Here's the tea on GREEN TEA

So there's been a lot of buzz about green tea and its' health benefits, particularly the role of polyphenols in green tea.

Polyphenols are chemical compounds found in fruits, vegetables and green tea and further divided into sub groups called catechins. There are 4 major catechins in green tea of which EGCG ((-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most potent and found in abundance in green tea.

This compound is dubbed the "super antioxidant" because it's more powerful than the popular antioxidants Vitamin E & Vitamin C. This super antioxidant eliminates free radicals, the unstable molecules in the body that are the major cause of both aging and disease, which continually attack the body and leave the body vulnerable to disease.

Free radicals disrupt the biochemical processes within cells, and our body's natural defenses become compromised leading to illness. Free radicals indiscriminately kill cells, destroy enzymes and produce toxic chemicals which cause damage to cellular functions. They are highly reactive molecules; their activities cause damage to critical structures such as DNA, lipids and proteins. All of which are vital for normal cellular function.

Free radicals in the body are toxic forms of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM). It's ironic that on one hand oxygen sustains us and on the other hand oxygen can be responsible for much of the destruction and aging of our cells. Free radicals are responsible for many ailments including but not limited to aging, cancer, heart disease, stroke and arthritis.

Without an antioxidant line of defense, your cells oxidize or breakdown faster thus speeding up the aging process, it's the free radicals oxidative damage that makes us age.

Since EGCG contained in green tea is a potent antioxidant it neutralizes free radicals and hence is responsible for the health promoting benefits listed below.

• Lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad)-cholesterol levels

• Increase HDL (good)-cholesterol levels

• Reduce the risk of cancer

• Reduce the risk of heart attack

• Decrease the risk of stroke

• Decrease the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis

• Enhance immune function

• Act as an antibacterial and antiviral agent

• Help in weight loss

• Boost longevity due to potent antioxidant properties

One cup of green tea usually provides 100-300 mg of polyphenols and contains EGCG in high concentrations. As mentioned above EGCG is believed to possess 100 times more potency as an antioxidant than Vitamin C and at least 25 times more potency than Vitamin E and protects cells and DNA from damage believed to be linked to cancer, heart disease and other potentially fatal illnesses.

Green tea has been used for centuries in China for the health benefits it provides. New studies come out constantly that provide data on the effectiveness of green tea against various ailments.

The latest research indicates that green tea may help in Alzheimer's disease by decreasing the production of a protein which in large amounts causes nerve damage and memory loss. All of the benefits of green tea can be attributed to polyphenols, particularly EGCG.

Green tea is truly a 'wonder compound' with a large array of benefits for improving health. But green tea contains about 20 grams of caffeine per serve, so be careful if you're sensitive to caffeine.

- S