What is Organic Green Tea (Leaf) Powder Extract?

This is part of our ongoing series helping consumers better understand chemicals, chemistry, and product formulations. We translate the science, bust the myths, and give you an honest assessment, so you can make informed choices for your family!

Ingredient:

Organic Green Tea (leaf) powder extract

What it is:

Camellia sinensis is a plant native to East Asia that can grow as tall as a shrub or tree (1). It’s leaves are harvested, quickly steamed and dried to create this herbal powder (2). ‘Organic’ means the flowers were grown without the use of toxic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or sewage sludge (among other things).

What it does:

Since ancient times, green tea has been considered a health-promoting beverage in traditional Chinese medicine (3). Today, tea is the most widely-consumed beverage around the world, second only to water (1). Hundreds of millions of people drink tea, and extensive human and animal studies suggest that green tea in particular has a variety of health benefits (1-7). As a result, green tea leaf powder extract is now sold as a supplement, as well.

Why we use it:

With such a long, long history of safe use and with an increasing body of research uncovering health benefits, we chose to use organic green tea (leaf) powder extract in our Immunity Plus to help support a healthy immune system†. Check it out! It’s a delicious food or drink mix that’s great for the whole family.

References:

1. Green tea. (n.d.). Retrieved January 21, 2016, from https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/green-tea
2. Chacko, S. M., Thambi, P. T., Kuttan, R., & Nishigaki, I. (2010). Beneficial effects of green tea: a literature review. Chin med, 5(13), 1-9.
3. Cabrera, C., Artacho, R., & Giménez, R. (2006). Beneficial effects of green tea—a review. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 25(2), 79-99.
4. Crespy, V., & Williamson, G. (2004). A review of the health effects of green tea catechins in in vivo animal models. The Journal of nutrition, 134(12), 3431S-3440S.
5. Cooper, R., Morré, D. J., & Morré, D. M. (2005). Medicinal benefits of green tea: Part I. Review of noncancer health benefits. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 11(3), 521-528.
6. Hara, Y. (2001). Green tea: health benefits and applications. CRC press.
7. Khan, N., & Mukhtar, H. (2007). Tea polyphenols for health promotion. Life sciences, 81(7), 519-533.