|
N u t r
i t i o n N e w s l e t t e r |
|
GREEN TEA - THE ENVY OF ALL TEAS Green tea is abundant today in many forms. From drinking this wonder tea, to taking it in concentration forms, to capsules, it has positive health supporting effects. Most green teas come from China and Japan, and natives of these countries have been enjoying the health protection for thousands of years. But what about modern science behind this Camellia sinensis? Does it stand up against our modern life style disorders? Let's just look at a few small wonders found in a cup of tea. In July 2001 an article in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, researchers concluded that this brew had one of the best sources of the antioxidant catechin. Antioxidants cover us with a blanket of protection against chemical messengers receiving the wrong message to give rise to unhealthy cells. In 2003, The International Journal of Cancer, published a study citing a significant reduction in breast cancer among Asia-American women consuming green tea in beverage form. An impressive study in 2003, published in the Chemical Research in Toxicology, found that two substances contained in green tea, eppigallocatechin gallate and eppigallo- catechin, worked to stop the harmful effects of tobacco. This GTE turned off the gene that promotes cancer. WOW! These same researchers discovered that GTE, also blocks a protein that drug companies are studying for it’s connection with cancer. What about liver damage? Published in September in 2004, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found reduction of liver damage on mice. Green tea with it’s polyphenols appeared to treat a proinflammatory and oxidant stress state. Early alcohol-related injury in liver, can be lowered by ingesting green tea, full of GTE. This study was can be cited in 2002, Biological Chemistry. Again researchers concluded that GTE prevented oxidative stress on liver cells. Cardiovascular disease the number one killer in many cultures, too can defend itself with green tea. A study in January 2005, in the Clinical Biochemistry. found a large reduction in oxidized LDL cholesterol, as well as reductions in P-selecting, a clear marker for atherosclerosis. An interesting fact, with this study is that it was done strictly with male adult smokers. And green tea was taken in beverage form. And the studies go on and on to support this superstar tea. Studies such as endurance and weight lost, to inhibiting diabetic conditions, such as cataracts. Remember, the old saying for, "for all the tea in China?" For all the green tea in China lies a wealth of health. The science data is phenomenal. And this common tea is available today in all geographic locations. So, drink up!
|