The Chinese and Japanese has been drinking green tea for thousands of years. Today, Western scientists has concluded that Green Tea possess health benefits for a longer and better life.
FACT#1
In 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent.
FACT#2
University of Purdue researchers concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells.
FACT#1
Research also indicate that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.
What are the scientific reasons behind Green Tea health effects?
Drink Chinese Green teaThe secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.
The high antioxidant activity of green tea makes it beneficial for protecting the body from oxidative damage due to free radicals. Research shows that green tea may help the arterial wall by reducing lipids. Green tea can protect against experimentally induced DNA damage, and slow or halt the initiation and progression of undesirable cell colonies. Studies show evidence that green tea provides immunoprotective qualities, particularly in the case of patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy. White blood cell count appear to be maintained more effectively in patients consuming green tea compared to non-supplemented patients.
Green tea is manufactured from fresh, unfermented tea leaves; the oxidation of catechins is minimal, and hence they are able to serve as antioxidants. Researchers believe that catechin is effective because it easily sticks to proteins, blocking bacteria from adhering to cell walls and disrupting their ability to destroy them. Viruses have 'hooks' on their surfaces and can attach to cell walls. The catechin in green tea prevents viruses from adhering and causing harm. Catechin reacts with toxins created by harmful bacteria (many of which belong to the protein family) and harmful metals such as lead, mercury, chrome
, and cadmium.
Green tea is so health benefiting so much so that all Japanese restaurants make it a point to serve green tea at every meal.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ken Cheong lived, worked and travelled in China for the last 7 years. He write articles and advisories on Chinese culture and Traditional Chinese Health products in two websites,
http://www.chinese-culture.net and
http://www.quick-pain-relief.com.