Health benefits of Green Tea

The Chinese were the first people to realize the properties and benefits of green tea. It was only later that tea came to be treated as a beverage. Research has provided hard-core evidence of the health benefits of green tea. Green tea is loaded with catechin polyphenols, especially epigallocatecchin gallate, which is commonly referred to as EGCG. In addition to being a wonderful anti oxidant it also destroys malignant cancer cells leaving healthy tissue untouched. Black tea, oolong tea and green tea have the same origin-The camellia sinenisi plant, but green tea earns its reputation because the EGCG in it remains unoxidized and unfermented. In the other 2 kinds of tea, EGCG is changed into different compounds and the medicinal effect is diluted.

Green tea is often spoken of in the context of cardiovascular disease. It helps to lower LDL cholesterol, which is responsible for the formation of blood clots and thus reduces the risks of stroke and heart attacks. It is in fact as effective as aspirin in preventing platelets from clotting and greatly reduces levels of thromboxane, which is the villain in causing blood clots. It also promotes the production of HDL and does away with plaque present in the arteries. This fact maybe explains why the Japanese who drink a lot of green tea do not suffer as much from heart disease as their compatriots around the world. The anti oxidants in the green tea are supposed to ensure that the liver is protected against toxins present in cigarette ad alcohol. Early days yet, but the research done seems to point that way.

Green tea also helps to burn those extra calories and when combined with caffeine augments the calorie burning. It increases the energy that is expended, helps to oxidize fats. In many parts of eastern India, green tea extract is commonly sold in many forms. In addition to this, many parts of Asia and in India, green tea and its extracts have also been used to prevent dental plaque and hence prevent tooth decay. Deodorants and creams promoting oral health are being advertised strongly as science and technology has provided evidence that green tea can actually afford some protection against bacteria causing cavities because of its fluoride content.

The anti oxidant present in green tea help to decrease inflammation of blood and this in turn helps to prevent arthritis. New studies indicate that the beneficial effects of green tea could also include means to combat cancer especially lung cancer. People have always been plagued by high blood pressure, which is triggered by the loss of elasticity in the arteries. Green tea inhibits the production of the substances, which cause the arteries to constrict. Diabetes, which is even more common than high blood pressure, can actually be kept under control by consuming green tea. Starch in any form is converted into sugar and this is done with the help of an enzyme called amylase. The polyphenols present in green tea extract reduces the amount of amylase produced and hence the levels of sugar in the blood also decrease.

Green tea acts as an antibacterial and antiviral agent and in some cases has known to help in influenza and diarrhea. It relieves stress, improves bone structure and delays the onset of osteoporosis. The contribution of the components of green tea is varied. The catechins, which form the main component of green tea, is known to prevent halitosis. The vitamin B component helps in carbohydrate metabolism, vitamin C reduces stress, the amino butyric acid lowers blood pressure, the flavonoids strengthen blood vessel walls, polysaccharides help to combat elevated levels of blood sugar, and the vitamin E component helps to combat aging. Even People suffering from HIV and Parkinson’s disease have been helped by green tea.