Green Tea’s Secret
The key phytochemicals in green tea, called
polyphenols, have captured the attention of many
scientific studies. They give green tea its special
power.
Dr. Yukihiko Hara, noted researcher and a
world authority on green tea, has found that its
polyphenols help promote anti-hyperglycemic,
anti-hypertensive, anti-hypercholesterolemic, and
fat-reducing effects. Polyphenols have also been
shown to protect DNA from damage inflicted from
harmful chemicals and even radiation. Green
tea’s polyphenols are also extremely effective as
antioxidants capable of inhibiting mutation and
formation of cancerous cells as well as providing
extraordinary protection for the heart, kidneys and
the skin.
Polyphenols and Cancer
Free radicals are dangerous compounds caused
by many things such as exposure to radiation or
internal chemical reactions that can attack your
body’s cells and harm your DNA. Free radicals can
multiply, work together and initiate cascading chain
reactions that, over time, can trigger pathological
cell mutations which may lead to cancer.
The polyphenols
in green tea deliver antioxidants that
neutralize free radicals, halting their potentially
lethal cascade and converting them to non-toxic
compounds.
Polyphenols have also
been shown to protect healthy
cells from mutation and cancer.
One study on the anti-carcinogenic
properties of green
tea showed a 44% inhibition
of prostate cancer with no
toxic side effects. Another
study indicated that 50% of
mice treated for tumors with
orally administered green
tea polyphenols remained
tumor-free with a 70% overall
increase in life expectancy. The antioxidant “oomph”
of green tea has also been recommended as a preventative
measure for heart disease, kidney disease, and skin damage
from ultraviolet light exposure.
Anti-Aging Effect
Scientific research shows a direct correlation between the
aging process and the accumulation of harmful compounds
called Advanced Glycosylation End products (AGEs)
within the body. In one cutting-edge study conducted by
the University of Shizuoka, researchers observed that the
formation of AGEs were suppressed by the polyphenolic
action of green tea, thus acting as an agent to greatly decrease
the risk of age-related disease.
Fat and Cholesterol Blocker
Green tea is also an excellent addition to any sensible
weight control program. Fat digestion is reduced through
green tea’s inhibition of the enzymes responsible for fat
breakdown, so rather than accumulating fat in unwanted
places, your body simply passes it through. Green tea’s
thermogenic effects also help to maintain normal body
weight. A compelling study showed that taking three 90
mg. doses/day of green tea extract burned 266 more calories
per day than those who did not use the extract. That is more
calories than an average session on a treadmill (and they
weren’t even using a nanized version). Additionally, green tea polyphenols help prevent
LDL cholesterol from forming
atherosclerotic plaques. That’s
great news for those concerned
about heart and artery disease.
Diabetes and Green
Tea
The news about fat and cholesterol
may be of special interest
to the millions of diabetics who
have to watch their weight to
maintain their health. What’s
more, green tea is able help quell hyperglycemia by inhibiting
α-amylase, the enzyme that converts carbohydrates
into glucose. For those who struggle with high blood sugar
levels, green tea may provide a key benefit.
Relief For Body and Mind
Green tea’s benefits not only help the body, but the mind
and spirit as well. Green tea users can expect powerful
antioxidant cleansing and protection. Green tea is also
famous as great support for recovery from mental depression,
helps enhance alertness, relief of mental fatigue, and
improvement of mental function without the feeling of
nervousness or being jittery.
References
Hara Y, In ‘Food phytochemicals for cancer prevention’, [Symp] Amer
Chem Soc, 1994.
Hara Y, Proc Intl Symp Tea Science and Human Health, Calcutta, Jan
1993.
Hara Y, “Uses and benefits of tea,” Food Review Intl, 11(3), 1995.
Ichihashi M, Ahmed NU, Budiyanto A, et al. “Preventive effect of antioxidant
on ultraviolet-induced skin cancer in mice,” J Dermatol Sci 2000;23:S45-S50.
Kinae N, et al. “Food phytochemicals,” Amer Chem Soc, 1994.
Dulloo AG, Seydoux J, Girardier L, et al. “Green tea and thermogenesis:
interactions between catechin-polyphenols, caffeine, and sympathetic
activity,” Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2000;24:252-258.
Juhel C, Armand M, Pafumi Y, et al. “Green tea extract (AR25) inhibits
lipolysis of triglycerides in gastric and duodenal medium in vitro,” J
Nutr Biochem 2000;11:45-51.
Gupta S, et al. “The inhibition of prostate carcinogenesis in tramp mice
by oral infusion of green tea polyphenols,: Proc Nat Acad Sci, 98(18),
2001 |
