GREEN TEA HEALTH BENEFITS
The Green Tea health benefits come from the compounds found in made tea. A typical brew of tea contains 0.35% tea solids in water. A group of chemical compounds known as Polyphenols are the major component in the solids released into water. Japanese have discovered the benefits more than anyone else and that is why it is the daily drink of all Japanese. At home, it is served with meals and as a mid morning and mid afternoon pickup. A most satisfactory drink, not only for quenching thirst but also for health. Several studies on the subject have been carried out by various institutions and individuals. Some of their findings are – • Many scientists believe that ‘Free Radicals’ contribute to the aging process as well as development of a number of health problems including cancer and heart disease, an important health-benefit from greentea. Polyphenols can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or help prevent damage they cause. • India, China, Japan and Thailand have used for centuries to increase their physical health. In traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, physicians used the tea as a stimulant to promote excretion of urine and to control bleeding and help heal wounds. • Other traditional benefits include treating flatulence, regulating body temperature and blood sugar, promoting digestion and improving mental processes. Further Studies indicate: Calorie Free – Low Sodium Beverage The caloric value without milk and sugar is almost zero. Though it is rich in potassium, the sodium content in tea is very low. This makes tea an ideal beverage for people with hypertension problems. Caffeine and polyphenols, major components have pharmacological effects. Caffeine acts on central nervous system, increases alertness and reduces feelings of drowsiness or fatigue. This is the main reason, people have got used to have a cup of tea whenever they feel drowsy or too tired to continue with mental and physical activities for the sake of health-benefits. ANTI-OXIDANTS
Antioxidants can limit or prevent damage by excessive free radicals. In addition to natural anti-oxidant mechanisms produced in human body, anti-oxidants derived from diets such as tea can also check free radicals. Damage caused by increased exposure to free radicals from environmental pollution can limited by increased intake of dietary anti-oxidants. • Theaflavins and Thearubigins produced by the polymerization of catechins during the Fermentation stage in the manufacture of Black tea are equally effective anti-oxidants as in Green tea.
AGAINST HEART DISEASE Perhaps this is the best reason why we should consider this type as important. The commonest form of heart disease is CHD or Coronary Heart Disease. It is caused by either partial or complete blockage of coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart wall and muscles. High levels of fat (lipids) and oxidation of lipids facilitate the deposition of plaque on the walls of the arteries. Anti-oxidants in tea could reduce the amount of oxidant species in the circulatory system and reduce plaque formation. - Tea lowers total cholesterol and raises HDL (Good) Cholesterol in both animals and people. - Polyphenols in tea may block the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and promote its excretion from the body. - Green-tea polyphenols (catechins) and Black tea polyphenols (Theaflavins and Thearubigins) have the ability to inhibit lipid oxidation and plaque formation, reducing the risk of heart disease. FOR CANCER
Agents that cause damage to genetic material or DNA, which controls all activities are called ‘Carcinogens.’ Such carcinogens caused by mutations can progress to cancer. Researchers believe that Polyphenols help kill cancerous cells and stop their progression. - Cancer rates tend to be low in countries such as Japan where people regularly consume green tea. Women who drink powdered green tea were less likely to develop Bladder Cancer. - Polyphenols inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells. - In a study conducted on ovarian cancer patients in China, researchers found that women who drank at least one cup per day survived longer with the disease than those who did not. - Compared to green tea drinkers with non-drinkers, those who drank the most tea were significantly less likely to develop Pancreatic Cancer. - Its extracts prevent the growth of Prostate Cancer cells. The risk of Prostate Cancer declined with increasing frequency, duration and quantity of consumption. - Due to potential interaction, people should not drink a mixture of these teas, as well as extracts of them while receiving Chemotherapy. - Studies suggest that Green Tea Polyphenols have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties that may help prevent the onset and growth of skin tumors. FOR DIABETES
Diabetes is called the ‘Silent Killer’ and is the number 3 killer of people in America today. If neglected, it can lead to blindness of all kinds, kidney failure, cardiovascular disease and amputation of toe, feet and legs. Of the two types of Diabetes, Type 1 is referred to as an immune mediated or self immune disease. It affects mainly children and adolescents, and also adults. • Traditionally used to control blood sugar in the system. Studies on animals suggest that green tea may help prevent development of Type 1 Diabetes and slow the progression once it has developed. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the islet cells in the pancreas are damaged and no longer produce insulin. Green Tea may help regulate glucose in the body. FAT BURNER For Weight Loss • Green tea extract can boost metabolism and help burn fat. • A combination of green tea and caffeine can improve weight loss and maintenance in overweight and moderately obese people. • It is believed Catechins found in Polyphenols have a fat-burning effect. INTESTINAL BACTERIA
It is common knowledge that our intestinal tract is home to a variety of micro-organisms. Some of these organisms help the body by secretion of enzymes that help to digest and metabolize compounds in food. Yet, some micro-organisms secrete harmful substances that predispose cells to carcinogenesis. The polyphenols in tea reduces harmful bacteria, replacing them with beneficial bacteria that helps metabolism. Green tea health benefits are many, but they also have potential Green Tea Side Effects Also learn about health benefits of Black Tea |
