Benefits of Green Tea

Most of the studies involving the cholesterol-lowering effects of green tea involve the use of green tea’s active ingredient, catenin extract, as opposed to the beverage itself. The mechanism of action is largely unknown, but it appears to increase LDL receptor activity in the liver, prevent absorption of cholesterol in the intestines, lower low density lipoprotein (LDL ), raise high density lipoprotein HDL ), and lower total cholesterol. One study examined the cholesterol lowering effect of 375 mg of catenin extract in 200 men and women with high cholesterol on a low fat diet. Researchers found that the catenin extract lowered total cholesterol by 11.3 percent, LDL cholesterol by 16.4 percent, triglycerides by 3.5 percent, and raised HDL by 2.3 percent. The catenin extract used in this study, however, was not pure and consisted of 75 mg of theaflavins (an antioxidant found in black teas), 150 mg of green tea catenins, and 150 mg of other tea polyphenols. Therefore, only a small por...

Identifying the health benefits of green tea has been the focus of more than 500 research studies conducted in recent years. In Asia, this smooth, delicate brew has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Scientific findings have linked green tea consumption to the slowing or prevention of conditions including heart disease rheumatoid arthritis, impaired immune disease, and liver disease. In addition, some studies have indicated tea may have cancer-fighting properties for cancer of the bladder, colon, esophageal, stomach, and pancreas.  Health benefits of green tea have been proven to aid tooth decay and dieting. The tea’s medicinal properties -- whether consumed hot or over ice -- are attributed to its rich concentration of catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate, which act as powerful antioxidants that ward off disease and improve health. The limited oxidation or fermentation of tea leaves during processing protects these antio...