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Benefits of Green Tea Tea comes from the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant. There are three main types of tea: green tea, oolong tea, and black tea, categorized according to their oxidation levels (called the fermentation process). Green tea is made from unfermented leaves and is reputed to contain the highest concentration of polyphenols, chemicals that act as powerful antioxidants. Green tea is steamed, baked or pan heated to prevent oxidation and thus the leaves remain green. Unlike green tea, oolong tea is partially fermented, and black tea is fully fermented. Today, hundreds of millions of people drink tea around the world, and studies are now suggesting that one variety of tea in particular - green tea (Camellia sinensis) - has many health benefits. Antioxidants such as polyphenols in green tea can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause. Green Tea Enhances Overall HealthGreen tea is often lauded for the many amazing health benefits that it touts. Most notable is a study by Japanese Scientists of the Saitama Cancer Research Institute relating the delay of cancer onset with the consumption of green tea. The study shows that early stage breast cancer spreads less rapidly in women with a history of drinking five or more cups of green tea a day. As a result, there is a lower recurrence rate and a longer disease-free period.Green tea has recently been a focus of new research because of the antioxidant epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG ) that is found in the leaves. This main component, which has beneficial health properties, is preserved in green tea but lost in oolong and black varieties when fermented. Results from these studies suggest that green tea may be useful for the following health conditions: Atherosclerosis - Studies indicate that the antioxidant properties of green tea may help prevent atherosclerosis, particularly coronary artery disease. High cholesterol - Green tea has demonstrated an ability to lower total cholesterol and raise HDL ("good") cholesterol in both animals and people. Cancer - Researchers also believe that polyphenols help kill cancerous cells and stop its progression. Bladder cancer - A follow-up study done by the Saitama Cancer Research Institute revealed that bladder cancer patients (particularly men) who drank green tea had a substantially better five-year survival rate than those who did not. Breast cancer - Polyphenols in green tea inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. Studies have shown that women with early stages of the disease who drank at least five cups of tea every day before being diagnosed with cancer were less likely to suffer a relapse after completion of treatment. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Green tea may help reduce inflammation associated with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the two types of IBD. Also, if green tea proves to be helpful for preventing colon cancer, this would be an added benefit for those with IBD because they are at risk for colon cancer. Diabetes - Green tea has been used traditionally to control blood sugar in the body. Green tea helps regulate glucose in the body. Liver disease - Green tea also appears to protect the liver from the damaging effects of toxic substances such as alcohol. What It Is; Why It WorksGreen tea contains caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system, and tannins, which combat diarrhea. Taken in moderation, it settles the stomach and has mild stimulant effects. The healthful properties of green tea are largely attributed to polyphenols, chemicals with potent antioxidant properties. In fact, the antioxidant effects of polyphenols appear to be greater than vitamin C. The polyphenols in green tea also give it its somewhat bitter flavor. Polyphenols contained in teas are classified as catechins. Green tea contains six primary catechin compounds:
PolyphenolsPolyphenols are a class of phytochemicals found in high concentrations in green tea and have been associated with heart disease prevention and cancer prevention. The following are polyphenols found in green tea:Tannins - A group of simple and complex phenol, polyphenols, and flavonoid compounds. Produced by plants, all of the tannins are relatively resistant to digestion or fermentation. Catechins - Cancer properties reduction. Lowers oxidation by active oxygen. Reduces blood cholesterol. Inhibits hypertention. Balances blood sugar. Kills bacteria and virus. Fights cariogenic bacteria. Prevents halitosis (bad breath). Flavonoids - They may aid in protecting against infection. Strengthen blood vessel walls. Prevents halitosis (bad breath). Theanine - An amino acid that produces tranquilizing effects in the brain. Theanine is a unique amino acid found in the leaves sencha. Fluoride - Prevents cavities. Polysaccharides - Lowers blood sugar. r-Amino Butyric Acid - Lowers blood pressure. Other Benefits: Green tea, with its all-important chemical compounds, has also shown many other benefits and potential uses.
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