Interestingly, other popular teas such as black and oolong varieties are made from the leaves of the same tea plant as green tea. However, those varieties of tea don't have the same health properties as green tea. The difference is not the tea plant, but the way the tea leaves are processed. Green tea leaves are steamed rather than fermented. This keeps the EGCG from oxidizing, thus leaving the medicinal value intact. The best aspect of green tea, however, is not its overwhelming health benefits; it's the delicious flavor that brings you back for another cup - regardless of how healthy you think you're being.