Catechins, an antioxidant found in green tea, helps prevent macular degeneration and oxidative stress, according to a new study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Hong Kong completed the study, where the team analyzed eye tissue of lab rats that were fed green tea.

This is the first study that proves this beneficial antioxidant can be absorbed by eye tissue with other eye-beneficial items such as vitamins C and E, lutein and zeaxanthin, which help prevent glaucoma.

Catechins also help prevent blood clots, lower bad cholesterol levels and fight off heart disease and diabetes. Green tea drinkers not only benefit from preventing eye diseases, they also have a lower risk of developing prostate, esophageal, stomach, pancreatic and colorectal cancers.

What makes green tea so special? Green tea is filled with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can be lost in the fermentation process other teas require.