Tuesday, February 24, 2009

The Health Benefits of Green Tea

By Julia Sabinzky

The Miracle of Green Tea

For thousands of years, the Chinese have used green tea as something of a miracle cure for their ailments.

In 1994, the Journal of National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study of Chinese men and women that showed one of the health benefits of drinking green tea is that it has possibly reduced the rate of esophageal cancer by up to 60%.

The presence of catechin polyphenols, particularly EGCG is the primary reason why green tea has such great health benefits. EGCG is a powerful antioxidant that can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and may even be able to destroy them without harming healthy cells.

A study by the University of Purdue has also concluded a research project on how a certain compound present in green tea can stop cancer cells from growing. Yet another health benefit of green tea is its ability to decrease cholesterol levels and improve the ratio between good HDL cholesterol and the bad LDL cholesterol.

The EGCG in green tea is a health benefit substance that can lower down LDL cholesterol levels and stop blood from forming abnormal clots (thrombosis), a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes.

Green tea has a lot more health benefits than other teas like oolong and black tea, even though they all come from the Camellia sinensis plant. Green tea differs because of the process used to make it. Green tea gets much of its health benefits from a steaming process that keeps the EGCG from oxidizing. Oolong and black teas go through a fermenting process which causes the EGCG be less potent.

One of the most exciting benefits of green tea is how it can help you to burn more calories - aiding in weight loss. Recent studies have shown that combining green tea and caffeine is more effective in burning calories that just taking caffeine or placebo. Scientific studies bode well for the numerous benefits of green tea.

Another health benefit of green tea is its bacteria-destroying properties. The health benefit of green tea in this area is that it can help prevent food poisoning and also prevent tooth decay. The substances found in green tea kill the bacteria causing food poisoning and those that cause dental plaque to form.

Green tea can almost be considered a miracle in a cup. - 15343

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