While much of the world is aware that drinking green tea comes along with a certain amount of health benefits, the vast majority of people have no idea where these benefits come from. Green tea has a variety of compounds inherent that make it such a healthy drink, most notably antioxidants. EGCG, also known as epigallocatechin gallate, is the antioxidant that is the driving force between the health benefits associated with green tea, and is considered by many to be the main reason for drinking the beverage.

Here are just a few of the many health benefits associated with EGCG.

1.) Weight Loss

Losing weight can be a trying, difficult process, and is not made easier by the fact that many people do not eat healthy or get enough exercise. EGCG can be a powerful tool in promoting weight loss, and should be embraced by those who are looking for a boost in metabolism. By boosting the body’s metabolism, EGCG allows for a higher fat burning ability and can even help to reduce the storage of fat in the body. In terms of weight loss aids, there aren’t many out there that are more powerful than the EGCG found in green tea.

2.) Cardivascular Maintenance

Keeping your cardivascular system in good working order is one of the keys of being a healthy person, and is by far one of the most important things you can do for yourself. EGCG has been found to improve cardiovascular health in a variety of different ways, including lowering of the body’s blood pressure and cholesteral. Considering the fact that EGCG also helps to prevent the formation of blod clots, it’s no wonder why it is considered so crucial to the cardiovascular system.

3.) Cancer Prevention

Most people try to do what they can to prevent cancer from entering into their lives, whether it be refraining from destructive activities such as smoking, or simply eating healthy and maintaining an active lifestyle. Antioxidants have been found to be instrumental in preventing cancer, and are contained in a variety of different food and beverages. EGCG is one of the most powerful antioxidants one has available, and is naturally found in green tea. Drinking even one cup of green tea per day can aid in the prevention of cancer.

4.) Arthritis Treatment

Arthritis is a condition that affects millions of people throughout the world to some degree or another, and can often be debilitating. EGCG has been proven to aid in preventing the destruction of cartilage that is known to cause arthritis, and even one cup per day is thought to be helpful. Those who currently suffer from arthritis can gain the benefits that come from EGCG in that it will slow down the development of further issues.

5.) Anti-Aging Treatment

Everyone wants to look young and attractive for as long as possible, and the world has certainly seen its fair share of anti-aging products. One of the most effective ways to prevent aging, however, is to incorporate EGCG into your diet. EGCG has properties that naturally slow down the aging process, leaving your skin in good condition far into the latter years of life. Like the many other benefits of EGCG, only one or two cups of green tea per day can give you these benefits.

There has been much discussion in recent years about the positive effects of green tea consumption. Specifically, green tea has been said to aid prostate cancer patients in combatting the disease, and to help men who are at risk of developing the disease avoid it. But are these legitimate scientific theories, or just a lot of hype? To answer this question, one must first look at the properties of green tea.

About Green Tea

Green tea contains antioxidants (or catechins), which combat oxidants (also called “free radicals”), which exist within the human body. Oxidants are known to damage cell protein and genetic material in their quest to stabilize, which makes the body more susceptible to cancer growth. While all tea contains free radical-fighting antioxidants, green tea contains a higher level than black tea, possibly due to the fact that the former is less processed.

Green tea’s effect on prostate cancer patients, and those at risk of developing the cancer, has come into the limelight over the past decade. Studies have shown that green tea catechins (GTCs) specifically target prostate cancer cells, killing them without damaging surrounding benign cells. Two notable studies on the subject have been conducted during the last ten years.

The Italian Study

Italian scientists recruited sixty-two men between the ages of forty-five and seventy-five, all of whom had untreated pre-malignant prostate lesions. Thirty-two of the men each received 600mg of GTCs per day, while the rest were given a placebo. Biopsies were performed after six months, and again after one year. Of the men taking the GTCs, only one developed prostate cancer. Nine clinical trial participants in the placebo group were diagnosed with the disease.

The LSU Health Sciences Center Study

James A. Cardelli, Ph.D., professor and director of basic and translational research in the Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, LSU Health Sciences Center-Shreveport, conducted a similar study. His team recruited twenty-six men, aged forty-one to seventy-two, who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and who were scheduled for prostate gland removal. All clinical trial participants consumed the equivalent of twelve cups of brewed green tea per day, administered in capsule form. All patients exhibited a reduction in prostate cancer serum biomarkers after treatment, with some reductions being as great as thirty-percent.

Conclusion

The medical community has yet to unequivocally profess that green tea will cure prostate cancer. For the time being, doctors and scientists can only offer guarded praise for the substance, based on limited human trial. While current available data does not pronounce green tea to be an absolute cure for prostate cancer, it does offer hope to those suffering from, or at risk for, the disease.

For more information, please consult the following websites:

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-06/aafc-gtm061509.php

http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/66/2/1234.full

http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/66/2/1234.full.pdf

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619112329.htm

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/23190.php

Other Popular Green Tea FAQ's

Green tea is one of the most popular drinks on the planet. The sad fact, however, is that many of the people who drink it – even those who drink it on a regular basis – are completely in the dark about its history and origins. Thousands of years old, it is one of the oldest beverages that is still popularly consumed, and benefits from a rich history of culture and ingenuity.

Chinese Origins – 350 AD to 729 AD

While the history of green tea is certainly full of mystery and unknowns, it is agreed upon by historians throughout the world that the tea originated in China approximately five thousand years ago. According to Chinese legend, a man named Shien Non Shei discovered green tea leaves, tasted them and was instantly won over by their pungent, almost medicinal qualities. Most historians agree that discovery eventually led to experimentation, where the leaves would eventually be found to benefit most from hot (but never boiling) water, turning them into a delicious beverage with mysterious qualities.

Soon after the discovery of green tea, the drink quickly became a mainstay for Chinese royalty and wealthy individuals, who were the first to drink green tea on a regular basis. At one point, it was even used as currency, as it held significant value and was tough to come about for those who were poor or did not have connections to royalty. The first known Chinese account of green tea’s health benefits is thought to have been written by a man named Lu Yu and is entitled “The Classic of Tea.” The book elaborates on each of the many supposed health benefits, which are surprisingly similar to what most scientists and doctors believe today.

While green tea was first reserved for the elite as it commanded quite a high price, it was bound to disseminate through the rest of China at some point, which is exactly what it did after 1368 AD’s fall of the Mongolian Empire. Suddenly, China’s entire population had access to green tea, and the drink was no longer reserved only for royalty and the rich. It was only a matter of time before green tea began to spread further. Eventually, small tea houses began to spring up in communities, becoming some of the first social watering holes in the world. Tea makers soon became artisans, respected among the community in the same way doctors and lawyers are respected today.

On to Japan – 729 AD to 1517 AD

Once green tea made its way to Japan, it found an audience that was hot to progress the tea to a whole new level. Green tea cultivation is thought to have began in Japan in the year 729 AD, a time when the emperor would give Buddhist monks gifts of powdered green tea. With the unveiling of such varieties as Sencha and Matcha, green tea finally began to come into its own. The Japanese assimilated green tea very quickly, and it fast became just as wholly identified with Japan as it did China.

It wasn’t long until Japan had its own authoritative book on the wonders of green tea. Written in 1211 AD by a Japanese man named Eisai Myoan, “Tea Drinking is Good for your Health” had an immediate impact on the people of Japan and the way green tea was viewed in the country. The growing popularity of green tea in Japan hit its apex in the 1400s when a Japanese Zen priest created the country’s first tea ceremony, one that would live on for hundreds of years into the future.

Europe – 1517 to 1600s

As Japan began to make green tea its own, travelers soon learned of its magical, mysterious properties and would return home to tell their families of what they had seen. News of this wonderful plant soon traveled throughout the world, and it wasn’t long until green tea was first introduced to Europe. In the year 1517, Portuguese traders first brought green tea to Europe by way of China. Instantly well-received, Chinese green tea was marveled upon by Europeans, and soon became one of the most highly-regarded commodities available.

Word of green tea and its benefits quickly traveled throughout Europe, even in regions far from where it was introduced. 1559 saw the writings of a Venetian Merchant, entitled “Voyages and Travels,” in which the merchant spent a good deal of time talking about the many health benefits of drinking green tea. The merchant also took the time to explain just how culturally significant the tea was, and how important of an impact it would likely have on Europe and the rest of the world.

As the merchant predicted, green tea continued to spread throughout the world like wildfire. Many people see 1657 as being one of the most pivotal years for green tea’s assimilation into the rest of the world, as it was in this year that the tea first began to be sold in London. London, which today is known as one of the world’s tea drinking capitals, quickly took to the magical leaves and soon became a hotbed for green tea drinking. The fact that London was a major port didn’t hurt either, as green tea finally reached the point where it could be traded and transported throughout the world.

Green Tea in North America – 1600s to Present

It wasn’t long after green tea began being traded in London that it ended up in North America. The tea was first brought to America in the 1600s by the Dutch, and is thought to have first popped up in New York. Green tea fast became one of the many drinks of choice for New Yorkers, and was enjoyed without any sweetening or augmentation. As the drink spread throughout the city, its popularity grew exponentially. Soon, it was the most popular tea drink in the country, and was drunk by common people as well as the extremely wealthy and elite.

In 1774, the Boston Tea Party changed everything for green tea in America. Soon after, the country found itself mainly concerned with the drinking of English tea, or black tea. Once the prepackaging of tea became the norm, it became fairly difficult to even find green tea in America. Since black tea had all but taken over, producers found it to be financially irresponsible to continue to sell green tea. Fortunately, this came to an end some years later.

Over the course of the recent past (1960 to Present), green tea has found a large resurgence around the world, and especially in America. As the world continues to be fixated on living healthy, the immense health benefits of green tea soon became popular, and before long green tea was again immensely popular. To this day, it remains one of the most popular types of drinks in the world, and is marketed in America and elsewhere as an elixir for one’s health. With China and India being some of the world’s largest producers of tea (and some 30 countries in the world cultivating the plant), it’s safe to say that its popularity will only increase as time goes on. With its delicious flavor and incredible health benefits, it’s hard to imagine why anyone wouldn’t want to drink green tea.

Green tea is one of the most delicious and healthful beverages on the planet. Chock full of flavor and antioxidants, it’s no wonder that this delicacy has been around for many hundreds of years. Fortunately, making green tea at home doesn’t have to be hard, and can be a fun process when done correctly. Here are the necessary steps to making green tea.

1.) Boil Water

As with any kind of tea, boiling water is the catalyst when it comes to making green tea. Without boiling water, the tea will not be properly extracted from the leaves and you will end up with a mere shadow of what could have been. It’s important to note, however, that if the water is too hot it can actually affect the tea negatively, resulting in harsh/bitter flavors. As a general rule of thumb, bring water to a boil and take it off the heat for thirty seconds before steeping your tea.

2.) Preparing Your Tea

If you are using a prepacked teabag, you’re all set to go. If, however, you are using loose-leaf tea, you must prepare it before using. This is usually as easy as transferring one to two teaspoons of the leaves to a metal tea infuser. A tea infuser is basically a small metal cage with multiple small holes that allows for the leaves to steep without getting left behind in the water. Secure your tea ball and place it in your favorite mug.

3.) Steep Your Tea

Once your tea leaves (either prepackaged or prepared) are settled in your favorite mug, slowly pour the hot water over the mixture. The general goal is to steep your green tea for approximately two to three minutes. Unlike other types of tea, steeping longer can result in overly bitter tea, which is something that no one wants or enjoys. Once the tea has finished steeping, remove the bag or tea infuser and go ahead and drink up!

A small side note: Many people feel as if you should cover your teacup with a small plate while steeping so as to not allow any flavorful vapors to escape. While this is not necessary, it certainly won’t hurt if you have the time and don’t mind dirtying up an extra dish. Covering your teacup will allow all of the volatiles to stay within the cup, rather than dispersing through the air. This can sometimes result in a far superior cup of tea.

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Many people have heard of the benefits of drinking green tea, but a surprising amount of people are in the dark as to what these benefits are. Our clinical studies page highlights some interesting findings so be sure to read that.The fact is, green tea is one of the healthiest beverages one can consume, and is considered by many to be the perfect energizing, motivational drink. Unlike coffee, which for many produces caffeine-related side effects, green tea can help to rejuvenate the human body through antioxidants and other desired properties. But what exactly are all the benefits of green tea?

Green Tea Is Rich In Antioxidants

Green tea leaves are loaded with powerful antioxidants, which – among other things – are capable of inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. With the amount of potential cancer threats floating around us on a daily basis, the intake of antioxidants is crucially important to maintaining good health. Fortunately, green tea is one of the best antioxidant sources on the planet.

Green Tea Can Help Boost Your Metabolism

For those who are looking to lose or maintain their weight, green tea is by far one of the best allies around. Properties in the tea help to boost the metabolism soon after drinking, which in turn increases fat oxidation and aids in weight loss. Skip the dangerous weight-loss pills you find at the drug store and have a relaxing cup of green tea instead.

Drinking Green Tea May Help To Prevent Alzheimers

Anyone who has ever personally dealt with or knows someone who has suffered from Alzheimer’s disease knows well the damage that the illness can cause, not only one one’s self but on their family as well. Research has shown that drinking green tea on a consistent basis may well help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease from setting in. No wonder they say that green tea is good for the mind.

Green Tea Is Good For Your Heart

Heart disease currently runs rampant throughout the world, and while the best medicine is exercise and a health diet, drinking green tea is an excellent supplement to your healthy lifestyle. Doctors believe that, over time, drinking green tea can help to protect the heart and may even be decisive in warding off heart disease. Combined with a healthy lifestyle, green tea may be the catalyst you’ve been searching for. Just remember that everything should be done in moderation and you will surely reap the benefits of this wonderful concoction.

More information on the health benefits of Green Tea can be found on our clinical studies page.

Other Popular Green Tea FAQ's

Green tea is a refreshingly light tea, long popular in Asia, that has recently begun to make inroads in the West. It is made from the leaves of the same tree used in many other Chinese teas, commonly called tea tree. Green tea is actually made from the same plant as black tea; however, the leaves used in green tea are only allowed to oxidize to a small degree, unlike black tea. Because of this low oxidation, green tea has a milder flavor than many other teas.

Health Benefits

Just as its name would imply, green tea has a green color. Although green tea is caffeinated, it possesses less caffeine than most black teas. In addition to caffeine, green tea includes a number of potentially beneficial compounds, called polyphenols. Emerging science has indicated that regular consumption of green tea may be associated with a number of health benefits as highlighted in this clinical study.

History

Green tea has truly ancient roots: it was being drunk in China as early as 4000 years ago. Although green tea originated in China, it has enjoyed popularity in many Asian nations for many hundreds of years. Green tea is particularly popular in Japan, where it is so common that it is simply called tea. Green tea was first brought to Japan by a Buddhist priest, and has since been adopted by the country. Although Europeans discovered tea long ago, green tea did not make its way over to the West until relatively recently. However, with its light taste and reported health benefits, green tea has made quite a splash among Americans and others in the West.

Varieties

Though all green teas are made from “green” leaves of the tea tree, all teas are not made equally. There are hundreds of varieties of green tea, with different types being grown in practically every province in China and Japan. The Zhejiang province, which borders Shanghai, produces some of the most well-known Chinese green teas, including the variety known as gunpowder. In Japan, there is a similarly large variety of green teas. Different varieties of green tea are produced by using different breeds of tea tree, harvesting times, leaf treatments, and by using different parts of the tree.

Though all green teas are green in color, they do not all taste the same. As with any other tea variety, green tea comes from many locations and can be made to many different levels of quality.

Other Popular Green Tea FAQ's

For centuries the Japanese have used green tea for a variety of health benefits and enjoyed its distinctive taste. Over the past two decades Green Tea has been a phenomenon in the markets with weight loss benefits. The effects are a safe and gradual 1 to 2 pounds per week. Green tea has no side effects and you can drink up to 8 cups a day for the remains of your life to maintain weight.

Antioxidants

Green tea contains a vital antioxidant called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). Oxidation produces free radicals. Some of these free radicals become bound to fat cells which can slow down the fat burning process. When the body is not oxidizing properly, too many free radicals are produced and can cause cells to become damaged and stop functioning or function erratically. Antioxidants can remove those free radicals and in some cases reverse the damage that has been done.

Blood Sugar Levels

The production of insulin can be inhibited when there is too much fat in the body. Our bodies are well designed instruments and without the proper balance, things can go wrong. Insulin removes glucose from the bloodstream. Yet, when insulin is absent, the body burns stored fat. So a natural balance is key.

Most people associate blood sugar levels with diabetics. However, even someone who is not a diabetic can have irregular blood sugar levels. When there is excessive fat in the body, its ability to level the intricate balance of insulin may lead down the road to diabetes. Green tea is known for its ability to keep blood sugar levels normal by increasing metabolism and introducing chromium to regulate sugar levels. It also aids in insulin resistance so that insulin does what it is supposed to do.

Surpress Appetite

Often one of the biggest defeats one encounters during weight loss is the battle against appetite. The will to not eat is very difficult. Most fad diets require you to eat less, leaving the stomach empty and increasing hunger. Contained within green tea are natural amounts of chromium. Chromium is known to help in the regulation of sugar levels in the bloodstream. When sugar levels become too low, it sends a response to the brain to eat. Chromium keeps levels maintained so that the brain’s response will not be triggered to eat.

Thermogenesis

The combination of caffeine and EGCG create a process in the body called thermogenesis. This process of heat production can burn an extra 70 to 80 calories a day by drinking a minimum of five cups everyday.

Other Popular Green Tea FAQ's

Green Tea is something that has become increasingly popular over the last couple of years. As people are trying to become healthier they seek out options to do so. Through the search, Green tea is one of the most common results found. Because many people are new to using this substance, there are many frequently asked questions on the subject.

One common question you may have is does green tea contain caffeine? The answer to this is question is a simple one, yes it does contain caffeine. However, a much harder question to answer is how much caffeine it contains. The reason this question is so difficult to answer is because studies have found a large variation in the amount depending on the batch, the producer, and even different leaves within a batch.

One way that you can approximate the amount of caffeine within a batch is the age of the leaf. In general, a younger leaf will produce more caffeine in the tea while older leaves produce less. Another factor in the amount of caffeine released is the manner in which the tea is prepared.

Hot water allows for substances in the tea to dissolve the caffeine reducing the amount within the brew. However, as the tea cools, these substances release the caffeine and the levels rise. Finally, another factor affecting the amount of caffeine in your cup is the number of times you brew the batch. Ideally, the most effective way for reducing caffeine is throwing away the first infusion and drinking the second or third brewing.

Production of the green tea also greatly affects the amount of caffeine in the batch. It is recommended to avoid green tea teabags. The reason for this is that pre made bags generally have more caffeine inside. Also, the quality of the tea is much less. Using loose leaves will give a much higher quality cup of tea and will also allow you to control the amount of caffeine as well.

While green tea does contain caffeine, on average it contains 20 milligrams of caffeine. While you cannot apply this number to every cup of green tea you drink, when compared to black tea it has only one half the amount of caffeine. Also, when compared to your average cup of coffee, green tea contains only one quarter the amount of caffeine.

Overall, while green tea does include caffeine, the levels that it contains are much lower than other substances available. Also, most agree that you should consume no more than 300 milligrams of caffeine a day. When looking at this number you can see that green tea is well under this amount in addition to having less caffeine than other substances.

Other Popular Green Tea FAQ's

Green tea and black tea are produced from the same plant so they do share many of the same health benefits, but it is the way in which the tea leaves are processed that determines the amount of vitamins and healthy antioxidant properties in each variety.

Green tea is produced when the tender young tea leaves are gently heated and dried. The heating process prevents fermentation which can reduce some of the health benefits. Black tea is allowed to dry and the fermentation that takes place in its processing causes some of the medicinal benefits to be lost.

Both teas contain healthful anti-oxidants and minerals such as zinc. Both contain vitamin E and naturally occuring vitamin C, but it is green tea that has the highest concentration of vitamin C with over 400 mg per serving, compared to slightly over 200mg in a serving of black tea.

Adding milk and sugar to tea may cancel out some of the health benefits, but a recent study at Purdue Universtiy shows that adding an additional ounce of citrus juice, such as lemon, orange or lime, may increase the amount of anti-oxidants that remain after digestion. The amount of vitamin C in green tea is significant. Four cups of green tea has as much vitamin C as a whole lemon.

The quantity of green tea consumed is also important. Studies show that those who drink 4 to 6 cups per day receive the most benefits in terms of reduced incidences of various cancers such as mouth cancer and gastric cancer. Green tea is hypotensive and lowers blood pressue and increases blood flow. It is thought to lower cholesteral and reduce strokes in men. Green tea is also known to have antibacterial properties. All of these qualities may be increased by the amount of naturally occurring vitamin C in green tea.

Other Popular Green Tea FAQ's