGCG consumption inhibits tumor growth factors. Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, caused by EGCG may also be a way to kill cancer cells. Obesity-related carcinogenesis may be reduced by increasing insulin and leptin tissue sensitivity and decreasing blood lipid levels. Recurrent adenomas, which in the majority of cases can progress to colorectal cancer, may be prevented by taking green tea extract supplements [44]. According to numerous studies, EGCG supplementation can reduce the risk of cancer in the gallbladder and bile ducts [45, 46].

Treatment, as well as prevention against cancer, may involve the use of catechins [47]. The anti-cancer activities of vitamin C have been linked to its antioxidant abilities [48, 49].
