All tea is derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, a shrub native to China and India. It contains unique antioxidant compounds called flavonoids, that are some of the most potent available. The most effective is known as Epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG. This type of catechin is found in green, black and white teas and are active compounds shown to have a variety of health benefits. Not only do they protect the cells in your body from free radicals, but they also have been shown to assist in weight loss.

The antioxidant properties of tea may be the reason studies have shown Asian populations to have a lower incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer, than Western counterparts. A study by the National Cancer Institute, found that whites had a 65 percent higher rate of cancer mortality than Asian-Pacific Islanders from 1998-2002. (1) Could it be because their diets include 1-3 cups of green tea every day?