Green Tea - Discover the Benefits Of This Super Antioxidant

"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.
All of which are vital for normal cellular function. They are highly reactive molecules; their activities cause damage to critical structures such as DNA, lipids and proteins. Free radicals indiscriminately kill cells, destroy enzymes and produce toxic chemicals which cause damage to cellular functions. Free radicals disrupt the biochemical processes within cells, and our body's natural defenses become compromised leading to illness.
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
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 as an antioxidant than vitamin C and at least 25 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. One cup of green tea usually provides 100-300 mg of polyphenols and contains EGCG in high concentrations.
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 can be attributed to polyphenols, particularly EGCG. Green tea has been used for centuries in China for the health benefits it provides.
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

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Green Tea and Its Many Health Benefits

The Asian community has used different teas and herbal remedies since before the Great wall of China (over 3000 years ago) and green tea has stood out as one of its hallmark and most helpful constituents. Green tea has been used to treat everything from heart attacks, stroke to infections like sepsis (blood infection) and numerous other conditions and maladies. Many studies have been undertaken to research and extract the helpful and beneficial compounds in Green tea that exhibit these medicinal qualities.
Recent scientific studies listed in Chemical & Engineering News (produced by the American Chemical Society) show numerous benefits from the different compounds contained in green tea leaves (polyphenols like EGCG, a powerful antioxidant that inhibits the rapid growth of cancer cells without harming healthy cells).
Green tea has shown and evidenced antibacterial properties and more research in this area is needed. Studies done at Harvard and Cornell Universities on these polyphenols have shown a marked decline in carcinogen activity (up to 60% blocking reduction in oxidation capabilities) and even a biocide or antiseptic quality (hence the current research on green tea polyphenols and tooth and gum disease).
EGCG, due to its abilities to retard cancer with no known side effects is currently being researched to see if higher concentrations and / or more powerful synthetic derivatives could be used as a replacement for the current highly toxic chemotherapy. It is important to note, that although no cancer in these studies was completely cured, duration of survival and quality of life were increased in every circumstance. Green tea polyphenols inhibit and retard cancer growth in every study and form of cancer from liver cancer to uterine and breast cancer.
The polyphenols inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the bloodstream. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

Many studies have linked green tea to lower risk for breast, pancreatic, colon, esophageal, and lung cancers. Other green tea findings included a study of smokers at the Arizona Cancer Center in Tucson showing that four cups of decaffeinated green tea every day for four months provided some protection against potentially carcinogenic damage to DNA, as measured by the amount of LDL cholesterol in the digestive tract, which actually helps lower the amount of an enzyme in the urine. Study after study shows a vast reduction in onset and risk of various cancers and disease.
Just 4 cups of green tea daily gives the optimal amount of polyphenols for the best results. Basically, to sum this up, green tea has been proven to reduce the risk of cancer and retard the growth of cancer cells in every case and for this reason alone should be incorporated into every diet.

Recent Research Indicates Major Antimutagenic Activity in Green Tea

Used for various purposes in Asian countries for centuries; green tea is now a very popular North American beverage also. 20% of daily global tea consumption is green tea. On any day around the globe, nearly two thirds of the population drinks tea, of one kind or another.
New research is emerging that suggests that green tea holds healing properties that slow the aging process and other age related illness and ailments.
Western culture has adopted a love for green tea in recent history, and as such, its pharmacological active compounds benefits have fallen under intense scrutiny as researchers seek to identify what, if any, benefit this beverage possesses in eradicating or avoiding cancers and other diseases usually associated with the promotion of free radicals. Recently, a research team from the Department of Dermatology at Case Western University in Cleveland, Ohio, conducted a study to see if green tea possessed antimutagenic qualities.
The results, while hardly conclusive and more study is likely needed, indicate that green tea does, in fact, possess some qualities that seem to thwart the creation or spread of certain mutations that are thought to contribute to the creation and spread of cancer, contribute to aging, and lead to other diseases associated with aging.
The results of the study found that WEGT and GTP significantly inhibited the reverse mutation induced by benzo [alpha] pyrene (BP), 2-aminofluorene, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), as well as methanol extracted from coal tar in Salmonella typhimurium TA100 and/or TA98 in the presence of a rat-liver microsomal activation system. The study attempted to identify antimutagenic activity that was a direct result of interaction with WEGT, and subsequently, GTP. Interestingly, this research carefully studied water extracts from green tea, known also as WEGT, and their significant attributes, including green tea polyphenols (GTP).
When GTP was added, during and after nitrosation of methylurea, the results in a dose dependent fashion were the inhibition of mutagenicity. GTP was also found to inhibit gene forward mutation in V79 cells when treated with AFB1.
This perhaps could hold significance as new studies are formulated to ascertain the healthful benefits of GTP. Free radical inhibition is terrifically difficult and the results of this study could be an indication that green tea is a very effective natural source of accomplishing this restriction. The study also found that the antimutagenic activity of GTP implies that it may affect carcinogen metabolism, DNA adduct structure, the interaction of ultimate carcinogen, or the scavenging of free radicals.
Many ancient cultures believed it possessed healing powers and even the ability to ward off disease and mutations, but this is still relatively new to countries in Europe, Canada, and the United States. Green tea has fallen under much scrutiny as its alleged benefits have been touted for centuries, but it popularity in regions of the West have increased dramatically in recent years.
The study noted as 223(3):273-85 is yet one more confirmation that green tea in solid or beverage form possesses restorative and healthful powers that are just now being discovered. Green tea likely holds a potential that is relatively untapped.
With further study, researchers are becoming increasingly confident that consumption of green tea in any form might be an easy and inexpensive method of giving the body another weapon in its life long fight against diseases such as cancer. Additional studies also are beginning to examine whether or not green tea possess other qualities that can inhibit the mutation of certain compounds that contribute to disease and aging. The benefits of green tea are beginning to be unlocked and additional discoveries seem to be on the horizon.
Jon M. Stout is the Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. Golden Moon Tea carefully selects the finest rare and orthodox teas, which are processed slowly and handcrafted with extreme care. At their website, you can learn more about their current
tea
offerings, including their exceptional
green tea
, white tea, black tea, oolong tea (also known as wu-long and
wu long tea
Visit goldenmoontea.com for all details concerning the Golden Moon Tea Company's fine line of teas. ) and chai.

The Green Tea Secret

The chemical compound known as a phenol is characterized by an aromatic benzene ring with a hydroxyl group (OH) attached. This makes sense that poly-phenols refer to a chemical substance with more than one phenol group. Phenols function as potent antioxidants, reacting with free radicals. Phenols are responsible for the bright coloring in many fruits and vegetables. These fruit and vegetable phenols protect the plants from damage by disease and ultraviolet light.
Polyphenols are phytonutrients or phytochemicals. Phytonutrients are biologically active compounds in food. However, these phytonutrients are not classified as essential nutrients. This is because the body does not depend on these nutrients for proper bodily function. Phytonutrients do play a vital role in affecting our health just as significantly as vitamins and minerals do.
Polyphenols also protect and regenerate other dietary oxidants such as vitamin E. Polyphenols are potent free radical scavengers in the body. This is beneficial because excess levels of these cations promotes the generation of free radicals.

This reduces the absorption of the mineral. Polyphenols can form complexes with metal cations such as iron, zinc, and copper. Polyphenols are classified as flavonoids, which is a class of phytonutrient.
Polyphenols are plentiful in green tea. Polyphenols have been found to be more powerful as an antioxidant than even vitamins C and E. In particular, EGCG or epigallocatechin gallate is the major polyphenolic constituent of green tea. EGCG is a potent antioxidant. A number of chronic diseases have been thought to be caused by free radical damage such as cancer, aging, and heart disease.
Antioxidants protect the body from free radical damage. What are free radicals? Free radicals are caused by cigarette smoking, radiation, pollution, and herbicides. Free radicals are atoms with unpaired electrons in the outer shell. The unpaired electrons make free radicals unstable. Free radicals want only to be stable. Free radical stability requires the electrons to be paired. Free radicals are extremely reactive and will oxidize the nearest molecule.
In fact, researchers believe this is how many forms of cancer arise. DNA and free radical interactions usually result in mutations that adversely affect the cell cycle and potentially lead to malignancy. However, DNA is usually preferred. Free radicals can attack proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and DNA.

This creates a chain reaction continuing until the disruption of a living cell. Oxidizing causes the free radical to gain an electron but also creates another free radical.
The antioxidant is stable with or without the electron, making this a win-win situation. Antioxidants donate an electron to the free radical, hence stabilizing the free radical and preventing damage. Antioxidants safely interact with free radicals to prevent damage to vital molecules.

Antioxidants protect the body from damaging oxidation reactions.
Black teas and some green teas are fermented and roasted, damaging the bioactive substances in the tea leaf. Steamed white and green tea retains more polyphenols and nutrients than roasting and fermenting. Of course, the level of polyphenols along with other nutrients is based on how the tea is processed. Polyphenols can be found in white, black, and green tea.
Green tea studies suggest an increase in exercise endurance by improving the metabolism of fat. Green tea has been shown to protect the brain from oxidative stress and lower monoamine oxidase activity; preventing age related brain degeneration. Green tea helps prevent cavities, strengthens teeth, and is thought to kill oral bacteria that is responsible for bad breath.

Regular consumption of green tea shows no significant side effects. Dietary intake of green tea has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer and heart disease. Many studies have been done on the health benefits of green tea. Why should you drink green tea?
Green tea offers many health benefits to those who drink green tea regularly. Besides offering antioxidant benefits, green tea is excellent as a weight loss supplement offering weight loss results and safety. Of course, green tea should be used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise program. If you take medications for a health condition, consult your doctor before adding green tea to your diet.
Copyright 2006 Kristy Haugen

Green Tea And The Latest In Skin Care And Promising Cancer Treatments

With all the latest research and developments into skin care it has recently been found that Green tea actually has more to offer than originally thought. In research conducted in Thailand by Dr. Ptong of the Skin Education Foundation it was evidenced that Green tea when taken orally or applied externally had a marked effect on the skin in relation to cancer and carcinogens.
From basal cell carcinoms (the mildest and most common form of skin cancer) to malignant melanoma and its variants (the deadliest and fastest spreading form) all were shown to be effected by the green tea polyphenols. The polyphenols of green tea showed the ability to actually prohibit and retard the growth of various skin cancers. Ptong elucidated that it was the green teas antioxidants, commonly referred to as green tea polyphenols (GTP), that caused this new functionality.
It is important to note that they have now found identical results with human research. In one study it was shown that the the resultant damage that normally occurs from excessive UV radiation did not happen to skin pre treated with a GTP salve. This resulted in a much lower chance of growths and cancer developing. This resulted in a much lower rate of mutations afterwards.

This resulted in a much lower rate of mutations afterwards. This resulted in a much lower rate of mutations afterwards. This resulted in a much lower rate of mutations afterwards. In animal studies where the skin was treated with various carcinogens and chemicals or radiation with mutagenic properties it was found that skin treated prior with a rub or salve of the polyphenols had a much lower rate of mutations afterwards.
"Every area we tested the polyphenols we made significant discoveries and every time it was very positive. The polyphenols extracted from green tea are extremely active against all types of cancer in this study," Stated Dr. Ptong.
It was also found that, along with external application, oral use of the green tea and polyphenols reduced the risk of cancer and other similar maladies.
For more great information and research on anti aging skin treatments please visit: He provides research, various skin peels and anti aging treatments for doctors offices and medispas. David Maillie is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests.
http://www.bestskinpeel.com