Going green
Both green and black teas (the most familiar form) come from the same Camilla sinensis plant. The difference between them lies in the preparation. Black teas are exposed to air or ‘fermented’ before production while leaves for green tea are steamed and dried immediately after picking. Not only does this account for their different colours, but it also explains why green teas maintain more of the plant’s nutrients: green tea contains 30-40% polyphenols, while black tea contains only 3-10%.

Down to the bones
A new, Australian study performed over five years on 1500 women aged 70-85 concluded that green tea is good for the bones. Researchers found that bone mineral density (BMD) was 2.8% higher in green tea drinkers than non-green tea drinkers, and over the course of the study, green tea drinkers lost a mere 1.6% of total hip BMD, vs. the non-green tea drinkers loss of 4%.

It appears that green tea has a stimulatory effect on cells that builds bone. In fact, green tea benefits are right up there with calcium and physical exercise. Imagine how your bones would feel if you include all three!

Feel the burn
Green tea might help you whittle your waistline. Research shows that several components in green tea could impact the ability to lose extra pounds or maintain a healthy weight, and it does so by boosting thermogenesis. Thermogenesis is the process of creating body heat as a result of burning calories, and is a direct result of metabolic processes like digestion. Green tea’s EGCG increases both post-meal thermogenesis as well as fat-burning. Caffeine is also well-known for stimulating thermogenesis. Since obesity goes hand-in-hand with heart disease, it’s worth noting green tea also reduces markers of atherosclerosis and lipid peroxidation, so it’s also good for the ticker.

Brain food
Many of us are aware of the devastating effects of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Medical science has established a link between abnormal metabolism of metals such as iron, copper and zinc with the development of both diseases. EGCG is able to cross the blood-brain barrier, and recent studies have determined that EGCG has chelating (removal) properties for iron and copper that may have a role in treating neurodegenerative diseases. Other research shows that green tea polyphenols might inhibit nitric oxide (a factor in Parkinson’s) and promote protective free radical scavenging in the midbrain.

Slowing the growth
Green tea’s ability to suppress cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) has been proven in multiple studies. As a short list, EGCG has been shown to inhibit intestinal tumors; suppress growth of certain breast cancer cells; and slow testicular cancer. EGCG has been proven to be protective when applied to skin prior to sun exposure, and drinking green tea helps to prevent UVB-induced suppression of the immune system. A suppressed immune system is a factor in a multitude of conditions.

Just for men
With over 500,000 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed annually world-wide, and with the disease a major factor in 200,000 deaths each year, it’s an issue men can’t ignore. Not surprisingly, prostate cancer numbers are lower in populations that tend to drink green tea, and studies confirm the beverage inhibits prostate cancer. Fortunately, even if you’ve already received a diagnosis, you can benefit from the healing effects of green tea. A Japanese study performed on 49,920 men between the ages of 40-69 found that drinking five or more cups a day was associated with a 48% reduction in advanced prostate cancer risk, compared to drinking less than one cup per day.

Green tea isn’t a panacea, but it might be close. What’s easier than enjoying a few daily cups of this mild, fresh brew?  H&L

What’s in your cup of green tea?
Polyphenols are a classification of plant substances containing more than one phenol group per molecule. Tannins and resveratrol belong to this group, as do flavonoids, catechins, and gallocatechins. Various polyphenols are proving to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits. Green tea is particularly high in catechins, and these antioxidant polyphenols are proving to provide significant health benefits.
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant catechin in green tea, equalling approximately 30% of the dry weight of green tea leaves. Among other benefits, EGCG has been studied for heart health, weight maintenance and cancer prevention.
Caffeine is a xanthine alkaloid compound found in coffee and tea that stimulates alertness. Caffeine also promotes thermogenesis. Green tea contains about half the caffeine found in coffee.
Theanine is an amino acid that may help to reduce the effects of mental and phyical stress while promoting feelings of relaxation.