“If we do not find time to take care of our health, we will
reluctantly have to find time for our illness”
-Hippocrates
Lately there’s a lot of buzz in the news and online about
green tea and its’ health benefits, particularly the role of
polyphenols in green tea.
Polyphenols are chemical compounds found in fruits,
vegetables and green tea and further divided into sub groups
called catechins. There are 4 major catechins in green tea
of which EGCG ((-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the
most potent and found in abundance in green tea.
This compound is dubbed the “super antioxidant” because it’s
more powerful than the popular antioxidants Vitamin E &
Vitamin C. This super antioxidant eliminates free radicals,
the unstable molecules in the body that are the major cause
of both aging and disease, which continually attack the body
and leave the body vulnerable to disease.
Free radicals disrupt the biochemical processes within
cells, and our body’s natural defenses become compromised
leading to illness. Free radicals indiscriminately kill
cells, destroy enzymes and produce toxic chemicals which
cause damage to cellular functions. They are highly reactive
molecules; their activities cause damage to critical
structures such as DNA, lipids and proteins. All of which
are vital for normal cellular function.
Free radicals in the body are toxic forms of reactive oxygen
metabolites (ROM). It’s ironic that on one hand oxygen
sustains us and on the other hand oxygen can be responsible
for much of the destruction and aging of our cells. Free
radicals are responsible for many ailments including but not
limited to aging, cancer, heart disease, stroke and
arthritis. Without an antioxidant line of defense, your
cells oxidize or breakdown faster thus speeding up the aging
process, it’s the free radicals oxidative damage that makes
us age.
Since EGCG contained in green tea is a potent antioxidant it
neutralizes free radicals and hence is responsible for the
health promoting benefits listed below.
Lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad)-cholesterol levels
Increase HDL (good)-cholesterol levels
Reduce the risk of cancer
Reduce the risk of heart attack
Decrease the risk of stroke
Decrease the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis
Enhance immune function
Act as an antibacterial and antiviral agent
Help in weight loss
Boost longevity due to potent antioxidant properties
One cup of green tea usually provides 100-300 mg of
polyphenols and contains EGCG in high concentrations. As
mentioned above EGCG is believed to possess 100 times more
potency as an antioxidant than vitamin C and at least 25
times more potency than Vitamin E and protects cells and DNA
from damage believed to be linked to cancer, heart disease
and other potentially fatal illnesses.
Green tea has been used for centuries in China for the
health benefits it provides. We’re just now scratching the
surface of what green tea has to offer, new studies come out
constantly that provide data on the effectiveness of green
tea against various ailments. The latest research indicates
that green tea may help in Alzheimer’s disease by decreasing
the production of a protein which in large amounts causes
nerve damage and memory loss. All of the benefits of green
tea can be attributed to polyphenols, particularly EGCG.
Green tea comes in various dosage forms but the more popular
versions are the liquid forms and the patch. The patch seems
to be gaining in popularity due to the convenience factor
and delivery of the same amount of the active ingredient of
green tea at a constant rate. Place the patch on the skin
and wear it for 48 hours and replace it every other day. It
can’t get any simpler than that 🙂
As you can see EGCG is an important component of green tea
responsible for all of the health benefits listed above.
Recent studies also indicate green tea as being effective in
promoting weight loss.
Green tea is truly a ‘wonder compound’ with a large array
of benefits for improving
health. It’s been around for thousands of years and now it
has finally been re-discovered
for our benefit.
For more information please visit the website.
(c)Mayur Vibhakar – All rights reserved.
Mayur Vibhakar is a health professional and editor of innervibrance.com [http://www.innervibrance.com], a site dedicated to achieving optimal health through natural means. Subscribe to the informative health articles and receive health improving tips, natural product reviews and relevant health information.
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