What Is It?
And Where Does It Come From?
Green tea (Camellia sinensi, Epigallocatechin Gallate [EGCG]) originated in China, and it is believed to have been in use for over four thousand years.
Green tea contains many polyphenolic antioxidants1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and is widely consumed the world over.
What Does It Do?
And What Scientific Studies Give Evidence To Support This?
Green tea is a remarkable substance that is utilized by the body in many ways.
Green tea has been widely recognized as an effective way to protect skin from ultraviolet light radiation7, 8, 9, 10, and protect against many different cancers including stomach, ovarian, colon, oral, prostate, breast and cervical cancers11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28.
It is used by the body to reduce harmful intestinal flora, while increasing beneficial intestinal flora29, to help prevent cancer30,31,32, reduce oxidative stress in smokers and non-smokers33, as well as acting as a powerful antiinflamatory34, 35, 36.
Green tea has been shown to dramatically increase antioxidant levels from a single dose37, preserve good cholesterol38, encourage the death of cancerous cells39, and even inhibit the formation of cavities40.
As if the above listed benefits were not enough, research has suggested that green tea can interfere with the AIDS virus41, combat cancer42, offer the brain protection43, and even increase life span!44
When used in conjunction with anti-cancer medications green tea has been shown to have synergistic effects45. Green tea has also been used successfully as a weight loss agent, due to its ability to cause rapid fat loss46, 47, 48.
Although it is widely believed that consuming green tea with milk or other dairy products does not negate its beneficial effects, research has shown that drinking green tea with these addatives does not result in a loss of its benefits49. Some have also believed that drinking green tea increases ones risk for developing gastric cancer. Recent research has demonstrated that no link exists50.
Although we know much about Green Teas positive effects, there is still much that we do not know. The potential that green tea does other helpful things is very probable.51 Exciting research continues into this wonder-supplement.
Who Needs It?
And What Are Some Symptoms Of Deficiency?
Everyone can benefit from supplementing with green tea.
Populations that may benefit most from the supplementation of green tea include: healthy adults, bodybuilders and athletes, persons suffering from or persons predisposed to various cancers, persons looking to maintain gut health, persons with HIV or AIDS, those wanting to lose bodyfat (weight) and persons looking to increase life span.
Because of its high antioxidant content, green tea cleanses the body of harmful toxins. Not only will this make one feel more healthy, but it will reduce oxidative stress, thereby discouraging cell death and increasing overall lifespan. Because of green teas ability to protect skin from harmfull ultra-violet light, bodybuilders and other athletes (as well as persons with naturally fair skin) will benefit from added skin protection when tanning or when being exposed to sunny conditions for extended periods.
Maintaining gut health is imperative not only for athletes who require opimum protein utilization, synthesis, and nitrogen balance, but for all person looking to maintain optimal health. Maintaining gut health will result in improved digestion, reduced occurances of constipation, and a reduction in acid reflux occurances.
Green tea also has the ability to interfere with the ability of the HIV and AIDS viruses to proliferate in the body. While not a cure for these disease processes, green tea may be a beneficial addition to anti-retrovial therapy and drug cocktails.
Green tea also helps (through CNS stimulation) in the weight-loss process. For years green tea has been added to dietary weight-loss formulations. Its high caffine content helps to increase body temperature, thereby increasing thermogenesis and fatty-acid liberation from adiposites. It also acts as a dieuretic, removing from the body excess water that can lead to a bloated look.
The ability of green tea to increase lifespan comes from the synergy of its benefits. Anyone looking to extend their life should consider supplementing with green tea.
How Much Should Be Taken?
And Are There Any Side Effects?
According one study "More research is needed to elucidate the biologic activities of green and black tea and to determine the optimal amount of tea consumption for possible health-beneficial effects.52 This being the case, label directions should be adhered to strictly.
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References:
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3. Salucci M, Stivala LA, Maiani G, Bugianesi R, Vannini V. Flavonoids uptake and their effect on cell cycle of human colon adenocarcinoma cells (Caco2). Br J Cancer. 2002 May 20;86(10):1645-51.
4. Weisburger JH. Lifestyle, health and disease prevention: the underlying mechanisms. Eur J Cancer Prev. 2002 Aug;11 Suppl 2:S1-7.
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8. Katiyar SK, Perez A, Mukhtar H. Green tea polyphenol treatment to human skin prevents formation of ultraviolet light B-induced pyrimidine dimers in DNA. Clin Cancer Res. 2000 Oct;6(10):3864-9.
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25. Park EJ, Pezzuto JM. Botanicals in cancer chemoprevention. Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2002;21(3-4):231-55.
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27. Ahn WS, Huh SW, Bae SM, Lee IP, Lee JM, Namkoong SE, Kim CK, Sin JI. A major constituent of green tea, EGCG, inhibits the growth of a human cervical cancer cell line, CaSki cells, through apoptosis, G(1) arrest, and regulation of gene expression. DNA Cell Biol. 2003 Mar;22(3):217-24.
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34. Katiyar SK, Ahmad N, Mukhtar H. Green tea and skin. Arch Dermatol. 2000 Aug;136(8):989-94.
35. Krahwinkel T, Willershausen B. The effect of sugar-free green tea chew candies on the degree of inflammation of the gingiva. Eur J Med Res. 2000 Nov 30;5(11):463-7.
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37. Leenen R, Roodenburg AJ, Tijburg LB, Wiseman SA. A single dose of tea with or without milk increases plasma antioxidant activity in humans. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2000 Jan;54(1):87-92.
38. Miyazawa T. Absorption, metabolism and antioxidative effects of tea catechin in humans. Biofactors. 2000;13(1-4):55-9.
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