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: Help Or Hype?

Have you ever wondered: "Is it really worth my while to drink tea of the green variety?" Stick around and decide for yourself. I'm certain you've heard it, too. There's been lots of health-hype lately surrounding the benefits of green tea.
First: The Claims:
A rich source of anti-oxidants:
Green tea will help you bulk up on the anti-oxidant warriors that help to both lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease by controlling blood pressure. Free radical damage can cause everything from sun damage to hardening of the arteries. Anti-oxidants neutralize "free radicals" or unstable molecules in the body that can eventually become unfriendly and wreak havoc on the cells. What are anti-oxidants?
Cancer prevention:
New evidence suggests green tea may also help prevent prostate cancer, as well. The cancers studied and which have been recorded include: bladder, colon, esophagus, pancreas, rectal and stomach. Green tea has been shown to lower rates of cancer in Asian populations.
Help with arthritis:
Studies also suggest there is possible anti-inflammatory and arthritis preventing effects in green tea although, I'll admit, solid scientific evidence was difficult to come by. By simple suggestion, I'll give green tea an A for effort in the arthritis category.
Liver protection:
Green tea protects the liver by warding off toxins such as alcohol and cigarette smoke. Green tea has been proven to protect liver cells by stimulating the immune system.
Teeth protection:
Green tea is supposed to work against bacteria, protecting teeth from cavities. Green tea has been thought to promote oral health (although scientific proof was difficult to come by here, too).
Weight loss:
Green tea contains polyphenols (molecule compounds) that actually help the body to burn weight and regulate both blood sugar and insulin levels. Yes! Several sources I found claimed that green tea may actually help to stimulate weight loss. Here's another benefit that will raise many an eyebrow.
The Bad News
What's the bad news?
per 8 ounce cup. That's less than half the caffeine content of coffee which weighs in at 90 mg. It looks like there's only 30-60mg in 6-8 ounces of tea, however.

The only negative side effect I've found is the simple recorded cases of insomnia due to naturally occurring caffeine in green tea.
Other FAQ's About Green Tea:
How much green tea is enough to reap the benefits?
No one seems to be too sure about the answer to this question, either. Let's be realistic - most people could easily drink 3-4 cups of green tea daily. This is a good round number and one that I came up with based on its frequency in the research studied. A suggestion: why not try replacing your usual cup of coffee with a clean dose of health?
Where to get a good cup of tea?
Check out your local grocery for my favorite: Lipton. There's plenty of others, but I like the way Lipton aims to zip up green tea with variety. They even have a orange, passionfruit & jasmine flavor that's de-lish!
If drinking tea really isn't your thing, but you still want the benefits - no problem! Green tea is now available in capsule form, too. This could be as close as your local pharmacy. Check around.
In summation:
In this scientist's opinion, green tea is well worth your consideration. The simple speculation of benefits is enough to get excited about it. It's easy to digest, tastes good and, hey, if it helps me with my goal of wellness and illness prevention, I'll take ample tea time, any day!
Research for this article has been created through careful consideration of research and articles appearing on WebMD and though several working texts which include:
Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing. New York: Penguin Putnam, 2004.
New York: Simon & Schuster, 1988. The New Age Herbalist. Mabey, Richard.
New York: Simon & Schuster, 1992. Herb Bible. Mindell, Earl, R.Ph., Ph.D.
Tierra, Michael L.Ac., O.M.D. The Way of Herbs. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1998.
About The Author

Laura Turner is a natural health practitioner and author. She hosts
http://www.beauty-and-body.com
and publishes the bi-weekly New Body News and Wellness Letter, The Online Magazine Healthy People Read. (
http://www.new-body-news.com
) Subscribe for f.r.e.e. and receive her Special Report: "Take Charge of Your Health!"

Green Tea and Polyphenols

What are Polyphenols?
Polyphenols are compounds found in nature. More specifically they are found in plants and provide coloring for some. Their purpose appears to be a potent, natural antioxidant. There are many plants that we consume that contain polyphenols. Concentrations are high in Olive oil and Green Tea and have been the subject of many health articles and promoted to enhance your health.
How do Polyphenols work?
These antioxidants eliminate free radicals, unstable molecules that are the major cause of both aging and disease, in both plants and humans. Free radicals continually attack the body. Free radicals are a normal product of metabolism and result in a process called oxidation. Polyphenols and other antioxidants, including beta carotene (a vitamin A precursor), vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium, scavenge these free radicals and help to prevent formation of unstable oxygen molecules, known as oxidation. Oxidation can damage healthy cells in the body and have been linked to many diseases including cancer, heart disease and stroke. Polyphenols not only work to prevent diseases but may also help to reduce abnormal cells and inflammation; get rid of cancer causing agents and restore cells back to normal health.
What foods contain Polyphenols?
Unfortunately, polyphenols have a quick life span (short half life) of about 3 hours, thus the scientific reason behind researchers' recommendation to drink green tea a minimum of 8 times a day. EGCG, the most abundant and powerful of green tea's 5 main catechins, is dubbed the 'super antioxidant' because it is 200 times more powerful than the popular antioxidant vitamin E. Just one example is a subgroup of polyphenols, exclusive to green tea, called catechins. These extremely high levels of polyphenols deliver green tea's unique results in several ways.

Green Tea is the #1 source of polyphenols. They include red wine, olive oil, black and green tea. There are many but there are only a few, which contain particularly high levels.
And, research at the University of Geneva, in Switzerland, indicate that green tea raises metabolic rates In addition to caffeine, green tea's catechin polyphenols raise thermogenesis (the rate at which calories are burned) and hence increases energy expenditure. And, research at the University of Geneva, in Switzerland, indicate that green tea raises metabolic rates and speed up fat oxidation. In addition to caffeine, green tea's catechin polyphenols raise thermogenesis (the rate at which calories are burned) and hence increases energy expenditure. And, research at the University of Geneva, in Switzerland, indicate that green tea raises metabolic rates and speed up fat oxidation.

In addition to caffeine, green tea's catechin polyphenols raise thermogenesis (the rate at which calories are burned) and hence increases energy expenditure. And, research at the University of Geneva, in Switzerland, indicate that green tea raises metabolic rates and speed up fat oxidation. In addition to caffeine, green tea's catechin polyphenols raise thermogenesis (the rate at which calories are burned) and hence increases energy expenditure. Not only may green tea protect and heal the body from disease but also clinical trials, conducted by the University of Geneva, in Switzerland, indicate that green tea raises metabolic rates and speed up fat oxidation.
Research is still continuing with green tea and more health benefits continue to be discovered. For instance, EGCG's may one day play a role in treatment of mad cow disease (Nature Structural and Molecular Biology, DOI:10.1038/nsmb743). And the formation of unstable oxygen molecules in the body is unavoidable. Aging, smoke, and environmental pollutants are all sources of the damaging free radicals. Japan and China have benefited from drinking green tea vs. black tea, like the rest of us, for centuries. The west is just now catching on to the benefits of green tea. With green tea being no more harmful than a cup of coffee (and actually containing less caffeine) there's no reason why you shouldn't begin today to benefit from green tea too.
Chemical name:
Various
Also known as:
Green Tea Polyphenols, Green Tea Water Extract, Black Tea Polyphenols, Black Tea Water Extract, Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), Polyphenon E (Mitsui-Norin, Ltd.), Topical Polyphenon E (Epitome Pharmaceuticals Ltd.)
Category:
Phytochemical
More information on the benefits of green tea can be found at
http://www.natural-weight-loss-programs.com/greentea.htm
. Free trials of
green tea
Find out the patches and instant beverages are available while supplies last.
benefit of green tea
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The Hidden Benefits of Green Tea

Do you drink green tea? If you are not aware of the goodness of green tea then you should read this article. Green tea is one of the best drink available today. It's not only easily available today, green tea are sell at very reasonable price.
Green tea leaves can be used as a medicine for body aches and pains, poor digestion, , headaches and also to improve general well being.
Generally, Green tea leaves contain tannins ,caffeine, essential oils, proteins, vitamins, minerals and trace elements such as fluoride, zinc and potassium. Very minimal processing is required to produce green tea.
Green tea is naturally also rich in antioxidants. It will help the body to protect cells from free radicals (unstable molecules found in our cells). This antioxidants will neutralize the free radicals. As such, drinking green tea regularly has been linked (via loads of research) with the prevention of cancer; help in lowers the risk high blood cholesterol and also harmful blood clotting and stroke.
One of the other benefits is that green tea is very good for arthritis sufferers. It this because of its anti-inflammatory properties will help lesser the pain.
Most of the people not aware that the caffeine in green tea has an invigorating effect and it promotes concentration. This is not only good for those who need more concentration in accomplishing their work or do well in study like student and professionals.
It is also ideal after dinner as a palette cleanser. Apart from that, Green tea is also antibacterial and the trace element fluorine helps to fight tooth decay.
Other nenefits of green tea is that it is capable to cleanse the body. In fact it has been use for quite some time to all types of detoxification diets.
Green tea is an excellent thirst quencher. It is a great and refreshing drink too. refreshing drink.
Let look at the usual Preparation of The Tea.
Then pour the water over the tea and leave the tea to brew. Boil your water and then let the water sit for a couple of minutes - to cool slightly. Use one level teaspoon of tea leaves per cup.
Brewing the tea for 2-3 minutes will give you a mild tasting but highly stimulating tea.
Brewing the tea for 4-6 minutes yields a less stimulating and stronger tasting tea.
Please take note that the caffeine in green tea can cause heart palpitations in extra sensitive people.
Green tea is a great topic to discuss and it has become increasingly
important topic today, Follow the experts advice
correctly and you'll greatly benefited from green tea.