 
Source:
Green tea (Camellia sinesis) - is an
evergreen plant with distinctive white rose like blooms that reaches
a of thirty or more feet if not properly being pruned. The herb
is now harvested in the subtropical regions of China, India Indonesia,
Europe, Kenya, Zimbabwe, etc. Although there are only three different
types of plants there are some 2000 plus varieties of tea. Climate,
soil and harvesting techniques play the most significant role
in developing the different varieties of teas. Green tea is produced
from the same tea plant as black tea. However, black tea is fermented
in a damp environment for a long period while green tea is dried
quickly. This quick drying procedure retains the antioxidant properties
that make green tea so popular as a dietary supplement. Aside
from water tea is the most consumed beverage worldwide.
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Clinical studies:
Weight loss can be attributed to a reduction
in caloric intake or an increase in energy expenditure. Recent studies
conducted at the University of Geneva have shown individual treated
with Green tea extract showed a 4% increase in energy expenditure
as compared to those individuals receiving caffeine or a placebo.
Since caffeine alone did not significantly increase the energy expenditure
it is hypothesized that the abundance of catechin polyphenols in green
tea are responsible for the thermogenic effect. Another study published
in 1999 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that green
tea extract may increase energy levels and promote fat oxidation.
Since the Green tea extracts did not significantly increase the patients
heart rates, Green tea extract could prove to be a safer dietary aide
than the current prescription and over the counter stimulants on the
market. Dulloo, Abdul G., et al. "Efficacy of a green tea extract
rich in catechin polyphenols and caffeine in increasing 24-h energy
expenditure and fat oxidation in humans." American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition (December 1999):1040-1045.
The antioxidants in Green Tea may also be beneficial in lowering
cholesterol hence preventing cardiovascular disease. The data from
one 1999 study, which followed over 3,400 tea-drinking residents of
Rotterdam, the Netherlands, concluded that regular, long-term tea
consumption can have a protective effect against severe atherosclerosis.
Geleijnse, Johanna M., et al. "Tea Flavonoids May Protect Against
Atherosclerosis: The Rotterdam Study." Archives of Internal Medicine
159 (October 11, 1999): 2170-2174.
Modern
day uses:
Today, Green tea is prescribed by physicians and herbal specialist
for the following benefits:
- Weight loss -the herb increases energy levels and while promoting
fat oxidation.
- Cardiovascular system - the extracts have shown to reduce many
of the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease including
high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, blood clotting, adhesions,
etc.
- Anti-bacterial - the herb reduces the over growth of e-coli
in the intestines.
- Periodontal disease -drinking Green tea has shown to reduce
the number of cavities and plaque formation.
- Cancer reduction - the polyphenols that act as antioxidants
by suppressing free radicals, recent studies have shown that the
constituents in Green tea may reduce the risks of certain types
of cancer including: prostate, oral, colon, stomach. In animal
studies Green tea extract injections have actually reduced the
size of cancerous tumors.
- L-theanine - commonly found in Green tea, promotes relaxation,
lowers blood pressure, reduces social anxiety and phobias, heightens
mental acuity, supports the immune system.
Precautions and/or adverse effects:
Individuals with preexisting medical conditions should consult with
their physician particularly if they are taking prescription or
over-the-counter-medications or supplements. Women who are pregnant
or breast feeding and children should also consult with there physician
prior to taking any new supplements. More specifically, individuals
with with a history of ulcers as with any medical condition should
consult with their physician prior to using any herbal supplement
(green tea can stimulate an increase in gastric acid production).
In addition, pregnant and breast feeding women should not consume
Green tea secondary to the caffeine content. The caffeine can effect
the sleeping patterns of nursing infants. |
