Client: Darrell Miller
Copyright Darrell Miller
How Do the Active Ingredients in Green Tea Boost Health?
Green tea is a leading substance for health support in traditional Chinese medicine. The rest of the world has learned from the ancient knowledge of the Chinese and adapted green tea as part of their culture for its well-known health boosting ingredients. The major active ingredients in green tea are:
� Catechin
� Theanine
� Saponin
Green tea also contains amino acids, vitamins and other nutrients that aid its active ingredients in boosting overall health.
Health Benefits:
Studies of theanine indicate that it aids in immune system response to infection. This is accomplished by boosting the capacity of the disease-fighting cells called gamma delta T-cells. Blood sample analysis showed that green tea drinkers had a stronger immune system response through higher production of anti-bacterial proteins.
Theanine has been found to alter the attention areas of the brain that affect clear thought processes. Therefore, it helps to improve mental alertness. This happens when theanine is absorbed through the small intestine. It crosses the blood-brain barrier to affect the neurotransmitters of the brain and increase alpha brain-wave activity. The resulting effect is an alert and much calmer mind set. EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) also passes through the blood-brain barrier and aids in preventing cognitive impairment.
Green tea aids in disease prevention and the anti-aging process. It protects the cardiovascular system, kidneys and brain from harmful chemicals and bacteria. It helps to lower blood sugar, regulate iron and control nitric acid production in the body.
Green tea also aids in reduction of body fat, weight loss and increasing metabolism. The incidence rate of cancer is much lower in countries that have a high percentage of green tea consumption. Cancer related deaths are also rare in these countries. Above average amounts of strong green tea consumption are proven to increase longevity and lower the mortality rate as well.
Anti-Cancer Properties:
Catechin, one of green tea�s active ingredients, works with the active oxygen in the blood. These chemicals together help protect the body from harmful microorganisms that may invade the body. Catechin was also found to reduce the number and size of tumors and inhibit cancer cell growth.
Numerous studies suggest that green tea has many anti-cancer benefits as well. Various forms of cancer such as lung, prostate and breast cancer have been shown to react to its antioxidant properties. EGCG reduces growth of the cell receptors responsible for producing human lung cancer. Other studies show promise in green tea combined with tamoxifen being effective in suppressing in-vitro human breast cancer growth.
Green tea may also aid in the reduction of gastric, and other forms of cancer, because of its anti-carcinogenic properties. Also, topical applications of green tea extract (EGCG) have produced protection against UVA and UVB rays which are responsible for skin cancer.
Other Benefits:
Green tea is also being proven to raise the rate of metabolism in humans who consume regular amounts. Speeding the rate of fat metabolism can increase endurance during exercise. It also speeds the process of fat oxidation and improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Infusions made from green tea are claimed to be useful in treating such ailments as:
� Abscesses
� Atherosclerosis
� Bladder problems
� Cancer
� Diabetes
� Halitosis
� Inflammatory bowel disease
� LDL cholesterol
� Lethargy
� Liver disease
� Neurodegenerative diseases
� Obesity
� Tumors
The United States FDA (Federal Drug Administration) has not officially approved green tea as an aid in boosting good health. However, there are hundreds of current studies being conducted every day to prove otherwise. In time, scientists will have enough evidence to support their theories. The Chinese healers of ancient times may have been right all along in their belief in the healing powers of green tea.