By James Barber M.D.
For centuries, green tea has been used as a natural remedy and supplement in Asian
cultures. Reportedly found by a Chinese emperor 4,000 years ago, green tea was used
to relieve headaches, pains, and depression as well as to increase energy, the immune
system, and the detoxification process. Today, green tea has moved to the forefront
of the nutritional supplement industry for all these uses and more.
The active constituents of green tea include volatile oils, vitamins, minerals,
and caffeine. The most interesting components, however, are polyphenols, particularly
the catechin known as Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG). These polyphenols are believed
to be the driving force behind green tea's role in promoting good health.
Green Tea has been shown to mildly reduce total cholesterol levels, and more importantly,
to improve cholesterol profile by decreasing the harmful LDL and increasing the
good HDL. The herb also reduces platelet aggregation and consequently the stickiness
of the blood. These factors, in concert with green tea's ability to increase fat
metabolism and regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, make it a good bet for weight
loss and cardiovascular health.
Several studies have led scientists to believe that green tea may have anti-cancer
properties as well. In a double blind trial, people with leukoplakia (a pre-cancerous
oral condition) took three grams daily of a mixture including whey protein, green
tea polyphenols, and green tea pigments. They also applied a similar green tea mixture
to the wounds three times daily. The result was a significant and encouraging decrease
in the pre-cancerous condition. Other studies have shown green tea to effectively
inhibit the spread of melanoma in animals.
Evidence of green tea's potent anti-oxidant abilities is beginning to accumulate.
The herb is not only a good free-radical scavenger, but it also helps us enhance
the effectiveness of our body's natural anti-oxidant systems.
Most studies on green tea are based on the levels that are typically consumed in
Asian countries, about 3 cups (750 ml) per day. Supplements containing standardized
extracts of polyphenols, particularly EGCG's, are now readily available. Some of
these provide up to 97% polyphenols, the equivalent of 4 cups (1000 ml) of the tea.
While green tea is generally free from side effects, those who consume large quantities
may experience insomnia, anxiety, and similar conditions caused by the caffeine
found in the herb.
Forever Facts:
- A study of over 400 men at Johns Hopkins shows a relationship between calorie
intake and prostate cancer. Men who consumed over 2600 calories daily were found
to be at four times greater risk of developing prostate cancer. The source of the
calories (carbs, protein, fat) was inconsequential. Researchers stated that more
studies will be performed to confirm or deny a correlation.
- A change in diet may be just what the doctor ordered for arthritis sufferers.
A Norwegian study that switched Westerners over to a Mediterranean diet high in
fruits, vegetables, and fish found that joint pain decreased nearly 50%. Benefits
were probably caused by reducing the inflammation throughout the bodies of the participants.
Words of Wisdom:
"In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity." -Albert Einstein