Herbalist Dr MziziMkavu
JF-Expert Member
- Feb 3, 2009
- 42,319
- 33,125
Story:
Green Tea has several amazing health benefits that include:
Fights cancer
Lowers Cholesterol
Pevents cavities
Protects against heart disease
Speeds metabolism
Prevents diabetes
Antiviral agent
Maintains a healthy circulatory system
Strengthens tooth enamel
Reduces plaque and bacteria in mouth
Prevents dementia
Full of antioxidants
Prevents food poisoning
Gives healthy skin
Prevents bad breath
Detoxifies
Hoax or Fact:
Mixture of hoax and facts.
Analysis:
Green tea is drink made from the steamed and dried leaves of Camellia sinesis plant. It is a fact that Green tea is widely consumed by people worldwide because of its several health benefits, some of which are substantiated by scientific research. It
contains many important natural antioxidants, specially catechins and its derivatives that promote good health. But manufacturers and suppliers sell green tea and its supplements with wide variety of health claims, which are not complete facts.
The prevention and treatment of cancer using Green tea is an unproved claim. Few laboratory tests have shown that one of the important catechins of Green tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) may help cause certain types of cancer cells to die, but the
results from human studies of green tea when used as a whole herb have been mixed. After few studies, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that existing evidence shows that it is highly unlikely that green tea reduces the risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer or any other type of cancer. Refer.
Similar is the case of green tea effect on heart. Some studies show that green tea can reduce the total and bad (LDL) cholesterol by decreasing the cholesterol absorption in the gut, but brief human trials found that green tea consumption did not reduce
cholesterol in humans. Neither, there is any credible evidence to support that green tea reduces the risks of cardio vascular diseases. Refer.
Green tea extract that contains polyphenols and caffeine has been shown to stimulate fat oxidation, thereby boosting the metabolic rate up to 4% ,without increasing the heart rate. Catechins present in green tea does give it anti-viral and anti-bacterial
properties, protecting our respiratory, gastro-intestinal and urinary tracts. Refer. Therefore, drinking green tea with meals can reduce the risk of food poisoning. Studies show that high doses of green tea improved the blood flow, and additionally, reduced the degradation of tissues, maintaining healthy circulatory system. Refer.
According to Wikipedia, green tea contains antioxidants that reduce plaque, cavities, and gum disease, and it may also reduce bad breath and strengthen the tooth enamel because of its high fluoride content. Refer. A study shows that drinking green tea
regularly can protect the brain against forms of dementia including Alzheimer's. Refer.
Yes, green tea promotes healthy skin, because it contains potent antioxidants that counteract the effects of oxidant(free) radicals
that are byproducts of the body that can cause damage to cells and tissues. Green tea also has anti-inflammatory properties. Refer. According to a research at Arizona Cancer Center, concentrated chemicals derived from green tea dramatically boosted the production of certain group of key detoxification enzymes in people having low levels of these beneficial proteins. This supports the fact that green can be helpful in detoxifying body. Refer.
To conclude, Green tea has several health benefits, but it is also important to note that for treating a particular condition, you need to consult a registered health practitioner for proper dosage and usage instructions. And yes, generally speaking, you can always enjoy a healthy cup of fresh green tea everyday. Make sure you get a quality product to get the benefits of these green tea antioxidants.
