According to Chinese legend, tea was discovered accidentally by an emperor 4,000 years ago. Since then, traditional Chinese medicine has recommended Green Tea for headaches, body aches & pains, digestion, depression, immune enhancement, detoxification, as an energizer, and to prolong life. Modern research has confirmed many of these health benefits. All teas (green, black, and oolong) are derived from the same tea plant, Camellia sinensis. The difference is in 'how' the plucked leaves are prepared. The tea plant has long been cultivated in China. It is an evergreen shrub or tree that can grow to a height of 30 feet, but is usually maintained at a height of 2 to 3 feet by regular pruning. The hairy leaves of the tea plant are used both as a social and medicinal beverage. Green Tea, unlike black and oolong tea, is not fermented, so the active constituents remain unaltered in the herb. It is produced by lightly steaming the fresh cut leaf. Green Tea is very high in polyphenols with potent antioxidant and anti-cancer support properties. Green Tea contains volatile oils, vitamins, minerals, and caffeine, but the active constituents are the polyphenols, particularly the catechin called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). These polyphenols are believed to be responsible for most of Green Tea's roles in promoting good health. Research demonstrates that Green Tea guards against cardiovascular disease in many ways. Green Tea lowers total cholesterol levels and improves the cholesterol profile (the ratio of LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol), reduces platelet aggregation, and lowers blood pressure. The polyphenols in Green Tea have also been shown to support a lower risk of several types of cancers, stimulate the production of several immune system cells, and have antibacterial properties - even against the bacteria that causes dental plaque. It is interesting to note that Green Tea supports the prevention of certain types of cancer, whereas black tea increases the risk of certain cancers, such as cancer of the rectum, gallbladder, and endometrium.
Camellia Sinensis is a native plant of China that has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is the same plant from which black tea is produced, only ... black tea is steamed, dried and fermented. Green tea is only steamed and dried, so it is more like drinking a beverage from the fresh leaf. Because of this freshness, Green Tea also contains higher concentrations of catechins, known powerful antioxidants.
It is these catechins, particularly one known as Epigallocatechin Gallate, that make Green Tea such a powerfully potent beverage.
What Exactly Does Green Tea Do For Us
Green Tea and its extract prevents and treat a number of diseases. Here are some of the interesting points in favor of Green Tea:
1. It is an Anti-carcinogenic with chemoprotective effect on stomach, liver, pancreatic, breast, esophageal and skin cancers. The catechins in Green Tea prevent cancer by neutralizing nitrosamines (dietary carcinogens).
2. It is Cardio-Protective and appears to reduce many of the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease including elevated LDL cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels. It also inhibits abnormal blood clotting, platelet thickening, and adhesions.
3. It has Anti-Aging properties and prevents diseases associated with aging, such as high blood pressure and stroke. Green Tea helps keep artery walls pliable.
4. It is a powerful antioxidant. Polyphenols in Green Tea suppress free radicals, especially in the brain.
5. It lowers blood sugar. Polyphenols inhibit the production of enzymes that break down sugar. Green Tea reduces glucose and insulin levels - hence, it helps people who may be predisposed to diabetes, heart disease and excess body fat.
6. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory because it reduces inflammation by inhibiting the production of the enzyme responsible for the inflammation process. Hence, it is helpful to those who suffer from arthritis and joint disease.
7. It is an Anti-viral and inhibits certain viruses, including certain strains of hepatitis C and herpes simplex. Research continues with catechins and their effect on HIV.
8. It is an Anti-bacterial and prevents the growth of E.coli while promoting the growth of friendly bacteria in the intestines. Green Tea also kills bacteria in the mouth and postively impacts halitosis and tooth decay.
Some Green Tea Facts
Men who consumed seven or more cups of Green Tea a day had a 32% lower risk of stomach cancer.
Smokers who consume approximately 3 cups of Green Tea a day had less occurrence of lung damage and showed less risk of developing lung cancer.
Diabetics who were put on a diet to include 6 cups of Green Tea a day showed a reduction in oxidative damage.
Consuming 10 cups of Green Tea a day has been shown to protect against liver damage.
Catechins protect against heart disease and atherosclerosis by inhibiting the growth of smooth muscle cells lining blood vessels.
Epicatechin, one of the polyphenols in Green Tea significantly inhibits the production of Thromboxane which causes platelets to thicken.
Theanine, an amino acid in Green Tea, has been shown to raise serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain.
Green Tea has been shown to inhibit periodontal disease and cavities. Rinsing your mouth with Green Tea reduces plaque.
Source www.thorne.com and www.viable-herbal.com
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