Antioxidant - Green Tea Information

Camellia Sinensis, the tea plant

Benefit: Longer lifespan

Literally hundreds of studies have been carried out documenting the health benefits of catechins, the group of antioxidants concentrated in the leaves of tea plants. Among the most startling studies was one published by the American Medical Association in 2006. The study followed more than 40,000 Japanese adults for a decade, and at the 7-year follow-up, those who had been drinking five or more cups of tea per day were 26 percent less likely to die of any cause compared with those who averaged less than a cup. Looking for more-immediate results? Another Japanese study broke participants into two groups, only one of which was put on a catechin-rich green-tea diet. At the end of 12 weeks, the green-tea group had achieved significantly smaller body weights and waistlines than those in the control group. Why? Because researchers believe that catechins are effective at boosting metabolism.

What makes green tea so special?

The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.

Links are being made between the effects of drinking green tea and the "French Paradox." For years, researchers were puzzled by the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in fat, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet. In a 1997 study, researchers from the University of Kansas determined that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol, which may explain why the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is quite low, even though approximately seventy-five percent are smokers.

Matcha Green Tea Powder

The healthiest beverage on the market.

Matcha contains nearly 10 times the polyphenols and antioxidants of regular teas.

Approximately 9 times the beta-carotene of carrots.

Significantly increases energy (over 8 to 10 hours) without the caffeine "jitters". 100% pure green tea.

Why don't other Chinese teas have similar health-giving properties? Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets green tea apart is the way it is processed. Green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various diseases.

Other Benefits

New evidence is emerging that green tea can even help dieters. In November, 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.

Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacteria that causes dental plaque. Meanwhile, skin preparations containing green tea - from deodorants to creams - are starting to appear on the market.

Harmful Effects?

To date, the only negative side effect reported from drinking green tea is insomnia due to the fact that it contains caffeine.

What is green tea (Wiki definition)?

The use of green tea in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

Green tea is also known as Camellia sinensis.

Green tea has been used for stomach disorders, vomiting, diarrhea, to prevent dental cavities, to lower cholesterol levels, as an antioxidant, to reduce cancer, and as a stimulant.

Green tea has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of green tea may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Green tea may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.

Vita Life Matcha (Green Tea Powder)
Green tea contains the highest levels naturally-occurring compounds called polyphenols that have powerful antioxidant properties. When steeping tea leaves some of these beneficial compounds are extracted from the leaf, but you can never extract 100%. However, with Matcha, you get 100% of these beneficial compounds, as you are actually consuming the whole powdered leaf.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using green tea?

Do not use green tea without first talking to your doctor if you have

 heart problems or high blood pressure,

 kidney disease,

 an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism),

 an anxiety or nervous disorder, or

 a bleeding or blood clotting disorder or if you take a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

Green tea contains a large amount of caffeine and may be problematic if used by people with any of the conditions listed above. You may not be able to use green tea, or your doctor or health care provider may recommend a lower dose or special monitoring.

Before taking green tea, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Green tea may not be recommended in some situations.

Do not take green tea without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. Green tea contains a large amount of caffeine.

Do not take green tea without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Green tea contains a large amount of caffeine, which may cause restlessness, sleep disorders, and other effects in breast-feeding infants.

There is no information available regarding the use of green tea by children. Green tea contains a large amount of caffeine, which may cause anemia and other problems in children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

How should I take green tea?

The use of green tea in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

If you choose to take green tea, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Standardized formulations of herbal/health supplements may provide a more reliable dose of the product.

Store green tea as directed on the package. In general, green tea should be protected from light and moisture.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a green tea overdose are not well known but might include restlessness, tremor, vomiting, and abdominal spasms.

What should I avoid while taking green tea?

The amount of caffeine consumed in other products should be monitored while taking green tea.

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking green tea, unless otherwise directed by your health care provider.

What are the possible side effects of green tea?

Although rare, allergic reactions to green tea may occur. Stop taking green tea and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.

Heavy and prolonged consumption of green tea may be associated with esophageal cancer.

Other less serious side effects have also been reported with the use of green tea. Talk to your doctor or health care provider if you experience

 heartburn;

 upset stomach;

 loss of appetite;

 constipation or diarrhea;

 nervousness, irritability, or anxiety;

 sleeplessness;

 irregular heartbeats; or

 headache.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Applied Nutrition Green Tea Fat Burner with EGCG
Maximum Strength 200 mg EGCG Burn fat & Speed Metabolism. Increase your metabolism (burn fat) so that the food you eat is burned to give you energy. Soft-gel caps allow nutrients to be quickly absorbed up to 200% better than dry tablets or capsules. The Liquid Soft-Gel Green Tea Fat Burner is a powerful blend of natural herbal boosters and nutrients. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent and disease.

Check the above questions before you start drinking Green Tea consistently. Good Health.

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