Green tea has been used for the past four thousand years to prevent or treat a variety of illnesses, including heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, depression, neurodegenerative disorders, various aches and pains, depression, difficulties related to the female menstrual cycle, and can even be useful in treating multiple sclerosis. It is said to enhance the immune system, provide the body with energy, and to detox the human body from impurities. Green tea is also now a popular weight loss aid, being touted for its hunger-controlling effects and ability to flush the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, green tea is said to prolong life due to its natural antioxidants.
Green tea derives its medicinal properties from Epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG. EGCG, found in virtuall all teas, is most abundant in green tea. EGCG is a powerful antioxidant, which has been shown in studies to treat diseases ranging from MS to HIV to Alzheimer's. EGCG is also thought to aid in weight loss. Some studies have shown EGCG to have a potent effect on certain cancers, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, cancer affecting the digestive system, and cancer affecting the respiratory system.
Green tea is also said to be able to lower cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is problematic in the human body, as it causes blood vessels to become coated with fatty deposits called plaques. These plaque deposits create a narrowing of the blood vessels and can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease and strokes. High cholesterol can also lead to atherosclerosis, which is a disease that causes hardening of arterial blood vessels.
Along with the minerals, nutrients, and vitamins contained with green tea, green tea also contains caffeine. Caffeine recently has undergone a series of studies from entities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control. These studies have shown that, contrary to widely speculated opinions, caffeine does not contribute to cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, infertility, complications in pregnancy, or osteoporosis. On the other hand, caffeine has been shown to combat diarrhea, burn fat, increase endurance, and possibly protect against heart disease.
A further benefit in green tea is its anti-aging properties. Because of the high amount of anti-oxidants, green tea is reputed to fight the damage caused by the Sun's harmful rays and can possibly lead to a decrease in the appearance of wrinkled and sagging skin.
Other diseases or disorders reputed to be positively affected by the usage of green tea include rheumatoid arthritis and various bodily infections. It is also said to aid in the fight against tooth decay.
Health Benefits Of Green Tea
Green tea has been used for the past four thousand years to prevent or treat a variety of illnesses, including heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, depression, neurodegenerative disorders, various aches and pains, depression, difficulties related to the female menstrual cycle, and can even be useful in treating multiple sclerosis. It is said to enhance the immune system, provide the body with energy, and to detox the human body from impurities. Green tea is also now a popular weight loss aid, being touted for its hunger-controlling effects and ability to flush the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, green tea is said to prolong life due to its natural antioxidants.
Green tea derives its medicinal properties from Epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG. EGCG, found in virtuall all teas, is most abundant in green tea. EGCG is a powerful antioxidant, which has been shown in studies to treat diseases ranging from MS to HIV to Alzheimer's. EGCG is also thought to aid in weight loss. Some studies have shown EGCG to have a potent effect on certain cancers, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, cancer affecting the digestive system, and cancer affecting the respiratory system.
Green tea is also said to be able to lower cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is problematic in the human body, as it causes blood vessels to become coated with fatty deposits called plaques. These plaque deposits create a narrowing of the blood vessels and can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease and strokes. High cholesterol can also lead to atherosclerosis, which is a disease that causes hardening of arterial blood vessels.
Along with the minerals, nutrients, and vitamins contained with green tea, green tea also contains caffeine. Caffeine recently has undergone a series of studies from entities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control. These studies have shown that, contrary to widely speculated opinions, caffeine does not contribute to cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, infertility, complications in pregnancy, or osteoporosis. On the other hand, caffeine has been shown to combat diarrhea, burn fat, increase endurance, and possibly protect against heart disease.
A further benefit in green tea is its anti-aging properties. Because of the high amount of anti-oxidants, green tea is reputed to fight the damage caused by the Sun's harmful rays and can possibly lead to a decrease in the appearance of wrinkled and sagging skin.
Other diseases or disorders reputed to be positively affected by the usage of green tea include rheumatoid arthritis and various bodily infections. It is also said to aid in the fight against tooth decay.