Green tea is touted to be one of the healthiest beverages on the planet.

It’s loaded with antioxidants that have many health benefits, which may include:

  • improved brain function
  • fat loss
  • protecting against cancer
  • lowering the risk of heart disease

There may be even more potential health benefits.

Here are 10 possible health benefits of green tea.

Green tea is more than just a hydrating beverage.

The green tea plant contains a range of healthy compounds that make it into the final drink (1Trusted Source).

Tea is rich in polyphenols, which are natural compounds that have health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and helping to fight cancer.

Green tea contains a catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Catechins are natural antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and provide other benefits.

These substances can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules from damage. These free radicals play a role in aging and many types of diseases.

EGCG is one of the most powerful compounds in green tea. Research has tested its ability to help treat various diseases. It appears to be one of the main compounds that gives green tea its medicinal properties (2Trusted Source).

Green tea also has small amounts of minerals that can benefit your health.

Try to choose a higher quality brand of green tea, because some of the lower quality brands can contain excessive amounts of fluoride (3Trusted Source).