You can’t walk down a grocery store aisle without seeing some product that touts the benefits of green tea. The good news is that there is quite a bit of truth to those commercial claims. The secret is in the chemical makeup of green tea. Here is the science behind all of those commercial claims.
Green Tea is High in Antioxidants
What does all of the talk about antioxidants mean? Antioxidants are our only protection from cellular damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction with important cellular components. The resulting damage is linked to
• Aging
• Various Cancers
• Coronary Heart Disease
• Arthritis
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Alzheimer's
• Parkinson's Disease
• Cataracts
Antioxidants interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged. The body cannot manufacture these micronutrients so they must be supplied in the diet. Green tea is rich in antioxidants polyphenols that combat antioxidants. The four types of polyphenols, referred to as catechins, have been shown in recent studies to fight viruses, slow aging, and have a beneficial effect on health. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), one antioxidant found in green tea, is at least 100 more times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times more effective than vitamin E at protecting cells and DNA from damage.
Green tea reduces blood pressure
Drinking green tea represses angiotension II, a peptide which causes blood vessels to constrict, and drives blood pressure up. Drinking as little as a half-cup of green or oolong tea per day may lower the risk of high blood pressure by nearly 50%, according to a new study of Chinese tea drinkers.
Green tea lowers blood sugar
The polyphenols and polysaccharides in green tea can help fight diabetes. In a study of rats, green tea consumption prevented diabetes cataracts and lowered blood sugar. To get these benefits, a human would have to drink 4 to 5 cups a day.
Green tea lowers blood cholesterol
Research indicates that green tea lowers total cholesterol and raises HDL ("good") cholesterol. Results from one study suggest that polyphenols in green tea may block the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and promote its excretion from the body.
Green tea promotes weight loss
The catechin polyphenols in green tea work with other chemicals in the body to increase fat oxidation and thermogenesis (the process where heat is created as your body burns fat and other fuels) Green tea can actually boost your metabolism to help burn fat.
To get the maximum benefits you must drink high quality green tea. Freshness is very important. You don’t want a tea which is older than six months from packaging. That rules out grocery store tea and certainly all flavored green teas or products with green tea additives. Look for fresh loose tea at a health store or online specialty supplier.
Green Tea is High in Antioxidants
What does all of the talk about antioxidants mean? Antioxidants are our only protection from cellular damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction with important cellular components. The resulting damage is linked to
• Aging
• Various Cancers
• Coronary Heart Disease
• Arthritis
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Alzheimer's
• Parkinson's Disease
• Cataracts
Antioxidants interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged. The body cannot manufacture these micronutrients so they must be supplied in the diet. Green tea is rich in antioxidants polyphenols that combat antioxidants. The four types of polyphenols, referred to as catechins, have been shown in recent studies to fight viruses, slow aging, and have a beneficial effect on health. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), one antioxidant found in green tea, is at least 100 more times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times more effective than vitamin E at protecting cells and DNA from damage.
Green tea reduces blood pressure
Drinking green tea represses angiotension II, a peptide which causes blood vessels to constrict, and drives blood pressure up. Drinking as little as a half-cup of green or oolong tea per day may lower the risk of high blood pressure by nearly 50%, according to a new study of Chinese tea drinkers.
Green tea lowers blood sugar
The polyphenols and polysaccharides in green tea can help fight diabetes. In a study of rats, green tea consumption prevented diabetes cataracts and lowered blood sugar. To get these benefits, a human would have to drink 4 to 5 cups a day.
Green tea lowers blood cholesterol
Research indicates that green tea lowers total cholesterol and raises HDL ("good") cholesterol. Results from one study suggest that polyphenols in green tea may block the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and promote its excretion from the body.
Green tea promotes weight loss
The catechin polyphenols in green tea work with other chemicals in the body to increase fat oxidation and thermogenesis (the process where heat is created as your body burns fat and other fuels) Green tea can actually boost your metabolism to help burn fat.
To get the maximum benefits you must drink high quality green tea. Freshness is very important. You don’t want a tea which is older than six months from packaging. That rules out grocery store tea and certainly all flavored green teas or products with green tea additives. Look for fresh loose tea at a health store or online specialty supplier.
