Green Tea Improves Cardiovascular Health
Polyphenols Detox & Improve Heart, Immune Health, Diabetes
Aug 25, 2009
Green and black teas all come from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis. While black teas are produced from fermented leaves, green tea is prepared from fresh leaves that are dried or steamed right after picking. Though both types have health benefits, researchers believe green tea has more significant antioxidant activity because it is less processed than black tea.
Green tea is enriched with a number of other beneficial compounds, including oils, vitamins, minerals and caffeine. Though it has approximately 75 percent less caffeine content than coffee, too many cups of green tea can still cause insomnia. Fluoride may be present in teas and should be consumed in moderation. Green tea can also interact with blood-thinning medications such as aspirin.
Antioxidants in Green Tea Protect Against Cell Damage
Green tea is infused with antioxidants that are estimated to be 25 to 100 times more potent than vitamins C and E. Antioxidants reduce free radical damage to cells and stimulate cells that maintain bone density and skin elasticity and other body components.
Studies show that foods rich in antioxidants called polyphenols counteract the effects of cellular damage. Polyphenols are pigments that create the colors of blue, green, purple, and red found in plants, vegetables and fruits such as berries, apples and beetroots.Green tea is enriched with polyphenols called tannins and catechins that give it its many health giving properties. A cup of detoxifying green tea can provide 10 to 40mg of polyphenols and has antioxidant action greater than a single serving of broccoli, spinach, carrots or strawberries.
Boost the Immune System
Polyphenols are thought to have very broad health benefits; they act against allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcers, cataracts and much more. Fibromyalgia, a common yet little understood muscular disorder which causes debilitating widespread muscle pain and fatigue, may also be prevented by plenty of antioxidants in the diet.
A natural cleanser, green tea also offers benefits for the immune system. Its antiviral and antibacterial properties can help reduce the likelihood of coming down with the flu and even prevents dental plaque. It also promotes the production of several immune system cells.
Polyphenols may be Beneficial for Cancer Patients
In countries such as Japan where the consumption of green tea is very high, the incidence of cancer and heart disease is relatively low. The potent polyphenols in green tea are thought to reduce the risk of several types of cancer particularly those affecting the esophagus, colon, pancreas and rectum. However, there is not yet any real evidence that green tea will prevent any types of cancers. Other research suggested that it reduced the risk of hormone related breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Green tea may also be beneficial for cancer patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatments as it helps to maintain white blood cell count.
Green Tea Improves Cardiovascular Health
In a study published by the American Journal of Cardiology (2001 March 12; Volume 138;67-73), participants who drank at least one cup of green tea per day were 42 percent less likely to suffer heart attacks than those that did not. This protection from cardiovascular disease occurs in several ways: compounds in green tea lower cholesterol and inhibit the abnormal blood platelet clots, preventing thrombosis and decreasing blood pressure; the primary cause of heart attacks and strokes. Other studies show that drinking green tea helps to lower insulin resistance and prevents insulin-induced body fat accumulation.
A complete lifestyle and nutrition regiment can improve health and prevent illness and disease. However, existing illnesses cannot be treated with this alone, though it will complement prescribed treatment and medication. Talk to your doctor about adding diet and exercise changes to your treatment program.
References
Green Tea Lowers Heart Attack Risk, American Journal of Cardiology 2001 March 12; 138;67-73
Do Tea Extracts Lower Cholesterol? Journal Watch Cardiology 2003 June 23; 163:1448-53
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