Green Tea polyphenols are potent antioxidants, especially in the brain. Some studies show that the polyphenols most prevalent in green tea (the catechins) are far more potent in suppressing free radicals than vitamins C or E.

Green Tea can kill bacteria. Taking green tea with meals may reduce the risk of bacterial food poisoning. Drinking green tea may kill oral bacteria that cause cavities and bad breath. Green tea is also effective against a strain of staph that has become antibiotic-resistant. Green tea promotes the growth of friendly bifidobacteria in the intestine and prevents the growth of dangerous intestinal bacterial strains such as clostridia and E. Coli.

The polyphenols in green tea suppress the production of an uremic toxin (methylguanidine) to improve the clinical appearance of the kidney after renal failure. A human study showed that the toxic compound methylguanidine decreased significantly on month after the administration of green tea polyphenols. Six months later, the mean methylguanidine level was about 70% of what it had been at the initiation of treatment.

The Japanese drink green tea is known to suppress foul breath caused by certain foods. The deodorizing effect of green tea leaves has been known for centuries, and tea leaves traditionally have been used as deodorants. A study demonstrated the deodorizing action of green tea polyphenols in a test against methyl mercaptan, the compound most closely associated with halitosis. Green tea also has been shown to suppress bad smells produced by trimethylamine and ammonia.

Smooth tasting organic Japanese green tea is considered a gourmet treat by many tea drinkers. Japanese green tea can provide a satiating effect that enables people to reduce their caloric intake.

Though tea was traditionally used as a medicine and a ceremonial offering, by the time of the Han dynasty in 202 BC the brew had spread throughout Chinese culture, touching all levels of society.

Today tea is drunk all over the world and not only does it have a wonderfully refreshing, taste it can also help your health in a wide range of ways. The main components of green tea, and their effects are;

1. Polyphenols catechins- these lower cholesterol, regulates blood sugar and blood pressure levels, works as an anti-oxidant, kills virus and bacteria, prevents halitosis, may reduce the risk of tumours.
2. Vitamin C- reduces stress, boosts immune system.
3. Vitamin B-complex- aids absorption of carbohydrates.
4. Vitamin E- acts as an antioxidant and prevents ageing.
5. Flavonoids-strengthen blood vessels and prevent halitosis.
6. Polysaccharides-lowers blood sugar.
7. Fluoride-prevents cavities.
8. Theanine-amino acid which gives green tea its distinctive flavour.
   

Source: safealternativemedicine.co.uk

Green Tea and Thermogenesis

Thermogenesis is a scientific term that simply means “heat creation.” Thermogenesis is most easily accomplished through exercise and shivering, which is the body’s way of creating heat in cold temperatures. When the body creates heat, it needs to burn more calories, which increases the metabolic rate. There are artificial means of creating thermogenesis, many that are used for weight loss. The most common are the use of caffeine, ephedra, and ginger.

Green tea contains caffeine, which contributes to the increase in metabolism. However, according to several studies, it is thought that the high levels of catechin-polyphenols, which are part of green tea thought to inhibit an enzyme that hinders the release of adrenaline, combined with caffeine creates an even greater thermogensis effect than that of caffeine alone. This would seemingly result in a higher metabolic rate that would help aid in weight loss. (Catechin-polyphenols are also the part of green tea that contain healthful antioxidants.)

It is also thought that green tea further aids in weight loss thanks to active flavanols found in the green tea leaf, particularly epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG (the same catechin that fights cancer.) EGCG is known to aid in the oxidation of fat. Fat oxidation, or beta oxidation, is the simply the breakdown of fat for energy use. It is thought that EGCG helps to breakdown brown or excess fat, which is converted into energy, which of course, leads to weight loss.

Studies that test green tea’s effect on weight loss have had, perhaps not incredibly significant, but positive results. The common consensus is that green tea should not be a person’s sole weight loss tool, but that combined with a healthy diet and exercise, it is certainly a healthy and productive weight loss aid. Since green tea is also a probable powerful combatant against cancer, there is no good reason not to enjoy a tall glass of it daily.

Source: greenteametabolism.org