Green Tea

Green Tea’s Secret
The key phytochemicals in green tea, called polyphenols, have captured the attention of many scientific studies. They give green tea its special power.

Dr. Yukihiko Hara, noted researcher and a world authority on green tea, has found that its polyphenols help promote anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hypertensive, anti-hypercholesterolemic, and fat-reducing effects. Polyphenols have also been shown to protect DNA from damage inflicted from harmful chemicals and even radiation. Green tea’s polyphenols are also extremely effective as antioxidants capable of inhibiting mutation and formation of cancerous cells as well as providing extraordinary protection for the heart, kidneys and the skin.

Polyphenols and Cancer
Free radicals are dangerous compounds caused by many things such as exposure to radiation or internal chemical reactions that can attack your body’s cells and harm your DNA. Free radicals can multiply, work together and initiate cascading chain reactions that, over time, can trigger pathological cell mutations which may lead to cancer.

The polyphenols in green tea deliver antioxidants that neutralize free radicals, halting their potentially lethal cascade and converting them to non-toxic compounds.

Polyphenols have also been shown to protect healthy cells from mutation and cancer. One study on the anti-carcinogenic properties of green tea showed a 44% inhibition of prostate cancer with no toxic side effects. Another study indicated that 50% of mice treated for tumors with orally administered green tea polyphenols remained tumor-free with a 70% overall increase in life expectancy. The antioxidant “oomph” of green tea has also been recommended as a preventative measure for heart disease, kidney disease, and skin damage from ultraviolet light exposure.

Anti-Aging Effect
Scientific research shows a direct correlation between the aging process and the accumulation of harmful compounds called Advanced Glycosylation End products (AGEs) within the body. In one cutting-edge study conducted by the University of Shizuoka, researchers observed that the formation of AGEs were suppressed by the polyphenolic action of green tea, thus acting as an agent to greatly decrease the risk of age-related disease.

Fat and Cholesterol Blocker
Green tea is also an excellent addition to any sensible weight control program. Fat digestion is reduced through green tea’s inhibition of the enzymes responsible for fat breakdown, so rather than accumulating fat in unwanted places, your body simply passes it through. Green tea’s thermogenic effects also help to maintain normal body weight. A compelling study showed that taking three 90 mg. doses/day of green tea extract burned 266 more calories per day than those who did not use the extract. That is more calories than an average session on a treadmill (and they weren’t even using a nanized version). Additionally, green tea polyphenols help prevent LDL cholesterol from forming atherosclerotic plaques. That’s great news for those concerned about heart and artery disease.

Diabetes and Green Tea
The news about fat and cholesterol may be of special interest to the millions of diabetics who have to watch their weight to maintain their health. What’s more, green tea is able help quell hyperglycemia by inhibiting α-amylase, the enzyme that converts carbohydrates into glucose. For those who struggle with high blood sugar levels, green tea may provide a key benefit.

Relief For Body and Mind
Green tea’s benefits not only help the body, but the mind and spirit as well. Green tea users can expect powerful antioxidant cleansing and protection. Green tea is also famous as great support for recovery from mental depression, helps enhance alertness, relief of mental fatigue, and improvement of mental function without the feeling of nervousness or being jittery.

References

Hara Y, In ‘Food phytochemicals for cancer prevention’, [Symp] Amer Chem Soc, 1994.

Hara Y, Proc Intl Symp Tea Science and Human Health, Calcutta, Jan 1993.

Hara Y, “Uses and benefits of tea,” Food Review Intl, 11(3), 1995.

Ichihashi M, Ahmed NU, Budiyanto A, et al. “Preventive effect of antioxidant on ultraviolet-induced skin  cancer in mice,” J Dermatol Sci 2000;23:S45-S50.

Kinae N, et al. “Food phytochemicals,” Amer Chem Soc, 1994.

Dulloo AG, Seydoux J, Girardier L, et al. “Green tea and thermogenesis: interactions between catechin-polyphenols, caffeine, and sympathetic activity,” Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2000;24:252-258.

Juhel C, Armand M, Pafumi Y, et al. “Green tea extract (AR25) inhibits lipolysis of triglycerides in gastric and duodenal medium in vitro,” J Nutr Biochem 2000;11:45-51.

Gupta S, et al. “The inhibition of prostate carcinogenesis in tramp mice by oral infusion of green tea polyphenols,: Proc Nat Acad Sci, 98(18), 2001