Green tea plays a protective role in the human body against fatal diseases, as it is rich in anti-oxidants, mainly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). It also helps in reducing obesity, a common health problem, especially in the urban areas, by dissolving fat-cells of the body, reveals research.

The latest research conducted by Dr Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Acting Director, International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), Karachi University, revealed his research findings in a lecture session at the ICCBS on Thursday. He advised that consumption of green tea should be a regular feature in a normal personís diet because it has useful therapeutic actions.

Green tea leaves (Camellia Sinesis) retains its action because it undergoes minimum oxidation during processing. ìIn Pakistan, obesity level among rural areas is found to be nine per cent in men and 14 per cent in women, while in urban areas situation is quite alarming as the level is found to be 22 per cent in men and 37 per cent in women of age group 25 to 44. The higher obesity level in urban areas is due to their comfortable lifestyle, high fat and carbohydrate-rich diet and lack of exercise, he explained.

Furthermore, he said that various studies suggest a protective role of green tea consumption against cancer. Thus, drinking tea has been associated with a reduced risk of stomach, pancreatic and colorectal cancers, and also with decreased recurrence of stage I and II breast cancer. Moreover, it has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels. Green tea also can help prevent dental problems such as tooth decay and dental plaque.