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Green Tea
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Green Tea
The medicinal herb Green Tea as an alternative herbal remedy - All types of tea (green, black, and oolong) are produced from the Camellia sinensis plant using different methods. Fresh leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant are steamed to produce green tea.Common Names--green tea, Chinese tea, Japanese tea Latin Names--Camellia sinensis
What Green Tea Is Used For
- Green tea and green tea extracts, such as its component EGCG, have been used as an herbal remedy and to prevent and treat a variety of cancers, including breast, stomach, and skin cancers.
- Green tea and green tea extracts have also been used for improving mental alertness, aiding in weight loss, lowering cholesterol levels, and protecting skin from sun damage.
How Green Tea Is Used
- Green tea is usually brewed and drunk as a beverage. Green tea extracts can be taken in capsules and are sometimes used in skin products.
What the Science Says about Green Tea
- Laboratory studies suggest that green tea may help protect against or slow the growth of certain cancers, but studies in people have shown mixed results.
- Some evidence suggests that the use of green tea preparations improves mental alertness, most likely because of its caffeine content. There are not enough reliable data to determine whether green tea can aid in weight loss, lower blood cholesterol levels, or protect the skin from sun damage.
- NCCAM is supporting studies to learn more about the components in green tea and their effects on conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Side Effects and Cautions of Green Tea
- Green tea is safe for most adults when used in moderate amounts.
- Green tea and green tea extracts contain caffeine. Caffeine can cause insomnia, anxiety, irritability, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, or frequent urination in some people. Caffeine can also raise blood pressure, and in very high doses, it can cause seizures, delirium, or irregular heart rhythms.
- Green tea contains small amounts of vitamin K, which can make anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin, less effective.
- Tell your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including green tea. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
Brewing and serving Green Tea
- article: source: wikipedia
Steeping is the process of making a cup of tea; it is also referred to as brewing. In general, two grams of tea per 100ml of water, or about one teaspoon of green tea per five ounce cup, should be used. With very high-quality teas like gyokuro, more than this amount of leaf is used, and the leaf is steeped multiple times for short durations. Green tea steeping time and temperature varies with different tea. The hottest steeping temperatures are 81°C to 87°C (180°F to 190°F) water and the longest steeping times two to three minutes. The coolest brewing temperatures are 61°C to 69°C (140°F to 160°F) and the shortest times about 30 seconds. In general, lower-quality green teas are steeped hotter and longer, while higher-quality teas are steeped cooler and shorter. Steeping green tea too hot or too long will result in a bitter, astringent brew, regardless of the initial quality. It is thought that excessively hot water results in tannin chemical release, which is especially problematic in green teas, as they have higher contents of these. High-quality green teas can be and usually are steeped multiple times; two or three steepings is typical. The steeping technique also plays a very important role in avoiding the tea developing an overcooked taste. The container in which the tea is steeped or teapot should also be warmed beforehand so that the tea does not immediately cool down. It is common practice for tea leaf to be left in the cup or pot and for hot water to be added as the tea is drunk until the flavor degrades.
News About Green Tea
Prevent Glaucoma with Green Tea
- By Jessica Root, Megan (Planet Green)
It’s old news that a mug of green tea is a potent pro-health powerhouse. From lighter more cosmetic perks like keeping skin youthful and toned to more serious preventative care like fighting Alzheimer’s and cancer. All of these benefits are obtained from the absorption of green tea catchetins and other anti-oxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E and lutein into the stomach and gastrointestinal tract.
What scientists didn’t discover until now is that these very same anti-aging goodies from green tea also pass from the gastrointestinal tract into the tissues of the eye. This was concluded after giving lab rats some green tea to drink and after, analyzing their eye tissue. The anti-oxidative effects of the green tea lasted as long as 20 hours! This recent finding confirms green tea’s potential ability to support healthy peepers by preventing glaucoma. A seriously exciting discovery since the optic nerve damaging-disease often leads to loss of vision.
So whether you like your brew spiked with local, organic honey, splashed with a squeeze of lemon or simply plain and strong like my perfect cup–drink often for good health and good sight!
Make green tea even greener by looking for the all-important fair trade label. Equal Exchange, for example, offers excellent and tasty fairly traded green tea bags.
Green tea weight loss - do these drinks REALLY shrink your waist REVEALED
- By Emily Hodgkin
GREEN tea has been said to help with weight loss for many years, but does the plant really help you slim? Express.co.uk investigates.
Green tea, originally from China, is a type of tea that is made from Camellia sinensis leaves.
Unlike other leaves used for black tea - green tea leaves have not withered, which is why they still have their lush green colour.
Health effects of the drink are touted amongst nutritionists and health experts.
Looking at scientific studies it does seem that a number make a strong link between drinking the herbal tea and weight loss.
A green tea weight loss trial found that green tea had a big effect on weight loss of the patients in the study.
Moderately overweight people where given two drinks each a day.
For one group all were placebos, the other had one serving of green tea while the other had two.
Scientists who carried out the research, in Shanghai, China, found: “We observed a decrease in estimated intra-abdominal fat in the GT3 group,” or the group with two servings of green tea.
They added: “In addition, we found decreases of 1.9 cm in waist circumference and 1.2 kg body weight.”
This is fairly impressive considering the study did not include any other changes in diet or exercise.
A similar study that aimed to measure the effects of green tea on overweight Thai patients found the same thing.
“We conclude that green tea can reduce body weight in obese Thai subjects by increasing energy expenditure and fat oxidation,” the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, at Khon Kaen University found.
The University of Maryland Medical Centre’s Complementary and Alternative Medicine Guide strongly recommends green tea for those looking to boost weight loss.
The paper states: “Clinical studies suggest that green tea extract may boost metabolism and help burn fat.
“One study found that the combination of green tea and caffeine improved weight loss and maintenance in people who were overweight and moderately obese.”
This facility specifically recommends 2 to 3 cups of green tea per day, depending on the brand - or 100 to 750 mg per day of standardised green tea extract.
However, not all studies are in agreement. Others have found no correlation between drinking green tea and weight loss.
Although drinking green tea or taking green tea supplements decreases cholesterol, the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College found, and some studies have observed drinking the tea can reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
So while a certain link cannot be made between green tea and weight loss, it does seem that the relatively cheap drink is likely to have a positive effect on your overall health.
Have you heard of the latest diet that nutritionists claim to offer ‘superior’ weight loss.
The diet involves limiting carbs to 50 grams or less, which puts the body into a state of ketosis.
11 Health Benefits of Green Tea You Haven’t Heard Before
- Source:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-4664232/Mum-sheds-8-stone-says-s-drinking-green-tea.html
- (Reader's Digest Editors)
This miracle beverage is effective at fighting everything from cancer to acne. So pour a cup, and let the benefits begin.
- Help prevent multiple cancers
The study of green tea and cancer prevention is still in early stages, but the results are promising. Researchers suspect that polyphenols in green tea help kill cancer cells and stop their progression, an important role to prevent various cancers.
- • In a study of 472 women with breast cancer, those who drank the most green tea experienced the least spread of the disease. Researchers also found that women in the early stages of breast cancer who drank at least five cups of green tea every day during their diagnoses were less likely to have the disease recur after the completed treatment.
- • In looking at more than 35,000 women in the Iowa Women's Health study, those who drank two or more cups of tea a day were almost 30 percent less likely to develop colon cancer than those who rarely drank tea.
- • One Chinese study found that men who drank more than three cups of tea a day reduced their risk of prostate cancer by 70 percent. In another study funded by the National Institute of Health, 79 men with prostate cancer were told to either drink 6 cups of green tea a day or 6 cups of water. After 3 to 8 weeks, the levels of prostate-specific antigen, a protein that may indicate cancer, were lower in the men who drank green tea than those who drank water. An indicator of inflammation, nuclear factor-kappaB, linked to cancer growth, was also lower in the men who drank the green tea.
- • In skin cancer studies, lab animals that were given green tea developed 1/10th as many tumors as animals that were given water. The EGCC in green tea inhibits the production of urokinase, an enzyme that cancer cells need in order to grow. It also seems to stimulate the process of programmed cell death, or apoptosis, in cancer cells.
- Make your heart healthier
Green tea contains significant amounts of flavonoids, antioxidants that protect against heart disease by slowing the breakdown of LDL cholesterol, preventing blood clots, and improving blood vessel function. Green tea is also associated with lower cholesterol and lower rates of artery blockages. People who drink a cup or two a day have a 46 percent lower risk of developing narrowed arteries. Upping that to three cups a day lowers the risk of having a heart attack by 43 percent and of dying from a heart attack by 70 percent. It can even help prevent a second heart attack. In a study of 1,900 patients recovering from heart attacks at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, the death rate among patients who drank at least two cups of tea a day was 44 percent lower than among non-tea drinkers.
- Soothe arthritis
To cut down on aches and pains, try to sip four cups of green tea a day. The tea contains quercetin, a chemical compound that acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. In a recent study conducted at Case Western Reserve University, researchers gave mice the equivalent of four cups of green tea a day, then gave them a substance that would normally produce rheumatoid arthritis. The tea-drinking mice were far less likely to develop arthritis than mice that drank water. According to the Iowa Women's Health Study, women who drank more than three cups of tea a day were 60 percent less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than non tea drinkers. Other research has found that tea’s polyphenols—antioxidant properties—are also anti-inflammatory and improve arthritis-related immune responses.
- Boost your brain
Researchers from the Netherlands confirmed in a recent study that two green tea compounds, L-theanine and caffeine, can significantly boost levels of attention and alertness, building on what is already known about tea’s brain benefits. Green tea is less likely to make you jittery and anxious than other energy-boosting drinks, because it contains lower levels of caffeine than other teas or coffee. In another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers discovered that drinking just one cup of green tea a day made people age 55 and older 38 percent less likely to experience a decline in their mental abilities. Drinking a second cup daily made them 54 percent less likely to show mental declines.
- Clear up acne
A University of Miami study found that even a mild dose of green tea’s antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds erased almost two-thirds of pimples from people with mild to moderate acne when used twice daily for six weeks. To benefit, make a cup of green tea, let cool, and use as a face wash, or lay the tea bag directly on the skin to act as a compress for particularly bad pimples. For oily skin, mix peppermint tea with the green tea for an oil blasting wash; and to calm inflamed skin, add chamomile to green tea for a soothing acne home remedy.
- Fight a UTI
Drinking 2 to 3 cups of green tea daily can help clear up a urinary tract infection. The tea contains antioxidants that one study found can reduce bladder inflammation. Other studies have shown that green tea drinkers have a 40 percent lower incidence of UTIs than those who did not drink green tea.
- Relieve allergies
Green tea is rich in flavonoids, plant chemicals that protect against inflammation. For struggles with allergies, try drinking a few cups of tea a day and see if the sinus inflammation goes down.
- Reduce puffy eyes
Some herbalists claim that tea bag compresses speed the healing of a black eye, but to calm puffy tissues, take two wet green tea bags, place them on tired or swollen eyes, and lie down for 15 to 20 minutes as the tea soothes and refreshes.
- Reduce asthma symptoms
The antioxidant quercetin, found in green tea, has been shown to inhibit the release of inflammatory substances from mast cells, which are involved in allergic responses. (This is how some asthma drugs work.) Try drinking two cups of green tea day to keep asthma symptoms at bay.
- Cut down on stress
Green tea is lower in caffeine than most other teas, so you may be able to drink the five cups a day that lowered psychological stress in a large group of Japanese people in a recent study done at Sendai’s Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine. The researchers didn’t identify any particular component of green tea that might have been soothing, but animal studies suggest that one compound, EGCC, had both sedative and hypnotic effects that tamp down the body’s production of stress chemicals.
- Provide off-the-charts levels of antioxidants
Scientists at Tufts University compared the "ORAC" (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, a measurement of the total antioxidant power of foods and other chemical substances) of black and green tea and 22 fruits and vegetables, and found green tea brewed for five minutes outranked even so-called superfoods on the produce list. And EGCC, a catechin found in tea (and shows highest levels in green tea) has been shown to protect the DNA in cells from cancer-inducing changes. Antioxidants are essential for neutralizing and removing free radicals found in the bloodstream that can damage cells and cause disease. This antioxidant ability may be why green tea is believed to play a role in cancer prevention.
Drinking green tea before taking supplements may offer protection from toxicity
- Source:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-4664232/Mum-sheds-8-stone-says-s-drinking-green-tea.html
- By Jo Tweedy For Mailonline
- • Mother-of-one Siobhan Thornton once tipped the scales at over 17 stone
- • The 23-year-old from East Kilbride said her weight left her feeling depressed
- • She decided to try and drink green tea after reading it could boost metabolism
- • Thornton says weight fell off, with the help of regular exercise and a vibroplate
A mother desperate to lose weight has revealed how she has shed eight stone - aided by drinking gallons of green tea.
Single mother-of-one Siobhan Thornton, 23, from East Kilbride turned to the healthy green brew after reading that it could boost metabolism.
When the weight started to drop from her 17-and-a-half stone frame after drinking it, she was spurred on to exercise and cut out junk food.
Siobhan had always been a size 14 to 16, but after having her baby, Tia, three-and-a-half years ago, her weight exploded and she could barely squeeze into a size 22.
By the end of 2015, she weighed in at 17 stone 7lbs, had split up with her partner, was close to being diabetic and was severely depressed by her appearance.
She ate nothing but junk food, spent nights on the sofa devouring chocolate, avoided mirrors and says she rarely went out. Determined to slim down, she began researching weight loss aids online and tried adding a minimum of two cups of green tea a day to her daily routine, and was amazed at how good she soon started to feel.
Green tea is a natural alternative to black tea, made from the camellia sinensis leaf and unique because it doesn't undergo the 'withering' and 'oxidation' used in more conventional teas.
She explains: 'I am certain that I lost the first three stone through drinking green tea alone. My metabolism just went through the roof and I hadn't done much else.
'I was measuring my waist and it was getting smaller and smaller and I wasn't doing any exercise. Green tea is so underrated and it's cheap as chips.' Now, weighing less than nine stone and wearing a size eight dress, Siobhan says she is fighting off blokes who can't get enough of her trim new look.
Chuffed Siobhan is inundated with requests for dates from guys who previously shunned her and has even downloaded Tinder.
The cafe worker said: 'I used to avoid looking at myself - now my confidence is through the roof and I've halved my BMI.
Studies have shown that green tea helps fat oxidation and improves exercise performance.
In one weight loss study, the active ingredient EGCG showed 24-hour metabolism rises of 4%, equivalent to burning an extra 65 to 200 calories a day.
After a trip to her GP in her home of East Kilbride, she was given the choice of anti-depressants or personal training sessions.
She began going to the gym several times a week. She was so unfit, her initial training sessions made her ill.
After researching online, she began drinking green tea whenever she remembered.
She said: 'The first two and a half to three stone fell off because of the green tea, because I hadn't really kicked the exercise up a gear.
'I couldn't believe that it was something so simple. Now I look back at old pictures and can't believe it's me and neither can anyone else.'
By 2017, her weight had dropped to under nine stone after she continued to guzzle the green tea and added three gym trips three times a week.
She says she still eats junk food - but only in moderation. She also bought a vibro plate - which slims using vibrations - to stand on while she watched TV.
And her new slimline physique now means she is attracting dates.
She explains: 'I've had people chase me down on the motorway twice trying to give me their numbers. I'm still processing getting this sort of attention.'
- JUST WHY IS GREEN TEA SO GOOD FOR YOU?
Green tea is a natural alternative to black tea, made from the camellia sinensis leaf and unique because it doesn't undergo the 'withering' and 'oxidation' used in more conventional teas...
- It can help to burn fat
It can help speed up the metabolic rate because its antioxidant effect helps the liver to function more efficiently.
A recent U.S. study of overweight men found that, with no other changes to their diet or exercise regimes, drinking green tea three times a day burned up 200 extra calories a day.
The green tea drinkers also found that their energy levels were greatly increased.
- ...and protects against heart disease
It has been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, because its potent antioxidant effects inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol in the arteries. The formation of abnormal blood clots (thrombosis) is the leading cause of heart attack and stroke, and green tea has been shown to inhibit abnormal blood clot formation as effectively as aspirin.
- ...can help lower blood pressure
A major cause of hypertension (high blood pressure) is an enzyme secreted by the kidneys called angiotension- converting enzyme (ACE). Popular drugs for hypertension act as ACE inhibitors: by blocking the effects of ACE, blood pressure is reduced. Green tea is a natural ACE inhibitor, and several medical studies show lowered blood pressure in animals and humans given green tea extracts.
Drinking green tea before taking supplements may offer protection from toxicity
- (Penn State)
As high doses of green tea extract supplements for weight loss become more popular, potential liver toxicity becomes a concern. In the last decade, dozens of people have been diagnosed with the condition. However, drinking green tea in the weeks before taking supplements likely reduces risk, according to researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.
Researchers gave mice high doses of the green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). The dosage was equivalent to the amount of the polyphenol found in some dietary supplements taken by humans.
One group of mice was pretreated with a diet containing a low level of ECGC for two weeks prior to receiving high doses of the polyphenol. Another group was fed a diet that did not include EGCG prior to receiving the high, supplement-like doses. After three days of high doses, the scientists tested the blood of the mice to determine how their livers handled the EGCG. Pretreated mice had a 75 percent reduction in liver toxicity compared to untreated mice.
The research data show that dietary pretreatment with the green tea polyphenol protects mice from liver toxicity caused by subsequent high oral doses of the same compound, explained Josh Lambert, associate professor of food science. He suggested that the research has relevance to people who are taking or are considering taking supplements containing green tea extract.
"We believe this study indicates that those who are chronic green tea consumers would be less sensitive to potential liver toxicity from green-tea-based dietary supplements," he said. "If you are going to take green tea supplements, drinking green tea for several weeks or months ahead of time may reduce your potential side effects."
Lambert has another suggestion for people considering green tea supplements -- drink green tea instead.
"Drinking green tea rather than taking supplements will allow you to realize the benefits and avoid the risk of liver toxicity," he said. "The beneficial effects that people have reported as being associated with green tea are the result of dietary consumption rather than the use of supplements. The relative risk of using supplements remains unclear."
Tea -- Camellia sinensis -- is rich in catechins, polyphenols that are natural antioxidants. A number of animal studies have shown the preventive effects of green tea polyphenols against obesity. And Lambert pointed out that a recent analysis of 11 human trials with green tea preparations reported a nearly three-pound average body weight loss in intervention groups compared to control groups.
Green tea's effect on weight loss may be more noticeable if a person exercises. In research published last year, Lambert showed that mice on a high-fat diet that consumed decaffeinated green tea extract and exercised regularly experienced sharp reductions in final body weight and significant improvements in health.
Approximately 34 percent of adults in the United States are classified as obese, Lambert noted, leading to a strong interest in the potential benefits of including green tea and green tea supplements in weight-loss efforts. The liver toxicity research, recently published online in Food and Chemical Toxicology, revealed a unique property of the green tea polyphenol EGCG.
"It appears that EGCG can modulate its own bioavailability and that dietary treatment may reduce the toxic potential of acute high oral doses of EGCG," said lead researcher Sarah Forester, assistant professor of chemistry, California State University, Bakersfield, a former Penn State postdoctoral fellow.
"These data may partly explain the observed variation in liver toxicity response to dietary supplements containing green tea."
Some people drink surprisingly large volumes of green tea, according to Lambert, as much as 10-20 cups a day, but liver toxicity has never been reported in that context.
"No person can sit down and drink 16 cups of green tea all at once," he said. "However if you take a supplement you can get that type of green tea extract dose, so there is some indication that the dosage form has an influence on the potential to cause liver toxicity."
11 Health Benefits of Green Tea You Haven’t Heard Before
- (Reader's Digest Editors)
This miracle beverage is effective at fighting everything from cancer to acne. So pour a cup, and let the benefits begin.
- Help prevent multiple cancers
The study of green tea and cancer prevention is still in early stages, but the results are promising. Researchers suspect that polyphenols in green tea help kill cancer cells and stop their progression, an important role to prevent various cancers.
- • In a study of 472 women with breast cancer, those who drank the most green tea experienced the least spread of the disease. Researchers also found that women in the early stages of breast cancer who drank at least five cups of green tea every day during their diagnoses were less likely to have the disease recur after the completed treatment. • In looking at more than 35,000 women in the Iowa Women's Health study, those who drank two or more cups of tea a day were almost 30 percent less likely to develop colon cancer than those who rarely drank tea. • One Chinese study found that men who drank more than three cups of tea a day reduced their risk of prostate cancer by 70 percent. In another study funded by the National Institute of Health, 79 men with prostate cancer were told to either drink 6 cups of green tea a day or 6 cups of water. After 3 to 8 weeks, the levels of prostate-specific antigen, a protein that may indicate cancer, were lower in the men who drank green tea than those who drank water. An indicator of inflammation, nuclear factor-kappaB, linked to cancer growth, was also lower in the men who drank the green tea. • In skin cancer studies, lab animals that were given green tea developed 1/10th as many tumors as animals that were given water. The EGCC in green tea inhibits the production of urokinase, an enzyme that cancer cells need in order to grow. It also seems to stimulate the process of programmed cell death, or apoptosis, in cancer cells.
- Make your heart healthier
Green tea contains significant amounts of flavonoids, antioxidants that protect against heart disease by slowing the breakdown of LDL cholesterol, preventing blood clots, and improving blood vessel function. Green tea is also associated with lower cholesterol and lower rates of artery blockages. People who drink a cup or two a day have a 46 percent lower risk of developing narrowed arteries. Upping that to three cups a day lowers the risk of having a heart attack by 43 percent and of dying from a heart attack by 70 percent. It can even help prevent a second heart attack. In a study of 1,900 patients recovering from heart attacks at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, the death rate among patients who drank at least two cups of tea a day was 44 percent lower than among non-tea drinkers.
- Soothe arthritis
To cut down on aches and pains, try to sip four cups of green tea a day. The tea contains quercetin, a chemical compound that acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. In a recent study conducted at Case Western Reserve University, researchers gave mice the equivalent of four cups of green tea a day, then gave them a substance that would normally produce rheumatoid arthritis. The tea-drinking mice were far less likely to develop arthritis than mice that drank water. According to the Iowa Women's Health Study, women who drank more than three cups of tea a day were 60 percent less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than non tea drinkers. Other research has found that tea’s polyphenols—antioxidant properties—are also anti-inflammatory and improve arthritis-related immune responses.
- Boost your brain
Researchers from the Netherlands confirmed in a recent study that two green tea compounds, L-theanine and caffeine, can significantly boost levels of attention and alertness, building on what is already known about tea’s brain benefits. Green tea is less likely to make you jittery and anxious than other energy-boosting drinks, because it contains lower levels of caffeine than other teas or coffee. In another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers discovered that drinking just one cup of green tea a day made people age 55 and older 38 percent less likely to experience a decline in their mental abilities. Drinking a second cup daily made them 54 percent less likely to show mental declines.
- Clear up acne
A University of Miami study found that even a mild dose of green tea’s antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds erased almost two-thirds of pimples from people with mild to moderate acne when used twice daily for six weeks. To benefit, make a cup of green tea, let cool, and use as a face wash, or lay the tea bag directly on the skin to act as a compress for particularly bad pimples. For oily skin, mix peppermint tea with the green tea for an oil blasting wash; and to calm inflamed skin, add chamomile to green tea for a soothing acne home remedy.
- Fight a UTI
Drinking 2 to 3 cups of green tea daily can help clear up a urinary tract infection. The tea contains antioxidants that one study found can reduce bladder inflammation. Other studies have shown that green tea drinkers have a 40 percent lower incidence of UTIs than those who did not drink green tea.
- Relieve allergies
Green tea is rich in flavonoids, plant chemicals that protect against inflammation. For struggles with allergies, try drinking a few cups of tea a day and see if the sinus inflammation goes down.
- Reduce puffy eyes
Some herbalists claim that tea bag compresses speed the healing of a black eye, but to calm puffy tissues, take two wet green tea bags, place them on tired or swollen eyes, and lie down for 15 to 20 minutes as the tea soothes and refreshes.
- Reduce asthma symptoms
The antioxidant quercetin, found in green tea, has been shown to inhibit the release of inflammatory substances from mast cells, which are involved in allergic responses. (This is how some asthma drugs work.) Try drinking two cups of green tea day to keep asthma symptoms at bay.
- Cut down on stress
Green tea is lower in caffeine than most other teas, so you may be able to drink the five cups a day that lowered psychological stress in a large group of Japanese people in a recent study done at Sendai’s Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine. The researchers didn’t identify any particular component of green tea that might have been soothing, but animal studies suggest that one compound, EGCC, had both sedative and hypnotic effects that tamp down the body’s production of stress chemicals.
- Provide off-the-charts levels of antioxidants
Scientists at Tufts University compared the "ORAC" (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, a measurement of the total antioxidant power of foods and other chemical substances) of black and green tea and 22 fruits and vegetables, and found green tea brewed for five minutes outranked even so-called superfoods on the produce list. And EGCC, a catechin found in tea (and shows highest levels in green tea) has been shown to protect the DNA in cells from cancer-inducing changes. Antioxidants are essential for neutralizing and removing free radicals found in the bloodstream that can damage cells and cause disease. This antioxidant ability may be why green tea is believed to play a role in cancer prevention.
The Benefits & Effects of Green Tea
- By Tracey Roizman (DC)
Green tea, made from the unfermented leaves of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis, was first used as a beverage and for its medicinal benefits during the Zhou dynasty in China, as far back as 1046 B.C. Now consumed worldwide, green tea has been the subject of considerable scientific research, some of which supports its numerous traditional uses.
- Weight Loss
A few cups of green tea each day may help you achieve and maintain your ideal weight, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Antioxidant compounds in green tea, known as catechins, increase metabolic rate and help you burn calories. In a study published in 2009 in "Journal of Nutrition," participants who consumed green tea in combination with regular exercise lost almost twice as much abdominal fat in 12 weeks as participants who exercised but did not consume green tea.
- Blood Sugar
Green tea can keep your blood sugar on the level and help prevent Type 2 diabetes, according to Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, the active ingredient in green tea, works like insulin and lowers blood sugar by telling the liver to not produce glucose. Drinking green tea with meals may also inhibit absorption of sugar in the digestive tract, preventing blood sugar spikes that occur after meals. A study published in the February 2009 issue of the journal "Obesity" found that Type 2 diabetics who consumed green tea daily for 12 weeks showed lower levels of hemoglobin A1c, or HbA1c, a blood marker that reflects blood sugar levels for 3 months preceding the test.
- Breast Cancer Prevention
Breast cancer prevention may be among the many health benefits of green tea, according to Tufts University research professor Gail Sonenshein. Green tea might help shrink breast cancer tumors by up to 70 percent and also inhibit them from invading surrounding tissues. Green tea might also help prevent the spread of inflammatory breast cancer, a particularly malignant form of breast cancer that affects younger women. In a study published in the January 2010 issue of the journal "Breast Cancer Research and Treatment," consumption of more than 3 cups of green tea per day reduced breast cancer risk by about 20 percent.
- Heart Health
With heart disease the No. 1 cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it pays to watch your cholesterol levels, and green tea may help in that department, according to a study published in the May 2012 issue of the "International Journal of Molecular Medicine." Researchers found that EGCG prevents arterial plaque buildup by inhibiting formation of foam cells, inflammation- and plaque-promoting cells that result when white blood cells ingest oxidized cholesterol and then burrow into the linings of arteries. Green tea also acts as a diuretic, an effect that contributes to heart health by helping to lower blood pressure, according to the University of Texas, El Paso.
7 Health Benefits of Tea That You Haven’t Already Heard
- By Josh Axe
In cultures around the world, from the UK to India, many people consume tea on a daily basis—sometimes multiple cups. And while Americans have certainly increased consumption of green tea—thanks to its ability to naturally boost metabolism and help you lose weight—most of us are missing out on other equally beneficial teas.
Aside from green tea, the health benefits of white tea and black tea are plentiful as well. And the same is true with rooibos tea.
So what can all of these teas really do for your health? Read on to find out.
- Improve Heart Health
The catechins (a type of antioxidant) in some teas have been shown to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, while improving cardiovascular health and repairing vein tissue.
Research shows that rooibos tea decreases blood pressure because it regulates hormones produced from the adrenals. Rooibos also contains the antioxidant aspalathin, and it’s the only food or beverage that contains it. Aspalathin is particularly important for heart health because it protects against oxidation, ischemia and vascular inflammation.
Black tea is similar to rooibos in its heart-protective benefits. In addition to balancing cholesterol, one study found that consuming nine grams of black tea significantly lowered heart disease risk factors, including fasting serum glucose and triglycerides.
- Boosts Immunity
White, black and rooibos tea all contain antioxidants, which help combat disease and boost immunity. Quercetin, in particular, is a powerful antioxidant found in tea that treats all sorts of conditions, including heart disease factors, diabetes, hay fever, cataracts, ulcer, asthma, gout, viral infections, and more.
The antioxidants present in teas are also antibacterial and have been shown to kill harmful bacteria such as H. pylori, which can impact digestion and the gut, and reduce immune function.
- Helps Fight Cancer
White, black, and rooibos tea have all shown the ability to combat cancer. In particular, the flavonoids in those teas have shown promise against colon, prostate and stomach cancers, by helping to slow or kill the growth of cancer cells.
And, again, quercetin plays an important role here. It’s thought to treat cancer because it stops the process of cell mutation, which suppresses malignant tumor growth.
Studies have also linked black tea consumption to a lower risk of advanced stage prostate cancer, along with halted growth of ovarian cancer cells.
- Reduces Risk of Diabetes
Several types of tea have been shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, including black, white and rooibos.
Rooibos, in particular, seems very effective in combatting diabetes thanks to its aspalathin content. It’s thought to have a strong anti-diabetic effect, in addition to helping fight cancer.
- Aids Digestion
Several compounds found in tea have been shown to treat abdominal pain, diarrhea and upset stomach. It’s believed the tannins in tea play a large role in this.
- Supports Bone Strength
White and rooibos teas, in particular, can help build bone strength thanks to the vitamins and minerals they contain, including manganese, calcium and fluoride. These help increase “osteoblast activity,” which helps create and build bone mass.
Rooibos also contains orientin and luteolin—two flavonoids that increase bone mineral content.
- Promotes Skin and Hair Health
There’s a reason so many beauty products have added tea extracts to their formulas: The high concentration of antioxidants in tea helps protect the skin and hair from free radical and environmental damage. Specifically, it’s been shown to prevent wrinkles and protect hair follicles from damage. One element that’s responsible for this is alpha hydroxy acid, which has a very strong protective effect on skin and hair.
- Further Tea Benefits
Those seven benefits are some of the most prominent that are common among many teas. However, that’s not all you can get from consuming this popular beverage. Rooibos has also been shown to help treat allergies, while black tea may potentially stave off strokes and lower stress hormones.
Then there are less-popular teas like yerba mate and pau d’arco tea.
In addition to helping kill colon cancer cells, stimulate the immune system, reduce cholesterol and promote healthy weight loss like other teas, yerba mate also helps increase daily nutrient intake, containing at least 15 amino acids, tannins, antioxidants, trace minerals, polyhpenols, flavonols, chlorophyll, carotene and more.
Pau D’Arco, meanwhile, has been shown to:
- • Reduce pain
- Fight candida
- Lower inflammation
- Treat ulcers
- Detoxify the body
Obviously, green tea isn’t the only beneficial tea available. Black, white, rooibos, Pau D’Arco, and yerba mate all feature a laundry list of health benefits that can improve every aspect of your overall wellness. So if you aren’t already drinking tea on a daily basis, now’s definitely the time to start.
Green tea compound can help treat Down syndrome
- (The Nation)
A compound found in green tea has shown promise for the treatment of Down syndrome, according to a new study.
A green tea compound called Epigallocatechin Gallate could benefit cognitive functioning for people with Down syndrome.
Study co-leader Dr Mara Dierssen, of the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona, Spain, and colleagues reveal how the compound epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) improved the cognitive function of individuals with the condition.
According to the researchers, their study represents the first time a treatment has shown some improvement in cognitive skills for people with Down syndrome.
According to the National Down Syndrome Society, around 1 in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome, and there are more than 400,000 Americans living with the condition.
Down syndrome is the most common genetic condition in the US, occurring when an individual has a partial or full additional copy of chromosome 21, meaning they have three copies of this chromosome, rather than the normal two.
This extra chromosome leads to over expression of genes, which can cause a number of physical symptoms, including reduced muscle tone, a small head, ears, and mouth, a flattened facial profile, and upward-slanting eyes.
Individuals with Down syndrome may also experience problems with cognitive function, such as delayed language and speech development, learning and memory impairments, and poor concentration.
According to Dr Dierssen and colleagues, research has shown that such cognitive impairments are down to over expression of a gene called DYRK1A, and studies in mice have suggested the compound EGCG could reduce DYRK1A over expression.
Now, the new study indicates that the compound could do the same for people with Down syndrome, achieving an improvement in cognitive function. Meanwhile a new research into anxiety disorders has reported that women and adults under the age of 35 are more likely to experience anxiety than other groups.
The researchers found that women, young adults, and people with other medical conditions were most at risk for anxiety disorders.
In particular, the researchers state that women are almost twice as likely to be affected as men. This difference did not change over time.
The aim of the review was to understand the prevalence of anxiety disorders in both the general public as well as among specific groups of people.
“Anxiety disorders can make life extremely difficult for some people and it is important for our health services to understand how common they are and which groups of people are at greatest risk,” explains first author Olivia Remes, of the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental disorders present in the general population. Examples of anxiety disorders include post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and social anxiety disorder.
The CDC estimates that the lifetime prevalence of anxiety disorders is more than 15 percent.
Typical symptoms of anxiety disorders include increased worrying, tension, tiredness, and fear. These symptoms can prevent people from keeping to their everyday routines. The study authors report that the annual cost of these disorders to the United States is estimated to be $42.3 billion.
Many more scientific reviews have examined the effects of depression than the effects of anxiety, despite this impact on society. The new review, published in Brain and Behaviour, aims to shed further light on this area of research.
Can Green Tea Boost Serotonin?
- By Tracey Roizman (DC)
The history of green tea dates to ancient China, where it was used as a medicinal herb. In the 15th century, the beverage was reserved for nobles and the wealthy. Nowadays, green tea is consumed daily by much of the world's population. Some of its purported health benefits, including its effects on serotonin levels, have been substantiated by scientific research.
- Theanine
Green tea contains an amino acid called theanine that may affect secretion of serotonin and other neurotransmitters, including the calming neurotransmitter GABA and the activating neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine, according to doctor Michael B. Schachter, author of "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Depression: The Breakthrough Integrative Approach for Effective Treatment." Theanine helps you relax without feeling drowsy, so it is safe to take during the day. It also promotes relaxing alpha brain waves and helps induce sleep. Its main effects are to increase levels of GABA and dopamine, which increases your sense of well-being. Its effects on serotonin are less well-understood, though it works well in conjunction with 5-HTP, an amino acid precursor to serotonin. Typical doses range from 100 to 600 milligrams per day.
- Brain Health
Green tea may protect brain cells and improve cognition, according to a study published in the 2006 issue of the "Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy." The review of previously published studies reports that theanine, a compound found only in green tea, increases serotonin, dopamine and GABA levels while inhibiting the activating neurotransmitter glutamate, which causes oxidation and nerve damage at high levels. Theanine also improves learning and memory. Researchers call for further research to more fully understand the potential benefits of green tea.
- Fast Acting
Out of 18 amino acids in green tea, theanine makes up about half of the amino acid content, according to Lester A. Mitscher, Ph.D., author of "The Green Tea Book." Theanine is distinguished among amino acids for its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, a selective process that screens out potentially harmful substances and prevent them from entering your brain. Once in the brain, theanine acts quickly to increase serotonin and dopamine levels. Depending on the dose and your individual physiology, it may take effect within 40 minutes to relieve anxiety and promote healthy brain function. Theanine is considered safe, and there have been no reported side effects.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Green tea may help with the management of irritable bowel syndrome through its modulation of serotonin levels, according to Harvard Health Publications. Though serotonin is an important brain neurotransmitter, the majority -- about 95 percent -- of serotonin in your body is located in your intestinal tract, where it regulates bowel sensitivity and muscle function. Many experts feel that an important component to the puzzle of irritable bowel lies in balancing levels of hormones and neurotransmitters in the gut.
What Are the Benefits of Drinking Green Tea & Lemon With Honey?
- By Tracey Roizman (DC)
Green tea, one of the world's most widely consumed beverages, is a delicious source of antioxidants and other phytonutrients, making it easy to obtain the 2 to 3 cups per day recommended for optimal intake of its health-giving polyphenols. With lemon and honey, a classic blending of complementary flavors, green tea can be a soothing hot beverage or an energizing iced refreshment. The combination also offers particular health benefits.
- Green Tea Antioxidant and Weight-Loss Benefits
Green tea's high content of powerful flavonoid antioxidants, in particular, epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, provides numerous potential health benefits, including cancer and heart disease prevention, notes Harvard Health Publications. This beverage also offers weight-loss benefits, according to a study published in the February 2013 "Journal of Medicinal Food." Participants who consumed green tea daily for four weeks and participated in a program of weight training showed significantly increased lean body mass and resting metabolic rate -- a measure of how many calories your body burns while at rest -- compared to a control group that exercised but did not drink green tea.
- Green Tea With Lemon Benefits
Drinking green tea with lemon improves the health benefits of the tea, according to researchers at Purdue University. Citrus juice brings out green tea's antioxidants, making them more available for your body to absorb. Catechins, which prefer the acid environment of the stomach, become degraded in the more alkaline conditions of the small and large intestine, where nutrient absorption takes place. Lemon juice can increase the amount of catechins your body extracts from green tea by up to six times. While compounds in tea can inhibit iron absorption from foods in your diet, drinking your green tea with lemon reduces that effect.
- Lemon Benefits
Lemon provides a range of important nutrients, including phenolic antioxidants vitamin C and carotenes -- antioxidants in the vitamin A family. Herbalists and traditional medicine practitioners recommend lemon as a diuretic -- a substances that promotes urine production -- and as a remedy for gingivitis, or inflamed gums. Together with honey, lemon juice is used as a folk remedy for treating colds. Essential oils in lemon offer antimicrobial benefits.
- Honey Benefits
A rich source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, honey provides magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, copper and zinc as well as vitamins A, B-complex and C. Choose darker-hued honey for higher antioxidant content, advises the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Green tea with honey and lemon may also improve cold symptoms. Honey reduced nighttime coughing in children in a study published in the September 2012 issue of the journal "Pediatrics." Participants, aged 1 to 5 years, with respiratory colds consumed 10 grams of honey before bedtime. Parents reported significant improvement in their children's coughing frequency and severity compared to the previous night without honey.
Benefits of One to Two Cups of Green Tea
- By Alissa Fleck
Long used in traditional medicine, green tea has been studied extensively for its health properties. The results indicate even small amounts of green tea could be useful in preventing a wide range of ailments -- everything from treating gas to warding off cancer. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports drinking green tea is linked to a reduced risk of dying from any cause, therefore drinking at least 1 or 2 cups of green tea every day is a healthful addition to your lifestyle. Discuss safe green tea consumption with a healthcare provider first if you take any medications, as there could be an interaction.
- Antioxidants
According to the UMMC, of all tea varieties, green tea packs the greatest concentration of antioxidants called polyphenols. The UMMC places 2 cups of green tea a day in the recommended range to derive these beneficial effects. Antioxidants ward off free radicals in the body -- compounds that alter cells and can lead to cell death. Scientists indict free radicals in everything from the aging process to certain diseases like cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants like the polyphenols in green tea neutralize these free radicals and help decrease the likelihood of developing dangerous diseases. Two cups of green tea pack approximately 240 milligrams of polyphenols. According to the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, these polyphenols also inhibit amylase activity in the body. Amylase is an enzyme that breaks starch down into simple sugars to be absorbed in the blood stream. Polyphenols which reduce amylase production also decrease blood sugar levels. Unchecked, high blood sugar levels can lead to diabetes among other serious illnesses. The PCOM reports just 1 cup of green tea reduces amylase production by 87 percent.
- Atherosclerosis
The UMMC indicates the antioxidants in green tea could help prevent atherosclerosis -- or hardening of the arteries -- specifically coronary artery disease. Studies noted by the UMMC predict the risk of heart attack goes down 11 percent with a consumption rate of 3 cups of tea daily, but even 2 cups are enough to derive heart health benefits. Meanwhile, those who drank 2 or more cups of tea daily had a lower risk of dying after a heart attack, according to a study published in 2002 in the American Heart Association’s journal "Circulation," though even smaller quantities of tea were beneficial over none. General tea consumption -- even in small amounts -- was linked with a better rate of survival. Reduction in heart disease risk is partially attributed to green tea’s effect on cholesterol -- green tea lowers overall cholesterol and raises “good” HDL cholesterol. Green tea may block cholesterol absorption and even help the body rid itself of cholesterol.
- Cancer
Green tea may help fight a wide range of cancers, according to clinical studies discussed by the UMMC. The Preventive Medicine Center reports the antioxidant compound epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a type of catechin found in green tea, may be one of the best known anticancer compounds discovered by scientists. The anti-cancer benefits of this catechin can be achieved by consuming 2 cups of green tea daily, according to the PMC. A review published in "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" finds 1 cup of green tea contains approximately 90 milligrams of EGCG, the highest concentration among all teas studied. The review reports even 1 cup of tea daily shows significant increase in blood antioxidant capacity. While the authors believe green tea could help prevent cancer, and polyphenols in green tea may kill off cancerous cells or prevent them from growing, it is still not known whether green tea definitively prevents cancer. Some cancers believed to be targeted by green tea consumption include bladder cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, skin cancer and others, though studies have produced conflicting results.
- Dosage and Additional Benefits
A study published in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" in 2007 reports many health benefits with peak health impact at higher dosages of 2 or more cups of green tea, still have small nutritional benefit in doses as little as 1 cup daily. In these studies, even 1 cup of green tea is beneficial over consuming none. A study published in the American Heart Association’s journal "Stroke" in 2009 reports those who drink 3 or more cups of green tea daily have a reduced risk of having a stroke and of mortality from a stroke. Drinking large amounts of green tea is not necessarily advisable, as green tea does contain caffeine, which could have adverse effects -- such as anxiety, headaches and irritability -- in mass quantities. Decaffeinated varieties of green tea are, however, available and have many similar benefits.
Is Green Tea Good for You & How Much Can You Drink Daily?
- By Maia Appleby
Like black tea, green tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. The difference between them is green tea is made with unfermented leaves, while fully fermented leaves comprise black tea. Fermentation reduces the leaves' concentration of natural antioxidant compounds, or polyphenols, making green tea higher in antioxidants than black. The polyphenols in green tea appear to be more potent antioxidants than vitamin C, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, and drinking it in moderation may benefit your health.
- Catechins
Green tea contains six different types of polyphenols from the catechin family. The most active and widely studied of these is epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, a powerful antioxidant compound that also has antibacterial properties, according to authors of a "British Journal of Pharmacology" article published in 2013. They also noted that drinking green tea may ward off viral infections, such as influenza, hepatitis and herpes simplex, and may offer antifungal and antibacterial benefits, preventing a wide variety of diseases.
- Cardiovascular Benefits
A high dose of antioxidants prevents free radicals from damaging your cells, protecting you from illness and premature aging. Drinking green tea may help keep your blood sugar and cholesterol low, making it a beneficial beverage for diabetics and people at an elevated risk for heart disease. It also may prevent atherosclerosis, or hardened arteries, according to Brazilian researchers who published a study in "Nutrition Research" in 2012. The research team found mice that drank water infused with a low dose of green tea extract for four weeks experienced significant improvements in atherosclerotic lesions and vascular reactivity, compared to mice that drank plain water. Higher concentrations of green tea extract were less effective than lower concentrations.
- Cancer Prevention
In countries where green tea consumption is high, cancer rates tend to be low. Although research has yielded mixed results, some studies have indicated a link between green tea and a reduced risk of some types of cancer. Researchers from a study published in "Biomedical Research" in 2009 treated bladder cancer cells with green tea extract and found its catechin agents significantly inhibited the cells from growing. Green tea also may treat and prevent cancers of the pancreas, skin, breast, stomach, ovaries, esophagus, lungs and prostate.
- Daily Intake
The potency of green tea varies from brand to brand, as does the potential for toxicity from excessive use. An overdose of green tea can lead to liver damage and other unpleasant side effects. To maximize the health benefits of green tea safely, the UMMC recommends drinking 2 to 3 cups daily, giving you 240 to 320 milligrams of polyphenols. If you take green tea extract supplements, 100 to 750 milligrams per day is recommended. Opt for caffeine-free products when possible. Because few studies have been done on green tea's effects on children, it is safest not to give it to them.
Green tea: the elixir of life or just hype?
- (NHS Choices)
Green tea has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat everything from headaches to depression.
The leaves are supposedly richer in antioxidants than other types of tea because of the way they are processed.
Green tea contains B vitamins, folate (naturally occurring folic acid), manganese, potassium, magnesium, caffeine and other antioxidants, notably catechins.
All types of tea – green, black and oolong – are produced from the Camellia sinensis plant using different methods. Fresh leaves from the plant are steamed to produce green tea, while the leaves of black tea and oolong involve fermentation.
Green tea is alleged to boost weight loss, reduce cholesterol, combat cardiovascular disease, and prevent cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
We've teamed up with the British Dietetic Association (BDA) to examine whether the myriad health claims made about green tea are supported by the evidence. The evidence on green tea Does drinking green tea protect you from cancer?
There is no evidence drinking green tea protects against different types of cancer. A review from 2009 involving 51 studies, with more than 1.6 million participants, looked for an association between drinking green tea and cancers of the bowel, prostate, breast, mouth and lungs. The authors of the review concluded evidence of a link between green tea and cancer was weak and "highly contradictory".
A more recent 2015 study looked at the cancer-fighting effects of a compound found in green tea when combined with a drug called Herceptin, which is used in the treatment of stomach and breast cancer. Initial results in the laboratory were promising and human trials are now being planned.
But this shouldn't be taken as official advice that drinking green tea while taking Herceptin will make it more effective. Can green tea aid weight loss?
It's thought the antioxidants catechin and caffeine found in green tea may have a role in helping the body burn more calories – sometimes referred to as speeding up the metabolism – which can help weight loss.
Green tea preparations used for losing weight are extracts of green tea that contain a higher concentration of catechins and caffeine than the typical green tea beverage prepared from a tea bag and boiling water.
A well-conducted review from 2012 of 18 studies involving 1,945 people found no significant effect of weight loss from drinking green tea. Does green tea cut cholesterol?
A good-quality review from 2013 of 11 studies involving 821 people found daily consumption of green and black tea (as a drink or a capsule) could help lower cholesterol and blood pressure thanks to tea and its catechins. The authors of the review caution that most of the trials were short term and more good quality long-term trials are needed to back up their findings.
Another good-quality review from 2011 found drinking green tea enriched with catechins led to a small reduction in cholesterol, a main cause of heart disease and stroke. However, it's still not clear from the evidence how much green tea we'd need to drink to see a positive effect on our health, or what the long-term effects of drinking green tea are on our overall health. Can green tea help prevent or delay Alzheimer's disease?
Evidence of a positive link between drinking green tea and Alzheimer's disease is weak. A 2010 laboratory study using animal cells found a green tea preparation rich in antioxidants protected against the nerve cell death associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Whether these lab results can be reproduced in human trials remains to be seen. As such, the findings do not conclusively show green tea combats Alzheimer's disease. Can green tea lower blood pressure?
A 2014 survey of data from previously published studies looked at the evidence of whether drinking green tea could help lower blood pressure. There was evidence of a modest reduction in people with high blood pressure who consumed green tea. But whether this reduction would lead to clinically significant results, such as preventing the onset of heart disease or stroke, is unclear. Can green tea prevent tooth decay?
A small study from 2014 looked at how effective a green tea mouthwash was in preventing tooth decay compared with the more commonly used antibacterial mouthwash chlorhexidine. The results suggested they were equally effective, though green tea mouthwash has the added practical advantage of being cheaper. The dietitian's verdict on green tea
Alison Hornby, a dietitian and BDA spokesperson, says the evidence about green tea's health benefits is inconclusive.
She says: "In the Far East, green tea has been used as a treatment for a variety of conditions ranging from arthritis to weight loss, as well as a preventative measure for diseases such as cancer, although the evidence for the majority of these conditions is weak or lacking.
"However, as a social drink, it appears to be safe in moderate amounts, so lovers of green tea can continue to enjoy it."
Green Tea Benefits & Aging
- By Tracey Roizman (DC)
The ancient Japanese used tea as a vehicle for spiritual enlightenment. Today, much of the world's population consumes green tea, the unfermented form of the tea plant, on a daily basis. Many potential health benefits are attributed to green tea, including some that may contribute to increased longevity.
- Longevity
In Japan, practitioners of a certain type of green tea ceremony show a slightly longer lifespan than the average Japanese citizen, according to Campbell University. A study published in the February 2009 issue of the journal "Free Radical Biology and Medicine" found that epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, an antioxidant compound in green tea, extended the lives of a type of roundworm known as C. elegans. In the study, the green tea extract improved the longevity of C. elegans exposed to the physical stress of a heated environment by up to 13 percent. When exposed to oxidative stress, green tea-supplemented C. elegans lived 173 percent longer. Antioxidant activity of EGCG and its ability to increase production of stress-reducing proteins may account for the observed longevity benefits, noted researchers. Further studies are needed to determine whether these preliminary results extend to humans.
- Anti-Aging and Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects of green tea may delay signs of skin aging, such as sun damage, expression lines and wrinkles, according to a study published in the September 2010 issue of the journal "Collegium Anthropologicum." Catechins in green tea may also help prevent skin cancer due to sun exposure, notes Pearl E. Grimes, author of the book "Aesthetics and Cosmetic Surgery for Darker Skin Types." A study published in the October 2011 issue of the journal "Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications" found that EGCG inhibited a type of skin cancer called melanoma in laboratory animals by inhibiting genes that activate inflammation.
- Weight Reduction
Green tea may extend your life by helping you maintain your ideal weight and fitness level, according to a study published in the November 2012 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Food." In the study, green tea in combination with a weight-lifting program for eight weeks resulted in significant loss of body fat -- in particular, abdominal fat -- and a lowering of triglyceride levels. Participants also showed improvements in metabolic rate, muscle strength and lean body mass. These results imply decreased risk for cardiovascular and other degenerative diseases that reduce lifespan.
- Improved Function at Daily Activities
Regular consumption of green tea may help you maintain independence into older age by keeping you functioning better at normal activities of daily living, according to a study published in the March 2012 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Green tea lowers risk of stroke, cognitive impairment, osteoporosis and other diseases that lead to functional impairment, say researchers. In the study of nearly 14,000 Japanese participants aged 65 and older, consumption of 3 to 4 cups of green tea per day lowered risk for functional impairment by 25 percent, and more than 5 cups per day reduced risk by 33 percent.
What Is EGCG in Green Tea?
- By Paula Martinac
All plants contain compounds called phytochemicals, which help protect them from diseases. When you eat plant foods, you may also benefit from the disease-protective properties of these compounds, which are divided into subcategories such as polyphenols and carotenoids. The most significant phytochemical in green tea is a polyphenol called epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG for short. In laboratory, animal and human studies, the benefits of EGCG have begun to emerge.
- Anti-cancer
EGCG appears to have powerful antioxidant effects against free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage healthy cells and cause cancer as a result. According to a paper published in “Biochemical Pharmacology” in 2011, EGCG has proven to inhibit tumor growth in a variety of test-tube studies involving cancer of the stomach, lungs, liver, breast and colon. In addition, it promotes the death of cancer cells. The authors concluded that EGCG presents a promising cancer treatment, either alone or with other therapies.
- Brain Health
In an animal study published in a 2012 issue of “Molecular Nutrition & Food Research,” researchers looked at the potential of EGCG to enhance brain function. Specifically, they studied the effects of the polyphenol on the generation of neurons in the hippocampus, the area of the brain where memories are formed and is most affected by diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's. The research team found that the EGCG in green tea promotes neurogenesis -- neuron creation -- in the hippocampus of adult mice, thus improving cognitive function.
- Heart Health
The potential effects of EGCG for preventing heart disease, hypertension and stroke have also come under scrutiny. In a review published in 2007 in the “Journal of the American College of Nutrition,” Swen Wolfram, Ph.D., outlined the many cardiovascular benefits associated with green tea. In particular, he noted positive results in large human studies in which participants consumed 5 to 6 cups a day containing 200 to 300 milligrams of EGCG.
- Weight Loss
Obtaining EGCG from green tea also promotes weight loss by promoting diet-induced thermogenesis and fat oxidation. A study published in the December 1999 issue of the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” tested 24-hour energy expenditure in humans. One group of participants received 90 milligrams of EGCG and 50 milligrams of caffeine from green tea extract, the second got the caffeine dose only and the third received a placebo. These were taken with three meals. Only the EGCG and caffeine group experienced significant energy expenditure, leading the researchers to conclude that the polyphenol has greater potential than the caffeine in green tea for promoting weight loss.
The Healing Benefits of Green Tea
- By Jan Sheehan
There’s nothing like a soothing cup of tea to melt away the stresses of your day, and studies have found that tea – particularly green tea – may also have healing benefits. The scientific evidence is strongest regarding green tea's role in the prevention of cancer and heart disease, but some research suggests green tea may also benefit other conditions. Even if you’re not a tea lover, you may want to sip green tea for its potential healing benefits.
- Cancer Protection
All types of tea come from the Camellia sinensis plant, but green tea is made from the plant’s unfermented leaves, which reportedly contain the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Antioxidants, such as polyphenols, appear to neutralize free radicals that may contribute to cancer development and growth. Clinical studies have found evidence that green tea may help prevent or slow the development of breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, gastric and skin cancers. MayoClinic.com indicates that green tea’s cancer-fighting properties may be due to its high concentration of a type of polyphenol known as catechins.
- Heart Health
Because free radicals have also been implicated in the development of heart disease, the polyphenols in green tea may prevent or reduce the heart damage free radicals cause. In a 2011 analysis of 13 studies of green tea drinkers reported by Harvard Medical School, those who drank the most green tea had a 28 percent lower risk of heart disease than those who drank the least green tea. One possible reason: Green tea may lower cholesterol and triglycerides, reports MayoClinic.com, and high levels of these fats in the bloodstream increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
- Other Healing Benefits
Green tea may destroy oral bacteria that contribute to dental decay and may also prevent plaque formation, according to MayoClinic.com. Several animal and human studies have found evidence that the catechins in green tea may help treat viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver; other studies show that men who drink 10 cups of green tea a day are less likely to develop liver problems. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that green tea may help heal inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis. Additionally, green tea may help prevent or slow the progression of Type 1 diabetes, sometimes known as juvenile diabetes.
- Tips
Green tea can be brewed using loose leaves or tea bags. For maximum healing benefits, drink it freshly brewed and allow the tea to steep for three to five minutes to bring out its catechins, recommends Harvard Women’s Health Watch. Decaffeinated, bottled teas and instant teas have less of these healing compounds. Although green tea is usually brewed and consumed as a beverage, green tea extracts can also be taken in supplement form.
How many cups of green tea should you drink in a day to lose weight?'
- By Tania Tarafdar
Green tea is great for weight loss, but how much is too much?
Coffee may have reserved its place as a healthy beverage, but green tea is touted as the wonder drink for weight loss. Green tea has magical antioxidants that boost metabolism and promote fat loss. Drinking green tea has also been shown to suppress appetite. While there are several other reasons to drink green tea every day, you may wonder if one cup alone can provide you the benefits.
According to well-known nutritionist Priya Kathpal, 4-5 cups of unsweetened green tea in a day is enough to promote weight loss. It can provide an optimal dosage of metabolism boosting minerals like manganese, chromium and zinc. A journal published by the University of Maryland Medical Centre also claims that 4 cups of green tea daily will provide you with the sufficient dose of weight-loss promoting compounds.
However, do not rely on green tea alone to lose weight. It can only bolster your weight loss efforts. You need to complement it with a calorie deficit diet and proper exercises.
But before you take to drinking green tea on a regular basis, you may want read these tips.
- • If you are sensitive to caffeine or suffer from insomnia, more than four cups of green tea will be too much for your system, regardless of the benefits.
- • If you are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant, you should definitely limit your green tea consumption to two cups a day. You can also skip it altogether.
- • Avoid drinking green tea if you suffer from kidney and liver problems, anxiety and glaucoma.
- • Do not sip green tea with meals as it may interfere with absorption of iron in your body.
8 Essential Benefits of Green Tea '
- By Natalie Butler, RD, LD (Medically by George Krucik, MD, MBA)
- Time for tea
Green tea is a dynamic drink derived from the leaves of the flowering shrub Camellia sinensis. Our fascination with this soothing and healing beverage goes back more than 4,000 years. It’s become a go-to home remedy for many minor maladies.
Even today, green tea continues to provoke study and praise, thanks to the antioxidants it contains. Compounds in green tea, such as catechins and polyphenols, may potentially help fight heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.
So sit down, brew yourself a cup, and learn about the powers it may hold.
- Give us a smile
Brushing and flossing your teeth daily makes for good oral hygiene. But how does drinking tea affect your dental health?
According to research published in the Journal of the Japanese Society for Food Science and Technology, the catechins in green tea may help stop bacteria associated with gum disease and tooth decay from growing. Catechins are a type of antioxidant. As an added bonus, they may also help reduce bad breath.
That’s good news, especially since dental health is linked to your overall well-being.
- Skin deep
Too much fun in the sun can expose you to too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Too much UV radiation can raise your risk of skin cancer.
More than 5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year, estimates the American Cancer Society.
Research from the University of Strathclyde has positioned green tea as a potential treatment for skin cancer. Green tea contains large amounts of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a potent antioxidant. The researchers found that encapsulated green tea extract could shrink or even eliminate skin cancer tumors.
- Take heart
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease accounts for 1 out of every 4 deaths in the United States each year.
Drinking green tea alone won’t prevent heart attacks. But a study reported in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology suggests it may be good for your arteries. People who consumed green tea regularly showed signs of healthier blood vessels than those who didn’t.
A more recent investigation reported in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Disease also yielded heart-happy results. The findings suggest that green tea can lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Advertisement
- Joint relief
Some studies suggest that the ECGG in green tea may help prevent rheumatoid arthritis (RA). For example, research from the University of Michigan suggests that EGCG can stop your immune system from producing certain molecules that cause symptoms of RA. For example, it may help relieve inflammation and joint damage.
- Upon closer look
Did you know that eye tissues can also absorb antioxidants? An animal study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry suggests that ECGG and other beneficial substances in green tea can make their way into your ocular tissue. They might provide protection against eye-related diseases, such as glaucoma.
- Brain trust
Studies on EGCG have also yielded positive results in the area of Alzheimer’s disease research. According to research from the University of Michigan, ECGG seems to prevent the buildup of plaques that cause brain deterioration in patients with dementia. It may also help boost cognitive activity.
- Sleep easy
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes periodic interruptions in your breathing while you sleep. This disrupts oxygen flow to your brain. If left untreated, it can affect your memory and learning.
Research reported in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that green tea’s strong antioxidants may help protect people with OSA. Rodents with OSA that were given catechins performed much better in cognitive assessments than those that were not given any.
- A friendly reminder
Before you fill up your kettle, it’s important to recognize that research on the pros and cons of green tea is ongoing.
You should be cautious whenever you add something new to your dietary routine. Green tea contains both caffeine and fluoride, but not in overly high concentrations. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it can interfere with any prescription medications you may be taking.
Green Tea Can Reduce Kidney Damage By Anti-Cancer Drug: AIIMS
- Source:http://www.siasat.com/news/green-tea-can-reduce-kidney-damage-anti-cancer-drug-aiims-1072773/
- (PTI)
New delhi: Researchers at AIIMS have found that a compound present in green tea is effective in reducing kidney toxicity and damage induced by anti-cancer drug cisplatin.
This research, according to experts, may lead to the discovery of a new drug which can combat the ill-effects of cisplatin, a widely used chemotherapy drug for treatment of cancer.
“The research study has evaluated the usefulness of epicatechin gallate (ECG), a polyphenolic compound obtained from green tea, in preventing the damage of kidneys induced by cisplatin. Side effects of cisplatin may include nephrotoxicity and life-threatening damaged kidneys.
“This identification has the potential to be developed into a therapeutic drug to counter the side-effects of cisplatin,” said Dr Y K Gupta, Head of Department (Pharmacology), AIIMS.
The study by AIIMS professor Jagriti Bhatia from the Pharmacology department and her team was published in ‘Laboratory Investigations’ journal recently.
“Approximately 30 per cent of the treated patients may develop nephrotoxicity after receiving an initial dose of cisplatin. Cisplatin causes production of free radicals inside cells in kidney which leads to oxidative stress and inflammation.
“The therapeutic procedures such as vigorous hydration with normal saline and forced diuresis have limited efficacy in reducing kidney damage. Further, at present no specific drug is available which can prevent or attenuate the kidney damage due to cisplatin,” said Dr Bhatia.
“In our study, we observed that ECG obtained from green tea significantly reduced kidney injury due to cisplatin. It was most effective at the dose of 5 mg/kg and was administered to rats through injection for 10 days. Further, ECG reduced inflammation and cell death (apoptosis) in rats,” she said.
Green tea please!
- (Gul)
Tea is the world’s most popular drink (after water) so it’s not surprising that there are so many types to choose from! In the 17th century, tea was enjoyed mainly by women. Whilst men socialized in coffee houses, ladies would invite friends round for afternoon tea, and would brew their loose tea leaves in boiling hot water.
Winter is coming, and with it comes extra kilos, flu and chilly evenings. It is tempting to laze around in your bed, wrapped in a blanket, and give into the temptation of hot chocolate, coffee or chai. We tend to put on extra kilos in winters since we tend to lay off our outdoor sweat session and would rather curl up in bed with a book in hand.
Incorporating green tea in your daily diet helps you get a lasting source of natural energy full of antioxidants. Among the different types of tea, green tea is one of the richest natural sources of antioxidants. Not only is it a good source of energy but a reliable source of proper hydration in winters. While we usually opt for hot beverages as a way for hydration in winters and are likely to end up drinking a cup of coffee, we need to keep in mind that such drinks are diuretic and high in calories.
Green tea is a calorie free drink which helps you feel fuller, and in turn helps you avoid those high-calorie drinks that you are better off without in the first place. Green tea can help you lay off those pantry raids and be thankful for it by the end of the winter. It keeps your body hydrated without getting too much sugar in your system.
- History of Green Tea:
For many years in ancient China, tea was a costly drink, consumed only by royalty and the wealthy. However, following the fall of the Mongolian Empire back in 1368 AD, the whole population of China began to experience the wonderful consumption of tea, including the much-prized green tea.
In the early 1400s BC, Chinese seamen roamed the seas and took with them their green tea to ward off the illnesses that plagued European sailors, such as scurvy. This amazing tea became a trade-good eventually, sought after for its delicate taste and health giving benefits, and found its way around the world.
It was however, during the Ming Dynasty that the drinking of tea became more than simply a royal or higher class activity. The Ming Dynasty lasted from 14th through the 17th century AD and accounted for a great deal of development and innovation in the growing and brewing of tea.
- Health benefits of green tea:
Modern research has suggested that this type of tea has a lot of health benefits including antioxidants and lower levels of caffeine. Indeed, the Chinese have been using tea for its health benefits for centuries. It has been used to improve mental sharpness and it has helped with circulation.
Weight loss: First things first, green tea contains properties that can help to increase your metabolic rate and burn fat in a short time. This means that, together with a healthy diet and an active lifestyle, green tea can help you try and lose weight. If you swap sugary and fizzy drinks for hot or iced green tea, you can save thousands of calories a year!
Keeps blood pressure in check: Regular consumption of green tea is thought to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
Protects heart: A study found that one of the active compounds in green tea is as effective as aspirin in keeping blood platelets from clumping together. This results in improving the circulation and may prevent hardening of the arteries. Drinking green tea regularly helps protect the heart against a range of medical conditions including heart attacks and strokes.
Controls cholesterol: Green tea reduces bad cholesterol in the blood and improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.
Keeping diabetes at bay: Green tea apparently helps regulate glucose levels slowing the rise of blood sugar after eating. This can prevent high insulin spikes and resulting fat storage.
Wards off depression: The green brew can also have a calming effect on your mind. Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in tea leaves. It is this substance that is thought to provide a relaxing and tranquilizing effect and is beneficial for tea drinkers. According to researchers, theanine also helps reduce anxiety.
Skincare: Green tea can also help with wrinkles and signs of ageing. This is because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Recent studies have demonstrated that green tea applied topically can reduce sun damage.
Stops tooth decay: The compounds contained in green tea kill bacteria found in the mouth, stopping them from attacking your teeth. In this way, green tea helps prevent cavities and gum disease, as well as decreasing the chances of inflammation.
- Savour your green tea in style:
Green tea comes in different forms such as powder, leaves and tea bags. Tea bags were first invented in 1908. When tea bags were originally invented over 100 years ago they were made from silk. This quickly changed to paper and when tea became really popular in the late 20th century companies started to change the shape and overall look of their tea bags. Today, most people find it much easier and more convenient to buy tea bags. Tea bags come in all shapes and sizes today. Pyramids and circles are both tea bag shapes you can find on the supermarket shelf.
You can spice up your green tea game by traditional tea go-withs: cardamom, honey, cinnamon, mint or lemon. If you are someone who always finds him/herself running on a tight schedule then it would be wise to stock up your kitchen with Lipton green tea bags since they come with on-the-go tea bags. They come in different flavours which will ensure you don’t get bored easily and keep your morning ritual on point.
Although green tea helps speed up the metabolism, but this by no extent means one can consume 3000 calories and expect green tea to do wonders. A healthy metabolism is a process which requires consistency with food and exercise. Think of green tea as a supplement for your daily fitness goals.
IS GREEN TEA GOOD FOR YOU?
- Dr. Raghavendra Rao
I picked up a pamphlet on green tea at a nutritional health fare. I even bought green tea and started to enjoy it. The pamphlet emphasized the benefits of green tea in fighting viruses, slowing the aging process, lowering cholesterol levels, curing arthritis, warding off cavities, and preventing gastric cancer. It certainly seems like a magic potion. How true are these claims, ponders Dr. Raghavendra Rao. – #GreenTea #RaghavendraRao #community @Siliconeer #Siliconeer #health #IsGreenTeaGoodforYou #MagicPotion
Green tea contains chemicals called polyphenols. One of them is Epigallo catechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which has powerful antioxidant properties that protect the body against free radicals. Free radicals damage body cells, which may lead to degenerative diseases, heart problems and cancers. Polyphenols destroy the free radicals and supposedly protect the body from developing the above-mentioned diseases.
The EGCG prevented mutations in cell cultures and reduced inflammation. In the laboratory, EGCG reduced human prostate cancer and epidermoid carcinoma cells implanted in mice. Human leukemic cell lines were also inhibited in mice. EGCG prevented E. coli bacterial growth in petri dishes.
In humans, green tea and its effect on stomach cancer was investigated by several researchers. Most of the studies were based on statistical data collected from questionnaires distributed to people, some of whom consumed green tea. Two studies from China and two from Japan found a reduction in stomach cancers in green tea consumers.
In New England Journal of Medicine (March, 2001), Yoshitaka Tsubono and others reported their findings on a nine-year study on 31,345 people in Japan. They conclusively proved that there was no association, beneficial or otherwise, between consumption of green tea and stomach cancer. In a review article Zhang and others (2014) opined that the relationship between green tea consumption and reduced cancer risk seen from epidemiologic studies was inconclusive and not as encouraging as that observed in animal studies. The same idea is expressed by the National Cancer Institute.
However, green tea seems to have a beneficial effect in preventing chronic gastritis. In a 2001 study, Dr. Zuo-Feng Zhang and others from UCLA found that drinking green tea protected against developing chronic gastritis, a common inflammatory disease. Long lasting stomach inflammation may lead precancerous changes. The authors surmise that green tea may help in reducing the incidence of stomach cancers.
Unless large prospective studies are done, claims for beneficial effects of green tea in preventing cancer and other diseases cannot be taken seriously.
Meanwhile, if you like the color and taste of the green tea, enjoy it!
Health Tips: How green tea helps you lose weight naturally
- Source:https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/lifestyle/health-tips-how-green-tea-helps-you-lose-weight-naturally/
- By Sana Gilani
Everyone knows and it’s not hidden fact: Green Tea is the HEALTHIEST beverage on the planet!
It is loaded with anti-oxidants and various other substances that are beneficial for our health, according to experts.
Many studies recently have also started to indicate that green tea increases fat burning, thus helping in losing weight.
It is more than just hot, flavoured water.
A cup of green tea contains much LESS CAFFEINE (24-40 mg) than a cup of coffee (100-200 mg), as excess coffee can give you headaches and an overdose of caffeine, which isn’t too good for health.
Caffeine in green tea aids fat burning and improves exercise performance (according to numerous studies).
GT has a massive range of anti-oxidants-called catechins (removes potentially damaging oxidants in a living organism).
Green tea has a substance known as EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate), which is known to boost metabolism.
Green tea can also mobilize fat from fat cells.
The active compound in green tea can aid the process of fat mobilizing by boosting the effects of some fat burning hormones!
If you look at the label of almost every commercial weight loss and fat burning supplement, there is some sort of tea involved.
GT also boosts your metabolic rate and makes you burn more calories around the clock, if you’re exercising. It also makes you burn more calories while you’re resting. Isn’t this the best thing EVER?!
For a person who burns 2000 calories per day, green tea adds another 80 calories, similar to what people might expect in high protein diets.
Green tea helps you lose the ‘harmful abdominal fat’ too, so there just couldn’t be anything better!
Switch your regular tea bags for the green tea bags, everyone. It’s time to get healthy!
Green Tea Could Prevent this One Deadly Condition
- By Isaac Taylor
At the moment there is no pharmacological treatments for aortic aneurysm. It normally needs to be treated surgically, but this new discovery may give scientists the first clues to developing something against it.
“The type of polyphenol found in green tea has recently been shown to regenerate elastin, an essential protein that gives the artery its stretchy, yet study, texture,” explains lead author Shuji Setozaki. “Considering that abdominal arterial aneurysms are caused by inflammation and the degradation of elastin components in the arterial wall, we thought drinking green tea may show promise for treatment.”
"Other wonder effects include improved brain activity and even weight loss and improved physical performance."
“Japanese people have the longest lifespan in the world, and studies show that 80% of the population drink green tea on a daily basis,” says co-author Hidetoshi Masumoto. “We believe daily intake of green tea should be considered as a new preventative strategy for abdominal aortic aneurysm; the focus of future studies will be to investigate optimal doses.”
Green tea is stuffed with benefits already, being packed full of antioxidants and nutrients. Other wonder effects include improved brain activity and even weight loss and improved physical performance. There’s pretty much no downsides to this so why not start adding Green Tea to your diet?
Green Tea Health Benefits: Can It Really Protect Against Cancer And Lower Cholesterol?
- By Natasha Hinde
Everything you need to know
For some, green tea can be an acquired taste. But judging by some of its health benefits, the pungent tea is well worth the scrunched up face.
Here, we explore what it actually is, how it boosts health and whether it’s really a great weight loss aid.
- What Is It?
Green tea contains B vitamins, folate, manganese, potassium, magnesium, caffeine and other antioxidants, notably catechins, according to the NHS.
It is made by steaming fresh leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant.
It can be purchased in tea bag form or the tea leaves can be added to a pot of hot water and strained.
- Health Benefits
“There do seem to be many benefits of consuming green tea,” says nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed. “And there are plenty of research papers that suggest a benefit of, or link the consumption of, green tea to positive health aspects.
“For example, research has suggested that green tea may have benefits in protection against degenerative and chronic diseases, and promising effects on lowering blood pressure.”
It is also believed that green tea has protective effects against cancer. However the NHS states that there is “no evidence” of this.
British Dietetic Association (BDA) spokesperson Chloe Miles tells The Huffington Post UK: “I’d say most of the evidence for green tea is inconclusive.”
She said it may help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, but adds that more long-term trials are needed.
Stirling-Reed notes that most of the beneficial health effects of green tea are believed to come from its high content of compounds called polyphenols or flavonols.
“These flavonols make up around 30% of the dry weight of the fresh green tea leaf and so green tea itself can play a big part in providing the body with these beneficial compounds,” she says.
According to Neal’s Yard, polyphenols found in green tea can prevent the break down of collagen and cartilage, making it a promising home remedy for issues like arthritis.
Green tea has also been touted as a natural weight loss method, as it is believed that the antioxidants catechin and caffeine may speed up metabolism. But don’t get too excited, as a review of 18 studies involving 1,945 people found no significant effect of weight loss from drinking green tea.
“It might increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation however you’d have to consume a lot to get that effect and the amount of weight loss would be small,” explains the BDA’s Chloe Miles.
“Ultimately green tea is a great food to include in your diet and it may have some beneficial properties that help you look after your health,” adds Stirling-Reed.
“Different people are likely to have different responses to green tea and we don’t know much about this at the moment but, if you enjoy it, there is no problem with consuming it in moderation.”
- Concerns
She concludes: “The health evidence is still limited in humans, and we need much more research to determine the scale of the benefits of drinking green tea, as well as what doses may have any beneficial effects.
“On top of this, we don’t know if very high doses of green tea could actually have negative effects. Therefore it’s not a good idea to consume green tea in large quantities.
“Green tea contains caffeine and therefore, especially for pregnant women, it’s important not to consume too much.”
She adds that the compounds in green tea can affect absorption of iron in the body, which should be taken into account for people at risk of iron deficiency.
“Drinking green tea outside of mealtimes is a way to help combat this,” she advises.
Benefit of drinking green tea: The proof is in -- drinking tea is healthy, says Harvard Women’s Health Watch
- (Harvard Medical School)
Although tea drinking has been associated with health benefits for centuries, only in recent years have its medicinal properties been investigated scientifically. The October issue of Harvard Women's Health Watch recognizes the healthy power of tea while helping readers get the most out of their cups.
Tea's health benefits are largely due to its high content of flavonoids — plant-derived compounds that are antioxidants. Green tea is the best food source of a group called catechins. In test tubes, catechins are more powerful than vitamins C and E in halting oxidative damage to cells and appear to have other disease-fighting properties. Studies have found an association between consuming green tea and a reduced risk for several cancers, including, skin, breast, lung, colon, esophageal, and bladder.
Additional benefits for regular consumers of green and black teas include a reduced risk for heart disease. The antioxidants in green, black, and oolong teas can help block the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol, increase HDL (good) cholesterol and improve artery function. A Chinese study published recently in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed a 46%-65% reduction in hypertension risk in regular consumers of oolong or green tea, compared to non-consumers of tea.
The October issue provides a few tips to get the most out of tea-drinking:
Drinking a cup of tea a few times a day to absorb antioxidants and other healthful plant compounds. In green-tea drinking cultures, the usual amount is three cups per day. Allow tea to steep for three to five minutes to bring out its catechins. The best way to get the catechins and other flavonoids in tea is to drink it freshly brewed. Decaffeinated, bottled ready-to-drink tea preparations, and instant teas have less of these compounds. Tea can impede the absorption of iron from fruits and vegetables. Adding lemon or milk or drinking tea between meals will counteract this problem.
What Is The Right Time & Right Way To Drink Green Tea?
- Source:
- By Luna Dewan
Of late green tea is becoming one of the most popular beverages. This is mainly because people are becoming aware of the innumerable health benefits that come along with it. Those wishing to lose weight, shed their abdominal fat, have a better skin texture, boost metabolism and stay young, energetic and healthy are now resorting to green tea. But this does not mean that we can go on drinking green tea cups after cups. This is a mistake which most of us commit.
We should keep in mind that drinking green tea at the wrong time can also have certain side-effects. Green tea contains caffeine and tannins which can dilute the gastric juice and affect the stomach. It can lead to nausea, gastric pain and stomach acidity.
It is only when green tea is consumed at the right time and in the right quantity that we can reap its maximun health benefits. Several studies and researches have also been conducted across the world which prove that green tea has several health benefits but excessive consumption might have an adverse effect on your health. So if you are looking out for the right way to drink green tea, here it is. Have a look at these 8 best ways to drink green tea.
It is only when green tea is consumed at the right time and in the right quantity that we can reap its maximun health benefits. Several studies and researches have also been conducted across the world which prove that green tea has several health benefits but excessive consumption might have an adverse effect on your health. So if you are looking out for the right way to drink green tea, here it is. Have a look at these 8 best ways to drink green tea.
1. Do Not Drink Green Tea On An Empty Stomach: Most of us are of the opinion that having green tea on an empty stomach helps clean our system. This should be avoided. Green tea contains caffeine which can dilute the gastric juice and might affect the spleen and stomach.
2. Correct Time To Drink Green Tea: For best results green tea should be consumed about half an hour before your meal or about 1-2 hours after meals.
3. Do Not Add Milk & Sugar To Green Tea: Green tea contains antioxidants and theanine which are good for health. But when the proteins in the milk and calories in the sugar get mixed with the flavonols in the tea, it leads to a negative reaction and the body will not be able to reap the health benefits.
4. Drink Green Tea Along With Honey: The caffeine in the green tea and the vitamins in honey help rejuvinate the neurons and help burn the fat from the body. Honey helps to reduce the calories and green tea helps to boost the metabolism.
5. Avoid Drinking Green Tea Immediately After Meals: Green tea should not be consumed immediately after meals. The caffeine content in green tea affects digestion and prevents nutrition from getting absorbed by the body.
6. 2-3 Cups A Day: It is ideal to have just about 2-3 cups of green tea a day to reap maximum health benefits. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids. It should not be consumed in excess as this increases the toxicity in the body and can affect the liver.
Green tea can cure Down’s syndrome: Study
- By Ali Zain
LAHORE – Recent research has suggested that green tea can be used to treat Down’s syndrome.
According to reports, in a year-long clinical trial, the treatment led to improved scores on memory and behavioral tests. A certain chemical in the brew has been shown to improve cognitive ability in persons with Down’s syndrome.
The positive impact remained for a period of six months after the trial ended.
Brain scans revealed that the compound, called epigallocatechin gallate, altered the way neurons in the brain connect with one another.
Experts not involved in the study described it as “exciting” and “an important piece of work.”
According to World Health Organization, Down syndrome is the most common genetic form of intellectual disability and afflicts approximately one in 1,000 people.
Humans normally have 23 pairs of chromosomes, which together contain up to 25,000 protein-coding genes.
In Down’s syndrome, the extra copy causes some of the genes in chromosome 21 to be “over-expressed”, leading to reduced cognitive abilities and other health problems.
The Miracle of Green Tea
- By Shahnaz Husain (THE HANS INDIA)
Recently so much importance has been given to green tea. Present day research has also revealed the innumerable benefits of green tea in both health and beauty. Just drinking green tea is said to be preferable to any other beverage, due to its high antioxidant content. It contains polyphenols, which are powerful natural antioxidants. These not only have health benefits but actually, help to delay the visible signs of ageing on the skin and hair. The prevent and retard the degeneration caused by oxidation damage.
Drinking green tea daily is a better option because it has great benefits healthwise. For instance, regularly drinking green tea is said to help in losing weight. It increases fat oxidation and eliminates excess levels of water from the body. Green tea is also said to lower cholesterol levels due to the presence of tannins and also lowers blood pressure. However, those who are on medication for such ailments, should not discontinue medication without consulting your doctor.
Another benefit of green tea is its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking green tea actually benefits the teeth and freshens the breath. Green tea mouthwashes are also available. You can make a cup of green tea with one tea bag and wash the mouth with it. You can also make a paste of green tea leaves and mix it with baking soda. Use it on the teeth like tooth powder and also massage the gums with it.
Green tea also has several beauty benefits and can be used very easily as a home beauty treatment. In fact, it is a wonderful skin toner. Take half cup water and bring the water to a boil. Put tea leaves in a ceramic bowl. Pour the hot water over it and keep for 2 minutes. Strain and cool the liquid. Apply on face with cotton wool to tone the skin. Leave on. Or, you can dip a tea bag in a cup of hot water. Cool, and use it to tone the skin. You can even mix the liquid with face packs. You can even make the tea-water and keep in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Use the lotion to tone and refresh the skin. It is also said to soothe sunburn and help acne prone skin. Modern research has also revealed that green tea actually has sunscreen properties, as it helps to prevent free radical damage. Thus, it keeps the skin free of lines and wrinkles for a longer time. Boil 2 to 3 cups of water and add 2 green tea bags. Let it soak for a few minutes. Cool, and apply on the face with cotton wool pads. The remaining liquid may be kept in the fridge.
Since it contains powerful antioxidants, it helps to slow down the manifestation of ageing signs on the skin and protects the skin’s youthful properties. It also keeps the skin healthy and adds a glow.
Green tea, in fact, can be used in many other ways in beauty care. The tea leaves may be mixed with curd and used as a scrub. In fact, ground almonds, green tea, and curd will make a good facial and body scrub. It also makes a useful hair tonic and remedy for scalp conditions like dandruff. Use a green tea bag and a cup of hot water to make green tea hair tonic. You can even add a little lemon juice to it. Apply it on the scalp with cotton wool and leave on for 20 minutes. Green tea is also said to help control hair loss and condition the hair, as it contains Vitamins C and E. It not only restores health to the hair and softens it, but also adds a healthy shine.
It can also be used as a hair rinse after shampoo. Boil 4 to 5 cups of water. Put green tea leaves in a bowl and add the hot water to it. Cool and strain. Add the juice of a lemon and use it as a last rinse after shampoo. In fact, soaking your fingers in green tea helps to add shine to the nails, while tea bags, used as eye pads helps to reduce puffiness and induces relaxation. It is said to help reduce stress. Steep green tea bags in hot water. Allow them to cool and use them as eye pads.
11 Benefits of Green Tea That You Didn’t Know About
- Source:http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/11-benefits-of-green-tea-that-you-didnt-know-about.html
- By Ciara Conlon
I’m a green tea drinker.
Not for the love of the taste — no way! I drink it because I’m told it’s good for me…or, to be honest, the real reason I drink it is because I believe it help keeps my weight in check. But recently I decided to look into it a bit deeper and see what are all these other benefits of green tea people talk of.
If you are a tea lover, you have no reasons to miss the following treats:
- Why Green Tea?
Green tea has been used as a medicine for thousands of years, originating in China but widely used throughout Asia this beverage has a multitude of uses from lowering blood pressure to preventing cancer. The reason that green tea has more health benefits attached to it than black tea is (apparently) due to the processing. Black tea is processed in a way that allows for fermentation whereas green tea’s processing avoids the fermentation process. As a result, green tea retains maximum amount of antioxidants and poly-phenols the substances that give green tea its many benefits.
Here’s a list of some of its amazing benefits — benefits that you may not have been aware of. Some of these benefits are still being debated, so please do your own research if you want to use green tea for medicinal purposes.
- 1.) Weight Loss. Green tea increases the metabolism. The polyphenol found in green tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories.
- 2.) Diabetes. Green tea apparently helps regulate glucose levels slowing the rise of blood sugar after eating. This can prevent high insulin spikes and resulting fat storage.
- 3.) Heart Disease. Scientists think, green tea works on the lining of blood vessels, helping keep them stay relaxed and better able to withstand changes in blood pressure. It may also protect against the formation of clots, which are the primary cause of heart attacks.
- 4.) Esophageal Cancer. It can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer, but it is also widely thought to kill cancer cells in general without damaging the healthy tissue around them.
- 5.) Cholesterol. Green tea reduces bad cholesterol in the blood and improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.
- 6.) Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It is said to delay the deterioration caused by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Studies carried out on mice showed that green tea protected brain cells from dying and restored damaged brain cells.
- 7.) Tooth Decay. Studies suggests that the chemical antioxidant “catechin” in tea can destroy bacteria and viruses that cause throat infections, dental caries and other dental conditions
- 8.) Blood Pressure. Regular consumption of green tea is thought to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
- 9.) Depression. Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in tea leaves. It is this substance that is thought to provide a relaxing and tranquilizing effect and be a great benefit to tea drinkers.
- 10.) Anti-viral and Anti-bacterial. Tea catechins are strong antibacterial and antiviral agents which make them effective for treating everything from influenza to cancer. In some studies green tea has been shown to inhibit the spread of many diseases.
- 11.) Skincare. Green tea can apparently also help with wrinkles and the signs of aging, This is because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Both animal and human studies have demonstrated that green tea applied topically can reduce sun damage.
- How Much?
These are some of the many benefits but the reality is one cup of tea a day will not give you all the abundant gains. The jury is out on how many cups are necessary; some say as little as two cups a day while others five cups — and more still say you can drink up to ten cups a day. If you are thinking of going down this route, you may want to consider taking a green tea supplement instead (it would keep you out of the bathroom).
Another thing to point out is that there is caffeine in green tea — so if you are sensitive to caffeine then one cup should be your limit. Green tea also contains tannins (which can decrease the absorption of iron and folic acid), so if you are pregnant or trying to conceive then green tea may not be ideal for you. You can try mixing green tea with other healthy ingredients such as ginger.
For the rest of us with all these abundant benefits…it’s a wonder we drink anything else.
Down's syndrome 'can be treated with green tea'
- (Agence France-Presse)
A chemical in green tea has been shown to improve cognitive ability in people with Down's syndrome, scientists and doctors said on Tuesday.
In a year-long clinical trial, the treatment led to improved scores on memory and behaviour tests, they reported in a study, published in the The Lancet Neurology.
The positive impact remained six months after the trial ended.
Brain scans revealed that the compound, called epigallocatechin gallate, altered the way neurons in the brain connect with one another.
"This is the first time that a treatment has shown efficacy in the cognitive improvement of persons with this syndrome," said Mara Dierssen, senior author of the study and a researcher at the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Barcelona.
While significant, she added in a statement, the results should not be interpreted as a "cure".
"But it may be a tool to improve these individuals' quality of life."
Experts not involved in the study described it as "exciting" and "an important piece of work."
At the same time, they cautioned, the findings must be validated in additional trials.
Down's syndrome is the most common genetic form of intellectual disability, and afflicts approximately one in 1,000 people, according to the World Health Organisation.
Also known as trisomy 21, the condition is caused by the presence of an extra, or third, copy of chromosome number 21.
Humans normally have 23 pairs of chromosomes, which together contain up to 25,000 protein-coding genes.
In Down's syndrome, the extra copy causes some of the genes in chromosome 21 to be "over-expressed", leading to reduced cognitive abilities and other health problems.
In earlier experiments with mice designed to mimic Down's, Dierssen had shown that inhibiting one of these genes, DYRK1A, improved function and development in the brain.
But the technique used - gene therapy - was not an option for humans, so the researchers turned to the green tea compound.
In the trials, 84 young adults with Down's syndrome were split into two groups.
One was given a decaffeinated green tea supplement containing 45 percent epigallocatechin gallate, along with weekly online cognitive training.
The second group had the same training, but ingested a look-alike placebo instead of the supplement.
The subjects took cognitive tests after three, six and 12 months.
There was little-to-no change in most categories, but in a few - the ability to remember patterns, verbal recall, adaptive behaviour - the "green tea" group scored significantly better.
Moreover, they improved over time.
"It's exciting that an understanding of the genetic neurobiology of Down's syndrome is leading to the possibility of disorder-specific treatments," said David Nutt, head of the Centre for Neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London, in commenting on the study.
Marie-Claude Potier, a Down's specialist at the Brain and Spine Institute in Paris, said the results were a "leap forward," but that safety and efficacy need to be confirmed.
Still genetics is not everything, cautioned another pair of researchers, even as they recognised the importance of the new study.
"We can no longer afford to view someone with Down's syndrome solely through the lens of trisomy 21," noted Fabian Fernandez and Jamie Edgin of the Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Arizona in a commentary.
It is equally important to "understand each individual in light of their larger genetic and environmental background," as well as other health problems and access to education, they wrote in The Lancet Neurology.
5 reasons to ditch coffee for matcha green tea
- By Isabel van Brugen at Queen Mary (University of London)
We’ve all been there: dreaded late nights at the library cramming for deadlines, fuelled by countless cups of coffee. But did you know that drinking a cup of matcha green tea is proven to give a longer-lasting, more sustained energy boost than a cup of coffee? And now you know, could you bring yourself to ditch your coffee for a cup of matcha green tea instead?
- What is Matcha?
Matcha is a premium green tea leaf powder originating from the heart of Japan. It is used traditionally for tea, but is a versatile ingredient and can also be used in a wide range of recipes – both sweet and savoury.
Matcha green tea offers a far more extensive range of benefits than other green teas. Matcha drinkers ingest the entire leaf, as opposed to the 10% of nutrients absorbed into the water from widely available green tea bags – this means a single cup contains the nutritional equivalent of 10 cups of regularly brewed green tea, and 137 times more antioxidants.
This delicious and natural detox tool aids concentration and also acts as a mood enhancer. It boosts your metabolism and is packed full of nutrients, antioxidants, fibre and chlorophyll. By choosing to kick-start your day with a sugar and jitter-free anti-oxidant packed alternative to coffee, your body and well-being will reap the benefits
1. A Gentler Caffeine Kick
Although a typical shot of espresso provides 60mg of caffeine, matcha’s effect is more intense and lasts longer for a mere 34mg hit. Research suggests this is due to its high concentration of amino acid and L-Theanine. The rare amino acid L-Theanine found in matcha promotes a calm sense of alertness, which naturally aids your memory and concentration for prolonged periods of time. Plus given its lower caffeine level, matcha is not addictive.
In contrast, high levels of caffeine in coffee can cause a spike in adrenaline, which can lead to side-effects such as shaking and the dreaded caffeine ‘crash’.
Matcha could be the solution to this problem; the anti-oxidant rich concoction provides a gentle boost of energy for up to six hours, without the anxiety and edginess that often accompanies the high doses of caffeine found in regular coffee.
2. Better skin and breath
Matcha’s antibacterial properties are excellent for the skin and help to clear up acne. The fine powder has been used for hundreds of years for this reason and is a key ingredient in many facemasks. Matcha’s formula gives the skin a natural, youthful glow.
Just as with the skin, matcha’s wondrous antibacterial properties prevent the accumulation of plaque-causing bacteria in the mouth.
3. Matcha tea is full of antioxidants
Antioxidants are naturally occurring chemical compounds that prevent aging and chronic diseases. According to research, matcha is gram-for-gram one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature. The miraculous powder is packed with higher levels of antioxidants per gram than goji berries, dark chocolate, pecans, acai berries and even spinach. Matcha has been linked to numerous health advancements and to the treatment of many illnesses, including cancer.
4. Matcha burns calories
Matcha is a great addition to a weight loss program and has been shown to increase metabolism by approximately 40%, while promoting the regulation of blood sugar levels with no recorded negative side-effects.
5. Matcha is simple to make and tastes heavenly
Simply scoop 1-2 tsp of matcha powder into a bowl, boil 70ml of water and pour into the bowl when the temperature has cooled slightly (to avoid a bitter aftertaste, do not use boiling water). Whisk the powder and water together until the mixture becomes frothy, and enjoy!
You could also jazz things up and mix a teaspoon in your smoothies or morning porridge, for a healthy start to the day.
In any case, try this miracle elixir as a pick-me-up or anytime you need some help remaining focused.
Green Tea Croissant Invades Sydney
- By Kalyan Kumar
Croissant as snacks is fine. But when it is elevated to a great healthcare food, it is something to sit and notice. That is what Top Impressions Bakery of Sydney is doing.
It is making a unique Matcha croissant by infusing the hot dough with green tea after splashing Matcha Creme Patisserie into the centre, reports Business Insider. It is selling well in the city.
They know green tea has more takers as it is the healthiest beverage, loaded with antioxidants and nutrients. Its consumption improves brain function, fat loss as well as lowered risk of cancer.
Green tea contains lots of antioxidant Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) making it resistant to various diseases. Many bioactive compounds and important nutrients are its additional virtues. Polyphenols like flavonoids and catechins are powerful antioxidants that reduce the formation of free radicals in the body and save cells from damage, reports Authority Nutrition.
Basically, croissants owe their origin to France and emerged as a response to American-style fast food. It is very popular in all continental breakfast. The buttery, flaky, crescent shape croissant is made of layered yeast that is folded several times. On laminating, the texture turns flaky as in a puff pastry.
The Australian innovation to croissant also extends to Melbourne. In fact, The New York Times Magazine had an entire article praising the “ethereal, exceptionally flaky pastries” of a small bakery in Melbourne.
Lune Croissanterie is in the suburb of Fitzroy where its croissant maker claims to be using the best quality flour and butter besides handcrafting them in a climate-controlled glass box.
The article introduces Kate Reid, the bakery’s founder, who is a trained aerospace engineer. The article compliments her engineering touch as unmistakable in the “world’s best croissant.”
The Melbourne bakery produces 3,000 croissants a day and sale is restricted from Thursday to Sunday. The sister and brother team of Reid and her brother Cameron also make kouign-amanns and muffins that are filled with lemon curd and jelly.
10 Healthy Benefits of Green Tea you Didn’t Know
- By Nila Choudhury
Green tea is more than just a trendy way to lose weight—check out all the benefits of this tea!
As of late, drinking green tea has become a trend to help you “lose weight”—but does it really help?
Green tea is a lot healthier than drinking soda or sugar filled juices. If you replace these unhealthy drinks in your day with green tea, you are bound to lose weight—but it’s not like you’re going to suddenly melt away pounds of fat just because of the tea. Although some studies have shown that green tea can boost your metabolism, energy levels and oxidation of fat, the studies are inconsistent about how much green tea actually helps you lose weight.
So maybe chugging gallons of Starbuck’s green tea lemonades won’t help you get that swimsuit-ready body, but there are many other benefits to drinking green tea you may not know!
1. De-stress
Teas are known to help you relax and green tea is one of the best ones to sip on as you take a moment to yourself. Green tea has a natural chemical called theanine which can provide a calming effect. So brew yourself a cup of green tea with a dash of honey (throw in a bit of ginger for that extra zing), and wash away your stress of the day!
2. It’s heart healthy
A review of studies on green tea has shown that it helps to prevent a range of heart-related issues, from high blood pressure to congestive heart failure! Some scientists believe green tea works by keeping the lining of the blood vessels relaxed so it can handle blood pressure alterations efficiently. In addition to reducing blood pressure, there is also some evidence that the tea can protect against the formation of clots—the primary causes of heart attacks.
3. Got cholesterol?
Green tea has been proven to reduce the bad cholesterol in your body while increasing the good cholesterol. The powerful antioxidant in green tea—Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)—may inhibit absorption of cholesterol from the large intestine, which prevents an increase in bad cholesterol from greasy, unhealthy snacks and drinks. Research suggests that drinking at least five cups of green tea a day will help in reducing bad cholesterol.
4. It can make you smarter
Of course, what is good for your heart is usually beneficial to the brain as well because you need healthy blood vessels in the brain. One Swiss study even revealed that people who drank green tea had more active working memory (short term memory). There are certain compounds in tea, like caffeine, that are stimulants which can improve brain functioning without the ‘jittery’ effects of caffeine-filled drinks such as coffee.
5. Lowers risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
It seems that green tea may be able to block the formation of certain plaques that are related to Alzheimer’s disease. Some research has shown that this magical tea can delay the deterioration caused by both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. There is even evidence that it can help against dementia as well. Studies carried out on mice showed that green tea protected brain cells from dying and restored damaged brain cells.
6. Reduce the risk of cancer?
Green tea is thought to kill cancer cells without damaging other cells, and has been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers such as esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and even oral cancer. The EGCG in the tea is the powerful antioxidant that can kill cancer cells by destroying the cell’s mitochondria, which slowly leads the cancer cells to die. Some say it could even become a possible alternative to chemotherapy!
7. Improve oral health
Although many people avoid tea due to the staining effect on teeth, green tea actually helps your oral health! A 2009 study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that the more green tea one drank, the lower the risk of periodontal disease. The catechin in tea helps reduce inflammation in the body, controls bacteria that can cause dental conditions like throat infections, and lowers the acidity of saliva and dental plaque—which prevents cavities.
8. Improves vision
How does green tea help your vision? More antioxidants and catechins! Green tea can penetrate the tissue of eyes to produce and absorb antioxidants. A 2001 study published in the journal Experimental Eye Research found green tea can actually prevent cataract-induced blindness.
9. Protects your skin
Apparently, green tea can also help with wrinkles and the signs of aging, thanks to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Multiple studies have proven that applying green tea topically even reduced sun damage.
10. Manage Diabetes
Studies have shown that green tea also assists in stabilizing blood sugar in people with diabetes. Green tea regulates the glucose levels slowing the rise of blood sugar after eating which can prevent insulin spikes and the resulting fat storage.
7 secrets to better green tea
- By Chanie Kirschner
Get the most out your cup of tea with these easy preparation tips.
Green tea is chock full of health benefits. Green tea contains antioxidants and nutrients that can decrease your risk of cancer, help you lose weight and help prevent dementia. But how do you know you're getting the most out of that cup of tea? Many people don't realize there are ways to maximize the positive effects of green tea, and make it taste better at the same time.
1. Use water that's the right temperature. Water that is at a rolling boil is usually too hot for making green tea. If the water temperature is too hot, the tea will taste bitter and astringent. If the water is too cold, the full flavor will not be extracted out of the leaves. Water that is between 160 and 180 degrees is best. When you're boiling water, this is when the water is hot and there are bubbles beginning to form on the bottom of the pot, but not on top. Some tea brewers recommend heating the water until there's a steady stream of steam rising from the pot. Alternatively, you could boil the water completely and then let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Steep for just the right amount of time. Because green tea is so delicate, it’s important to steep for 2-3 minutes. Less time will prevent the tea leaves from releasing their full flavor while more time will garner a bitter taste. Brew for 2 minutes and then taste every 30 seconds thereafter until you get a taste that you like. A study published in the Journal of Food Science found that antioxidant activity is significantly affected by time and temperature of steeping. The best outcome for green tea, according to the researchers? Cold steeping.
3. Add a splash of honey or other sweetener. On its own, green tea can have a somewhat "grassy" taste. Some people are addicted to the flavor and others just can't get into it. If you fall in the latter category, adding a bit of honey will help to make the taste more palatable.
4. Use high quality tea leaves. Fresher tea leaves (i.e., ones that come loose as opposed to in tea bags) will generally produce a better flavor because the tea leaves have room to "breathe." The flavor is richer and more authentic than tea that comes prepackaged in tea bags.
5. Use the right amount of tea. Generally, a good ratio is 2 grams of tea leaves to 6 ounces of water but you may want to tweak the ratios a bit depending on your taste. More tea leaves per ounce will produce a more distinct taste.
6. Add mint or lemon juice. Either one of these can help subtly bring out the flavor of your green. Try each one separately or try them both together. Sometimes, a little mint or lemon is all your tea needs to bring out delicious flavor.
7. Be sure to use quality water for brewing. Water with too many minerals can sometime counteract the natural minerals found in the tea leaves and produce a pungent taste. Purified or spring water is best since they are free from pollutants than can alter the tea's taste.
Now that you know how to properly make green tea, you can experiment with different types to see which you like best. Indulge yourself with a nice tea cup, sit back and enjoy your fresh brew!
Green tea helps you fight arthritis
- (The Indian Panorama, PTI)
Here’s to green tea once again. A compound found in green tea may help combat joint pain, inflammation and tissue damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis, researchers, including those from India, have claimed.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating autoimmune disorder that mostly affects the small joints of the hands and feet. It causes painful swelling that progresses into cartilage damage, bone erosion and joint deformity.
“Existing drugs for rheumatoid arthritis are expensive, immunosuppressive and sometimes unsuitable for long-term use,” said Salahuddin Ahmed,lead researcher on the project from Washington State University (WSU) in Spokane.
His team evaluated a phytochemical called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is a molecule with anti-inflammatory properties found in green tea.
The study suggests that EGCG has high potential as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis because of how effectively the molecule blocks the effects of the disease without blocking other cellular functions. “This study has opened the field of research into using EGCG for targeting TAK1 — an important signalling protein — through which proinflammatory cytokines transmit their signals to cause inflammation and tissue destruction in rheumatoid arthritis,” said Ahmed.
The researchers, including Anil Singh and Sadiq Umar from WSU, confirmed their findings in a pre-clinical animal model of human rheumatoid arthritis, where they observed that ankle swelling in animals given EGCG in a 10-day treatment plan was markedly reduced.
Switch to Green Tea to Fight Cancer and Other Lifestyle Disorders
- (Guest Author, Life Hacker)
The elixir of life- 'green tea' will help you stay evergreen and healthy. With its antioxidants and cancer-fighting properties, this is the beverage you might want to drink every day.
The ever so humble green tea, which comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant, hides so many little secrets. These are the secrets that nurture human health and prevent illnesses. It tastes great, offers respite from tension and stress while working with the rhythm of your body to make you healthier and happier.
But why Green Tea?
When there are so many other teas available in the market, why should you buy green tea?
Well, because Green Tea is healthier than other varieties of tea. It doesn't oxidize as much as its black or oolong tea counterparts do. And that's why the tea has more antioxidants called 'catechins'. These antioxidants include cancer-fighting properties. The chestnut, toasty flavors of the Green Tea instantly revitalize and bring an end to the everyday stresses. Plus, it nurtures other healthy secrets, which has the potential to keep you evergreen. So, what are these secrets?
Well, read on!
- Blocks LDL Cholesterol
You know there's a good cholesterol (HDL) and a bad cholesterol (LDL), right? Well, you should know that green tea can block the bad or LDL Cholesterol. It can prevent oxidation of this kind of cholesterol, which can improve your artery function. People who consume Green Tea regularly show 45-65% reduction in hypertension risk than people who don't consume it.
- Fights Diseases
In general, it is a disease-fighter. Green Tea has catechins that are powerful than Vitamin C and Vitamin E. therefore, they can reduce oxidative damage to the cells and provide disease fighting benefits. Consuming green tea can therefore reduce risk of developing different types of cancer. But that's not all! Regular consumption helps you stay evergreen or fit throughout the life.
- Protects Your Brain
EGCG is a polyphenol found in green tea. Recent studies indicate that this chemical can guard the brain against neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's. It has a stimulating effect on the brain, but unlike caffeine, it doesn't make you jittery. Instead, drinking it will help you experience improved mood, memory and a faster reaction time.
- Prevents Diabetes
Type II diabetes is spreading like an epidemic. But with effective lifestyle changes and consumption of green tea, you can reduce the risk of developing this condition. Go ahead and buy green tea online , drink it regularly and you will notice that the consumption of the tea reduces spikes in blood sugar.
- It helps you reduce weight
Okay! We agree that this 'secret' is already out in the open. But it does deserve a mention. When you buy green tea, you get a product that can increase your metabolism. This can help you reduce weight. Of course, you can't expect to lose weight if you keep on stuffing junk food and drinking green tea. But with the consumption of green tea, some exercise and change in diet, you can see good results in a short span of time.
Green Tea May Help Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
- By Ashley Boynes-Shuck
For decades, green tea has been widely accepted as a “super food.” Now, researchers are finding that patients with RA may benefit from drinking green tea on a regular basis.
An apple a day may keep the doctor away — but a cup of green tea won’t hurt, either.
A new study appearing in the medical journal, Arthritis and Rheumatology, shows that a compound found in green tea may hold promise in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease management.
Herbal teas have been in use to treat various ailments for literally thousands of years, with estimates of its medicinal use since before the beginning of recorded history. green tea and RA
Green tea has been touted by health coaches, nutritionists, doctors, and dietitians for decades. The drink is particularly known for anti-oxidant properties.
Now, green tea is being heralded as way to reduce inflammation in the body as well. In fact, the recent study concludes the drink has potentially as a regularly prescribed treatment for patients with RA, although so far it has only been tested on mice.
Read More: Stem Cell Therapy a Possible Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis » Honing in on One Compound
The study, conducted by a team of researchers at Washington State University (WSU), focused on one particular compound found in herbal green tea.
Called epigallocatechin-3-gallate or EGCG, the compound appeared to reduce ankle swelling in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis.
This finding could be a potential source of hope for the nearly 1.7 million Americans who have RA. They currently are treated by NSAIDs, disease-modifying drugs, immunosuppressants, chemotherapy, biologics, biosimilars, corticosteroids, opioids, and narcotics. These treatments can be beneficial but may also carry certain risks.
While physical therapy and alternative practices such as chiropractic, massage, reiki, and acupuncture are also suggested to patients, rheumatology is just starting to recognize the important role that diet and nutrition play in the management of inflammatory autoimmune and rheumatic diseases.
The Arthritis Foundation stated in an article that a cup of tea can be good for overall health and that polyphenols help tea boost the immune system and fight inflammation.
“Our findings provide a rationale for targeting TAK1 for the treatment of RA with EGCG,” said Salah-uddin Ahmed, Ph.D., of the WSU College of Pharmacy and the study’s lead author.
He noted that other RA treatments may be effective but can also damage the immune system in the long run. Green tea, and in particularly this green tea compound, may be a promising alternative to expensive and potentially harmful RA treatments.
Read More: RA Patients Bear Heavy Cost Burden for Biologic Drugs » Quick, Effective Relief
Their study showed that, after 10 days of receiving ECGG, the mice with mouse models of RA, had a noticeable and significant reduction in their initial ankle swelling and inflammation.
The team of researchers figured out that EGCG reduced the activity of TAK1, a protein that plays a primary role in the response of cytokines that trigger inflammation and the resulting tissue damage in RA.
Perhaps just as notably, the green tea compound EGCG appeared to reduce inflammation in RA without interfering with other cellular functions in the mice.
Another study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2012, showed other positive results for the consumption of green tea in moderation. This one was in regard to various functional disabilities that come along with aging.
Researchers from Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan found that regular green tea drinkers carried a lower risk of developing functional disability, such as problems with daily tasks, household chores, and regular activities like bathing or dressing oneself.
Read More: Oral Contraceptives May Reduce Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms » What Do Experts and Patients Think?
Lindsey Smith of Pennsylvania, an alumna of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition as well as a health coach, author, and speaker says green tea has a variety of health benefits.
“Green tea contains powerful antioxidants, known as polyphenols, which help boost your body’s immune system, and can fight off infection,” she said. “This is good news for people that suffer from RA or other autoimmune diseases because your body will be better equipped to fight off infections and reduce overall inflammation in the body.”
Patients are mostly on board with the notion of trying green tea.
RA patient Debbie McGuire Djukic of the United Kingdom, said, “I think green tea is magical for just the relaxation benefits, if nothing else, and it has turned me onto trying a lot of other tea also. I have also gone gluten free and feel so much better to really cook healthy meals now.”
Hilary Martin of Ohio added that drinking green tea motivates her to eat better.
“When I've drank green tea every day for longer than a few weeks, I've felt better, but usually that's when I'm also eating better too, so it's hard to say,” she said, “but I know that it's definitely made me feel good drinking tea versus soda or juice.”
But Julie Robbins of Illinois is slightly more skeptical.
“I have not had any help with my RA by any dietary changes, including green tea,” she said. “Of course, the best possible thing we can do is be as healthfully as possible. That is especially important since we have our risk factors increased for cardiac issues, simply by even having a RA diagnosis.”
Whether you believe or not that green tea may in any way contribute to the future of rheumatoid arthritis treatment and management, it’s probably safe to say that adding it into your healthy diet certainly couldn’t hurt.
Doctor’s Orders: Drink Three Cups of Green Tea Today
- By David B. Samadi
Health benefits include improved brain function, increased energy, decreased risk of cancer, and a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s
There may be no liquid more beneficial to your health than green tea. It is loaded with antioxidants, such as flavonoids and catechins which scavenge for free radicals that can damage DNA and contribute to cancer and atherosclerosis. Antioxidants prevent cancer associated cells from attacking healthy cells and can decrease the risk of the disease. It can also helps lower cholesterol, increase concentration and memory.
Green tea increases fat burning and boosts metabolism. Previous studies have shown that drinking four cups of green tea a day have helped people lose more than six pounds over the course of two months. Other health benefits of green tea include improved brain function, increased energy, decreased risk of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer, lowered risk for Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, and improved dental health, as it kills bacteria. This list goes on. Green tea may lower your risk for Type 2 diabetes, may reduce the chances for heart disease and lowers your risk for obesity.
One specific catechin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), is unique to green tea and is abundant as a result of the minimal processing through which green tea goes. Lab studies have shown that EGCG and a few other catechins can be more powerful than vitamins C and E in stopping oxidative damage to cells in addition to potentially having the ability to fight other diseases. Furthermore, it is thought that EGCG plays an important role in inhibiting DNA synthesis and cell replication, both imperative for the survival of cancer cells.
Please remember that green tea is not a panacea; there is no substitute for a healthy diet, physical activity and adequate monitoring of health conditions. To reap the most benefits of green tea (as measured by maximum catechin levels), be sure to let it steep for three to five minutes. Aim to drink about three cups of tea a day.
Also, keep in mind that freshly brewed tea confers the most benefits; bottled, instant or decaffeinated tea does not contain near the amount of catechins as fresh brewed tea. Green tea has been shown to impair iron absorption, especially from fruit and vegetable sources; however, adding lemon or milk to tea or drinking tea between, rather than with, meals will help counteract this problem. As always, check with your physician before making any changes to your diet.
Peppers and green tea can suppress your appetite
- By Nicole Osinga (Special to the Star)
Consuming too few calories at breakfast can lead to unhealthy mid-morning snacking
I usually have one slice of whole wheat bread, one egg (fried, scrambled or omelette) and a cup of black tea for breakfast. The problem is that it doesn't keep me satiated for long and I crave tea to fill up. Can you suggest some healthy options that are filling but low on calories? I’m trying to lose weight.
I’m not surprised to hear that your current breakfast doesn’t keep you satisfied for long — I would consider this a snack not a meal. I understand your goal of weight loss and trying to minimize your caloric intake, however, restricting your calories too much may actually harm your metabolism. When calories are restricted, the body slows down to compensate for this lack of energy. This leaves a lethargic and deprived feeling. Counting calories can also harm our relationship with food.
Let’s slightly increase the amount of food you consume at breakfast and add two foods that may help control appetite cravings — peppers and green tea. Although it’s unclear if these foods cause a long-term increase in metabolism (temporary increases in metabolic rate have been observed in studies) they have demonstrated the ability to suppress appetite. Let’s change your egg, toast and black tea breakfast to a Mexican-style breakfast wrap with peppers and green tea.
Nutritional facts
Your original breakfast contains 180 calories, 8 grams of fat, 11 grams of protein and 16 grams of carbohydrates.
Your new breakfast contains 387 calories, 21 grams of fat, 19 grams of protein and 32 grams of carbohydrates.
Mexican-style breakfast wrap
2 large eggs
2 tbsp (30 mL) non-fat milk
1 tsp (5 mL) olive oil
1/4 cup (60 mL) onion, diced
1/4 cup (60 mL) of red pepper, diced
1/2 cup (125 mL) button mushrooms, diced
2 tbsp (30 mL) medium salsa
1 medium soft whole wheat flour tortilla
In a small bowl, crack eggs, add milk and scramble with a whisk. Set aside.
In a small, non-stick skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add mushrooms, onions and peppers. Cook until soft and tender, about 5 minutes.
Pour egg mixture over cooked vegetables. Let cook until solid enough to flip over whole. Cook until mixture is starting to brown. Remove from heat.
Place tortilla on serving plate and spread 2 tbsp (30 mL) salsa over tortilla. Top with cooked eggs and vegetables. Wrap it up.
Makes 1 serving.
Green and black tea — the wonder remedy for sun damaged skin!
- By Anuradha Varanasi
Tired of dealing with premature skin ageing and sun tan caused by prolonged sun exposure? Green and black tea can help!
It is impossible to avoid the sun, especially during the afternoon when UVA and UVB rays are extremely harsh on the skin. It’s also a known fact that this prolonged sun exposure can cause pigmentation, premature ageing as it reduces the skin’s elasticity, and in rare cases, even skin cancer. While most of us invest in a good sunscreen to provide some form of protection, it is a good idea to combine the topical application of green tea as well as black tea with your regular sunscreens as their polyphenols have an additive photo-protective effect or mechanism to cope with skin molecular damage caused by the harsh sunlight.
While green tea has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, researchers have found that the main active ingredient in green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), works well as an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and most importantly, as a natural sunscreen. Topical green tea applied to human skin provides a photo-protective effect, reduces the number of sunburns cells, and protects the layers of skin cells from UV damage to an extent. Along with this, both of these teas may also reduce the DNA damage that forms after UV radiation. DNA damage caused by UV rays has directly been linked to skin cancers. Studies have also revealed that green tea can decrease melanoma cell formation with topical and oral administration in mice.
Green tea also has anti-ageing effects as it decreases skin inflammation and the amount of free radical scavengers or a compound that inhibits oxidation in the skin layers. One way of reaping these benefits of green and black tea, is to have two cups of each everyday. Also, before heading out and applying your regular sunscreen, you could brew both two tea bags each and mix them together in an empty spray bottle. Spray this on your face, neck, arms and other exposed areas. Once it has dried, apply your sunscreen as usual.
You will notice that any kind of skin inflammation or sun burn or tanning caused by prolonged sun exposure will start subsiding after a week or so.
Green Tea Photo Gallery
small cup of green tea
Green tea leaves steeping in a gaiwan
Rows of Green Tea in a Plantation
Green Tea Cup
