Green Tea Hp

Much has been written about the potential anti-cancer effects of green tea, including the many research studies that I have reviewed in this column (please see my archives, below). A new research study, just published in the journal Gastroenterology, adds additional important information to our understanding about the effects of green tea, and its active ingredients, on the development and progression of cancer.

Researchers from the University of Tennessee performed several interesting experiments using epigallocatechin-3-gallate, the predominant active compound in green tea. This extract of green tea was first applied to human colorectal cancer cells growing in a culture dish. A series of complex laboratory tests determined that the green tea extract significantly reduced the presence of the protein basic fibroblast growth factor, which has been implicated, along with several other proteins, in tumor cell growth and spread (metastasis).

In the second part of this study, mice with a genetic defect that results in a 100% risk of colorectal cancer had their diet supplemented with the green tea extract (while a control group of similar mice did not receive this supplement). Once again, the researchers found that the mice treated with the green tea extract had decreased levels of basic fibroblast growth factor in their colorectal tumor cells. Moreover, supplementation with green tea extract resulted in considerably fewer colorectal tumors when compared with the mice that did not receive the extract.

The results of this study provide intriguing insight into the potential caner prevention effects of green tea, and at the molecular level. Several human clinical trials are already underway, looking at the effects of green tea on cancer prevention and cancer treatment. As we have seen with other areas of clinical research, what works in Petri dishes and laboratory mice doesn’t always translate well to humans. It will be interesting to see what the long-term results of ongoing human green tea clinical trials will tell us about the potential disease prevention and therapeutic effects of green tea.

The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful antioxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.

The benefits of drinking green tea in our body are so remarkable that it is believed that the key to a longer life may be brewing in your cup!

Catechin suppresses the formation of plaque by cariogenic bacteria and also kills the bacteria themselves.It also kills other bacteria that cause bad breath. Green tea contains natural fluorine which helps prevent cavities.

Consuming agents that are effective antioxidants will slow the aging process. Green tea is rich in vitamin E, which works as antioxidant. Also, catechin in green tea is a very strong antioxidant.

High Blood Pressure: Tea lovers may be surprised to learn their beverage of choice touts yet another health benefit: blood pressure control. Drinking a half-cup of green or oolong tea per day reduced a person’s risk of high blood pressure by almost 50% in a new study. People who drank at least two and a half cups per day reduced their risk even more. Their risk was reduced even if they had risk factors for high blood pressure, such as high sodium intake.

There are four primary polyphenols in green tea and they are often collectively referred to as catechins. Powerful antioxidants, catechins have been shown in recent studies to fight viruses, slow aging, and have a beneficial effect on health. Clinical tests have shown that catechins destroy free radicals and have far-reaching positive effects on the entire body.

Green tea also contains high concentrations of catechin polyphenols particularly the said epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). These compounds work with other chemicals in the body to increase the levels of oxidation of fat and it raises one’s metabolic rate. As a result, the body burns fuels as fat and this will help in your weight loss program. Drink just a couple of cups of green tea a day and this will help to boost your immune system. Not only will it give you that energy boost but it will also give you more endurance to work out longer as part of your exercise program.

One of the best benefits of drinking green tea is its ability to fight bacteria. This gives your immune system a boost. It also helps kill bacteria that cause plaque and subsequent tooth decay. Green tea can help fight food poisoning, as well.

Typically you don’t see Olympic athletes drinking green tea, but maybe you should. A recent Brazilian study shows that the antioxidants in green tea can offset the oxidative stress that comes from physical workouts. This means your body can recover more quickly from physical exercise and have less free-radical damage after a workout. From the article:

According to the results, consumption of green tea was associated with a 64 per cent reduction in the levels of lipid hydroperoxide after exercise, while blood levels of polyphenols were approximately 27 per cent high before and after exercise.

Moreover, post-exercise levels of glutathione, a protein that is important in protecting the body from oxidative (free radical) damage, were approximately 37 per cent higher in the green tea group.

“There is evidence that supplementation with antioxidants may decrease the oxidation of blood GSH after exercise,” stated the researchers. “Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that dietary strategies, such as daily GT intake, may also benefit the glutathione system of athletes by elevating blood GSH levels before and after effort.”

Consumption of green tea also provided pre-exercise benefits, with the pre-exercise FRAP value about 21 per cent higher compared with the control group.

“Consumption of green tea, a beverage rich in polyphenols, may offer protection against the oxidative damage caused by exercise, and dietary guidance for sports participants should be emphasised,” concluded the researchers.

Although this is heavy science-speak, it basically emphasizes the benefits of antioxidant intake, which is a key component of green and white teas. So if you exercise, try adding three cups a day of green tea to your diet and see what reaction you get.

It’s important to note that green tea is being promoted across the board as an extremely healthy drink. Earlier this week we noted a study showing smokers should drink green tea and today we’re pointing out that athletes should as well. The end of the article notes:

The analysts state that science is the reason for [green tea]’s growing popularity, and that it is generally accepted that green tea has a beneficial role in reducing Alzheimer’s, certain cancers, cardiovascular and oral health.

It seems green tea is beneficial for virtually the whole population (including you!). Why not try some Green Tea Hp today?