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| Green Tea Legend has it that in ancient times, a
Chinese emperor was drinking some hot water when leaves from a nearby tea
shrub (Camellia sinensis) dropped into his cup. He apparently liked the
soothing drink that resulted from this chance event. And so began what is
today a worldwide love affair with tea. It's now second only to water as
the most popular drink in the world. Interestingly, research studies in recent
years have confirmed the presence of various healing substances that
provide the therapeutic properties long ascribed to the ubiquitous tea
leaf. Of particular importance are potent antioxidant chemicals called
polyphenols that help guard against many kinds of basic cell damage. Health Benefits Many of the medicinal claims made for green
tea haven't been examined outside a laboratory setting, specifically in
clinical trials that assess the plant's health effects in people. On the
other hand, the pure research findings are exciting, and there appears to
be no harm in integrating this ancient brew into your daily diet. Ongoing research suggests that thanks to
its numerous and varied antioxidant compounds, sipping green tea regularly
may help to prevent various types of cancer, guard against heart disease
by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing blood pressure, promote
longevity, stave off tooth decay (the tea contains the cavity fighter,
fluoride), help heal gum infections, and provide a number of other
benefits. Researchers have found that only about 10
ounces of green tea will significantly increase the body's antioxidant
capacity for at least two hours. Because it contains astringent tannin
compounds, green tea in moderation can ease indigestion, diarrhea, and
other forms of stomach upset. Swiss researchers even have preliminary
evidence that green tea accelerates the burning of fat calories in people
who are overweight. A small but interesting 1999 study reported in the
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported increased energy
expenditure and fat oxidation in men who took a green tea extract as
opposed to a placebo or caffeine alone. Specifically, green tea may help to: Prevent Cancer. The antioxidant EGCG
sets in motion a process called apoptosis. Interestingly, the cell death
that ensues only affects cancer cells, not healthy ones. EGCG may well
enhance the body's natural antioxidant system as well, encouraging the
elimination of damaging oxygen molecules called free radicals. One large-scale study in China found that
people who drank as little as one cup of green tea a week for six months
had a reduced risk of developing certain kinds of cancers (rectal,
pancreatic, and others) than did people who drank green tea less
frequently or not at all. Other preliminary research indicates that green
tea can help to combat breast, stomach, and skin cancer. Counter Aging. Given the latest
findings on the potent antioxidants in green tea, it's no wonder that this
brew has long been touted for promoting long life. Its high antioxidant
concentrations apparently enhance longevity by fighting heart disease and
cancer, among other ailments. According to epidemiologic studies, Japanese
men and women who drink five to 10 cups of green tea daily are more likely
to live longer, they are also more likely to stay cancer- and heart
disease-free. Treat Arthritis. Antioxidants in
green tea may prevent and reduce the severity of osteoarthritis. Studies
have shown that if you consume approximately four cups of green tea a day
you may be able to protect yourself from developing arthritis, and if you
already have arthritis, consuming green tea can help to diminish the
inflammation it causes. --To get an adequate amount of polyphenols,
you need three to four cups of green tea a day. --Antioxidant researchers say that two
8-ounce cups of green tea contain about as many flavonoids (a type of
antioxidant) as a serving of vegetables or fruit. --For cancer prevention, anti-aging
protection, and arthritis pains: Drink 3 or 4 cups of green tea a day. Guidelines for Use Preparing the tea with loose leaves
provides no benefit over tea bags, but do try to find bags that haven't
been lying around for months. For a caffeine-free product, look for
decaffeinated green tea. It doesn't appear to matter what time of day you drink green tea, although doing so throughout the day may be the most beneficial because you get a constant supply of antioxidants. And remember, green tea does contain caffeine, so drink the brew earlier in the day if you find that it keeps you awake at night. General Interaction Claims that high concentrations of vitamin
K in green tea leaves can pose blood clotting problems, particularly in
people taking anticoagulant medications for heart disease or other
problems, have been discounted; the amount of vitamin K in an 8-ounce cup
of brewed tea is negligible. Possible Side Effects |