Is Green Tea Good for Me?

Scientific studies continue to show that green tea is good for you.

Tea began its illustrious history as a Chinese medicinal drink, and only gradually did it become the popular beverage that it is today. In traditional Chinese medicine, tea is considered good for you to clear the eyes and head, resolve excess phlegm, promote urination, relieve toxins, aid the digestion, and quench thirst. As with so many foods and medicines, the traditional Chinese medicinal thoughts are being proven scientifically in modern times. Today, there is ample evidence to recommend tea as a daily tonic in the interest of preventing or treating a wide range of maladies, including: cancer, hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, premature aging, food poisoning, dental decay and bad breath, and even arthritis.

Tea 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.

? Green tea may 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.

? A Japanese report found that men who drank ten cups of green tea per day stayed cancer-free for three years longer than men who drank less than three cups a day (there are approximately 240 - 320 mg of polyphenols in three cups of green tea). Meanwhile, a study by Cleveland's Western Reserve University concluded that drinking four or more cups of green tea per day could help prevent rheumatoid arthritis, or reduce symptoms in individuals already suffering from the disease.

? Scientists at the Saitama Cancer Research Institute discovered that there were fewer recurrances of breast cancer, and the disease spread less quickly, in women with a history of drinking five cups or more of green tea daily.

? Scientists also discovered that EGCG from green tea can help to prevent metastasis, or the movement and spreading of cancer cells from one organ or tissue to the other by bloodstream or lymph. Cancer cells secrete special enzymes in order to enter and colonize tissues. Research shows that EGCG stops the secretion of these special enzymes.

? A case study that was done in China, reports that those women who drank green tea regularly had a 50% lower risk of developing esophageal cancer. Men showed less risk as well, but not as significant as women.

? Researchers from Sweden reported that green tea blocked the development of new blood vessels in the lungs. By blocking the development of new blood vessels in the lungs, tumors are less likely to grow and metastasize. Scientists believe that EGCG plays a significant rule in blocking the development of tumors. Similar results were achieved in breast cancer, colon cancer and melanoma studies. It is believed that drinking green tea for an extended period of time will help to prevent and might cure cancer naturally.

? The antioxidants found in tea--called catechins--may selectively inhibit the growth of cancer. In laboratory studies using animals, catechins scavenged oxidants before cell damage occurred, reduced the number and size of tumors, and inhibited the growth of cancer cells. National Cancer Institute researchers are investigating the therapeutic and preventive use of tea catechins against a variety of cancers.

? One Chinese study involving over 18,000 men found tea drinkers were about half as likely to develop stomach or esophageal cancer as men who drank little tea, even after adjusting for smoking and other health and diet factors.

? In the laboratory, studies have shown tea catechins act as powerful inhibitors of cancer growth in several ways: They scavenge oxidants before cell injuries occur, reduce the incidence and size of chemically induced tumors, and inhibit the growth of tumor cells. In studies of liver, skin and stomach cancer, chemically induced tumors were shown to decrease in size in mice that were fed green and black tea.

? Green tea catechins can help to prevent tooth decay by killing the bacteria (Streptococcus mutans) that cause dental plaque. Green tea also contains fluoride. One cup of brewed green tea contains around 0.3-0.5 mg of fluoride. This is an optimal level of fluoride according to dentists. As we all know, fluoride builds in our teeth's enamel, making it more resistant against acidic environment, of our mouth. Green tea also eliminates other bacteria that responsible for bad breath. According to researchers, green tea polyphenols can inhibit, by 30%, the growth of bacteria that causes unpleasant breath.

? A study at the Beijing Dental Hospital found consuming 3 grams of tea a day, or about 2 cups, along with the application of a tea extract reduced the size and proliferation of leukoplakia, a precancerous oral plaque.

? Recent research suggests that green tea can lower cholesterol (LDL, the "bad one") increase HDL cholesterol ( the "good one") and lower triglyceride levels. Several tests have been done. And Green tea extract showed positive results reducing cholesterol.

? At the the end of a 5 week experiment, one group with the regular diet showed blood pressure increases. For the catechin fed group, the blood pressure stayed normal. After this initial testing the scientists switched the diets for the two groups. This switch led to a reversal of the blood pressure trends. The study concluded that drinking moderate amounts of green tea each day can help to prevent high blood pressure.

The catechins in green tea have addiitonally been shown to help prevent excess cholesterol in the blood, killing the bacteria that causes food poisoning, lower blood sugar, as well as helping to control high blood pressure by supressing the production of angiotensn II. Catechin is also a strong anti-oxidant, which aids in aging related concerns.

Green and white tea leaves are less processed than oolong or black teas, which prevents oxidation and retains the highest levels of beneficial compounds. But all teas may be beneficial to your health, so find the ones you like, and drink them daily!

Jake Mayer is owner of Lapis Teahouse and runs http://www.tea-dojo.com. He is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist.

---

Healing the Body & Mind ? The Karma of Health

Within each one of us resides the divine healer. All healings come from within and not outside. Once the healer within is set in motion the healing takes effect.Like all physical problems, health... Read More

Are Herbal Remedies The Answer?

It seems that almost every day we come across a story in a newspaper or magazine which raises concerns about the use, misuse, or overuse of a particular pharmaceutical remedy in the treatment... Read More

Suffering from Osteoarthritis? Acupuncture to the Rescue

Keeping in tune with our commitment to providing the latest, medical breakthroughs, I recently had the rare pleasure of speaking with Professor Jorge Vas Ruiz, (Subdirector of the Master University of Acupuncture, ACMAS... Read More

Heres Hope for Parkinsons Disease

Frank's 85 year-old father was in advanced stages of Parkinson's.Confined to a wheelchair...his speech jumbled...his face frozen in a Parkinson Mask...he was hardly more than a vegetable.Day after day, he sat, unmoving, unable... Read More

With A Little Help From Our Friends

The quality of one's life to a large extent is determined by the quality of our relationships with others. When we feel we have no choice but to face the world alone, we... Read More

Hemorrhoids & its Symptoms

Hemorrhoids are conditions where there is a swelling of the veins around the anus. The veins may be inflammed sometimes. Hemorrhoids can be internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids are found inside the anus... Read More

Organic Juices for Constipation

Organic fresh made juices have cleansing and laxative action, which will help you eliminate constipation. Taken regularly they will help you have daily bowel movements.Organic juices contain loads of mineral, bioflavonoids, vitamins, enzymes,... Read More

Cold Laser Therapy: Hope for Arthritis

Having had the rare, first-hand opportunity to observe cold laser therapy treatment in action, I am impressed at its remarkable ability to help in healing with rheumatoid arthritis.As my dad suffers from various... Read More

New Age Torture

I'll admit it ... I'm a spiritual tramp. I've spent the last few years slutting around, looking for a cure for all my aches and pains. So far the only thing I seem... Read More

Magnetic Bracelet Used in Research Study Now in United States

At the end of 2004 results from a study on arthritis patients in the UK was published in the British Medical Journal.It stated that it had found positive pain reliving results using a... Read More

Alternative Fibromyalgia Therapies

Fibromyalgia is a mysterious disease that is effecting more and more people, as increasing numbers of patients are being diagnosed with this disorder. What is fibromyalgia, and what are some alterative therapies and... Read More

Herbal Therapy

Herbal Therapy, also referred to as Herbalism, is one of the oldest healthcare means known to mankind. Herbal therapy is the utilization of herbs for various therapies, remedies or medicinal purposes.Derived from plants,... Read More

My Search for Happiness in the First Year of Sobriety

DAY 1: HOUR BY HOURHappiness in sobriety? Could this really be possible? Yes, I know I need to quit drinking if I want to continue to live. Survival during sobriety maybe, but happiness... Read More

Reiki-Seichem

Seichem - The Elemental Healing RaysSince the emergence of Reiki at the beginning of the last century, and its introduction to the west, there have been many variations in the way energy healing... Read More

Organic Bedding and Organic Mattresses by Prescription Only?

Effective January 1, 2005, California law requires all mattresses contain chemical based fire retardancy for "public safety". This law may become national within a year, and is under consideration by the Consumer Products... Read More

Migraine and Feverfew

Many people today will tell you that they suffer from migraine. Many people however don't really understand what a migraine is and they really just have a headache.I was surprised to learn that... Read More

Lemon and Parsley Home Remedies

You might think of lemon and parsley as great garnishes for your drink glass and plate, but did you know that you can use them to ease symptoms of common minor ailments?Sure, the... Read More

Feeling Helpless in the Face of Pain?

Here Are 4 Ways That Visualization May Be Able to Ease You Back into ControlUsing visualizations to reduce pain may be unlike anything else you've tried. It not only gives you the chance... Read More

Bois De Santal: The Source of Tranquility

The near extinct bois de santal has a sensual and exotic scent that gives an elevating experience for those who use it. The oil extraction process of the sandalwood is lengthy; the tree... Read More

Cleansing Your Elimination Organs to Achieve Good Health

Benefits of Cleansing Your Elimination Organs Colon cleansing, kidney cleansing, and liver cleansing routines are key elements to an overall body cleansing and detoxification plan. Proper cleansing of toxins from these important elimination... Read More

Prenatal Massage

What is prenatal massage? Prenatal Massage is a form of therapeutic bodywork that is geared to meet the unique needs of the pregnant woman. Promoting better function of muscles and joints, prental massage... Read More

Herbal Remedies to the Rescue!

Since the dawn of civilization, man has always turned to Herbal Remedies to cure the common cold, salve wounds, relieve itching and burns, as well as a host of other medical... Read More

Reversing Macular Degeneration: Without Drugs Or Surgery

I would like to report some anecdotal research findings that suggest how our beliefs and our traumatic life history can be directly linked to some of the physical illnesses that we experience during... Read More

What Is Reiki?

Reiki is an ancient form of energy healing in which a properly attuned Reiki Practitioner serves as a conduit for Universal Life Force (or ReiKi). The Reiki practitioner opens them self up as... Read More

Acid Reflux and Heartburn Natural Remedies Part I

Here is a list of natural remedies that you can use when you have acid reflux or heartburn. No need to use antacids, which have unwanted side effects and contain aluminum, which has... Read More

The 7 Best Ways To Use Your Subconscious for Pain Relief

Your subconscious has influence over 7 different factors that could be causing your pain. Here's what you need to know about them so you can try to get relief.The most effective way to... Read More

Natural Remedies For Treating a Cold

Sometimes it can be hard to escape that shivery feeling that happens when you get too cold. A good immediate remedy for this is to wrap yourself up in a douvet and stick... Read More

Reflexology & Meridian Therapy

Reflexology & Meridian Therapy are combined healing arts that utilize stimulation of the feet, hands, ears, and meridian lines to correspond with respective body parts and organs. By using reflexology & meridian therapy... Read More

The Sense of Smell

Disturbed vibrations occur in the body as a precursor of illness. Vibrational healing restores the body's healthy vibrations. Essential oils can be used to balance the subtle energy flows in the body.We are... Read More