Green tea

Green tea is a type of tea that is made from Camellia sinensis leaves that have not undergone the same withering and oxidation process used to make oolong teas and black teas.

Some of the extracts of Green tea inhibit the activity of the Murine leukemia virus.

Green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which is a strong antioxidant.

Theory
Regular green tea is 99.9% water, provides 1 Calorie per 100 ml serving, is devoid of significant nutrient content (table) and contains phytochemicals, such as polyphenols and caffeine. Polyphenols found in green tea include epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epicatechin gallate, epicatechins and flavanols, which have antioxidant, anticarcinogen, anti-inflammatory, and anti-radiation biochemical effects in vitro. Other components include three kinds of flavonoids, known as kaempferol, quercetin, and myricetin.

Risks and side effects
In high doses green tea supplements can cause permanent liver damage in some people. However, EGCG doses <800mg/day have not shown any hepatotoxic effects according to the European Food Safety Authority

Costs and availability
It is nutritional supplement so its available without prescription. In Germany a 250mg capsule costs only about 0,14€ (approx. 0.17 US-$).

Research studies

 * Therapeutic Effect and Metabolic Mechanism of A Selenium-Polysaccharide from Ziyang Green Tea on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - (Full text)

It is used in the treatment regime against ME of Ms Voss to prevent the use of Raltegravir
 * My antiretroviral Regime for Antiretroviral Treatment of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (Deutsch: #Arztanfragen - Mein Therapieregime für die antiretrovirale Behandlung bei Myalgischer Enzephalomyelitis)
 * The health supplement that ruined my liver

Costs and availability
You can drink it as tea but green tea extracts is also available as supplements.

Learn more

 * Green tea - National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health
 * Green Tea - drugs.com