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ZooScape Health Newsletter
Friday, August 29, 2008
The Power of Green Tea
"Tea is a cup of life. - Author Unknown"
Most people with experience using one of the many forms of green tea plant available and/or possessing any knowledge of this powerful herb can certainly attest to it being one of the most well-rounded herbs in use. The powerful anti-oxidant properties of green tea are well documented and supported. As such, the health conditions possibly addressed by green tea are numerous!
Green tea is the earliest type of tea ever produced, with most of its production concentrated in China and Japan. Green tea was first exported in 1611 by the Dutch East India Company, which built a factory in Japan on Hirado Island. Green tea is indigenous to Asia but is commercially grown in other countries including India and Africa.
Tea Colour: Why is green tea green and black tea black?
The primary difference between green and black tea lies in the fermentation process. But, what is fermentation? Fermentation is essentially the process of breaking down a complex, organic substance into a simpler compound with the help of an enzyme!
While black teas undergo fermentation in the drying process, green teas do not. Here, enzymes are activated to initiate oxidation of the tea leaves that lead to changes in composition such as flavour and colour changes. Conversely, green tea leaves go through little to no fermentation and avoid most of the oxidative effects that change the composition of the leaves.
In green tea production, the intact tea leaves are plucked and either steamed or pan-fried to remove polyphenol oxidase, the oxidation enzyme that is responsible for changes in colour and flavour. Subsequently, the leaves are rolled and dried. This preservation process ensures that the natural chemical composition of the fresh green tea leaf is retained in the green tea yield. In contrast to black teas and oolongs, green teas are not oxidized, and thus retain a unique bitter flavour, and clearer colour. (3)
Most people are familiar with the strong anti-oxidant properties of green tea; however, the health conditions for green tea are tremendous and extend well beyond protection from oxidative damage. Green tea actions include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Antibacterial
- Anti-caries
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Antiseptic
- Antispasmodic
- Astringent
- Cleansing/ Detoxification
- Stimulant
- Wound healing
Green Tea is traditionally used for:
- Arterial sclerosis
- Breathing Disorders
- Canker Sores
- Cellular Regeneration
- Diarrhea
- Digestive Disorders
- Drowsiness
- Eczema
- Emphysema
- Gingivitis
- Heart disease
- Hypertension
- Indigestion
- Liver Health Maintenance
- Psoriasis
- Radiation Poisoning
- Skin Disorders
- Sunburn
- Tooth Decay (prevention)
- Ulcers (Peptic)
- Ultraviolet Radiation (Sun) Protection
- Vascular Disorders (9)
Green Tea is rich in anti-oxidants
Studies confirm that green teas are rich in antioxidants (polyphenols). But what exactly is oxidation and what are antioxidants?
Oxidation is a natural process that takes place in our bodies when oxygen enters the body to help burn the energy / food that we consume. Antioxidants are compounds that protect against free radicals (dangerous by-products of oxidation caused by things like UV rays and cigarette smoke) that attack our body's cells and cause damage to them, affecting our health.
Green tea contains antioxidants known as flavonoids, which include catechins, epicatechins and thearubigins. Catechins, in particular, are recognized for their antioxidant effects and thus assist in protecting against many conditions related to oxidative damage such as hypertension, arterial sclerosis, heart disease and cancer.
Research on regular green tea drinkers has shown us the following:
1. Heart Disease and Stroke:
- Lowers the incidence of heart disease and stroke;
- Helps reduce blood vessel narrowing;
- Helps relax smooth muscles to control the intensity of a heart attack.
In a metabolic health study of green tea:
"there is evidence from epidemiological studies that the habitual consumption of green tea is inversely associated with cardiovascular mortality, mortality due to stroke, the risk of developing hypertension and of diabetes, and with percent body fat and body fat distribution." (13)
2. Cholesterol:
- Helps lower cholesterol (total and LDL, by managing the oxidation of cholesterol to LDL which would otherwise contribute to high blood pressure and arterial sclerosis.
In one 2007 study, it was found that:
"The beneficial effect of green tea on coronary artery disease is thought to result partially from a decrease in circulating Ox-LDL. In other words, the effect of green tea on coronary artery disease can be characterized by a decrease in circulating Ox-LDL." (12)
3. Cancer:
"Recent studies have shown a significant preventive effect against colorectal and oral cancer in women who drank green tea regularly; and a 48% reduction in risk of developing advanced prostate cancer in men who drank five or more cups a day (over 14 years)." (8)
"According to the Definitive Guide to Cancer, green tea research has yielded positive results involving 13 types of cancer. In some studies, green tea has been used effectively as a complementary treatment." (10)
4. Skin Health: when used externally in skin products (topically)
- Attacks free radicals initiated by UV rays that can lead to wrinkles and other skin damage (helps prevent premature aging) (10);
- Anti-inflammatory action, (helpful for eczema and psoriasis);
- Helps maintain collagen strength (skin elasticity).
5. Wound Healing:
- Helps contribute to cell re-generation.
6. Dental Health
- Helps prevent bacteria (causing cavities) from binding to teeth where they would normally attack and limits bacterial growth (11);
- Helps prevent tooth decay and gingivitis.
The Future of Green Tea
Green tea popularity is on the rise!
This is manifested in the tremendous range of products now on the market that incorporate green tea plant in their recipes. Green tea can be found in skin care products, toothpaste, deodorant, sunblocks, shampoos, conditioners, drinks, gum and much more!
Even in my own personal experiences teaching English in Korea, I was introduced to the practice of refrigerating green tea in a water bottle and drinking the refreshing tea prior to a vigorous workout. It is believed that green tea also facilitates the weight loss process.
Apart from the health claims, research and studies geared toward gaining a better understanding of the value of green tea and the Asian Paradox (the very low incidence of both heart disease and cancer in Asia, even though consumption of cigarettes is greater than in most other countries,) most regular green tea drinkers will agree that green tea is a delicious drink for the mind, body and soul.
"There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea.
- Bernard-Paul Heroux"
So, help yourselves to a cup of green tea and discover for yourself the true power of one of the oldest teas in existence!
Have a great day!
Tanya
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This is where you can find Green Tea at ZooScape.
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Third-Party Research References:
(1) http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_green_tea.htm
(2) http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-green-tea.htm
(3) http://greentealovers.com/greenteahealthantioxidants.htm
(4) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_tea#Chinese_green_teas
(5) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_tea#Japanese_green_teas
(6) http://www.quotegarden.com/tea.html
(7) http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/06/060606183717.htm
(8) "Green tea--a miracle medicine?." The Journal of Chinese Medicine, 86 (Feb 2008):66(1).
(9) http://www.florahealth.com/flora/home/Canada/HealthInformation/Encyclopedia s/GreenTea.htm
(10) Gazella, K.A., Renfrow, J. "Go Green, Get Healthy." Better Nutrition, (Feb 2008): 70, 2, p. 48.
(11) Steinman, David. "Why you should drink green tea." Natural Health 24.n2 (March-April 1994): 56(2).
(12) "Tea catechin consumption reduces circulating oxidized low-density lipoprotein." International heart journal [1349-2365] Inami yr.2007 vol.48 iss.6 pg.725 -732
(13) "Effects of green tea and EGCG on cardiovascular and metabolic health." Journal of the American College of Nutrition [0731-5724] Wolfram yr.2007 vol.26 iss.4 pg.373S -388S
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