By now, you have certainly heard that green tea is good for you, but did you know how far reaching the benefits are? Green tea has been used in China for thousands of years for its health-preserving and revitalizing power. Research indicates that green tea may promote healthy weight loss, as well as help prevent cancer, while additionally offering significant cardiovascular protection. Tea consumption in general has been linked to reduced risk for cancer, heart disease, stroke and osteoporosis. Green tea stands out in particular due to its powerful antioxidant benefits. It’s cancer preventive effects appear to be due to its polyphenol content.

Most teas contain large amounts of polyphenols―plant-based substances that have been shown to have antioxidant, anticancer, and antiviral properties. However, green tea is particularly rich in a type of polyphenols called catechins. These substances have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, but recent research in animals show that catechins may also affect body fat accumulation and cholesterol levels. Green tea extract has been shown to protect the cardiovascular system, by means of one particular polyphenol, EGCG (epigallocatechin-3 gallate) that has been found to reduce LDL oxidation, which is implicated in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the cardiovascular system. Learn more in Part Two of this series.

This entry was posted by Kiki Powers, MS, CNC on March 24th, 2008 under Health and Wellness with keywords .