Green tea has been a popular drink for health conscious people for thousands of years. As green tea avoids the fermentation process used in creating black tea, it retains more of the natural properties of the leaves. These include high levels of antioxidants and polyphenols. In fact, green tea contains 30% to 40% of polyphenols, compared to as little as 3% in black tea. The most abundant of these polyphenols is EGCG.
Over the years there has been extensive research to try and establish all the possible health benefits green tea can offer. Much of this research has focused on the role polyphenols can play in the prevention of heart disease, cognitive decline and certain cancers.
Heart disease
The flavonoid compounds found in green tea may help to protect the heart by helping to maintain the delicate cells that line blood vessels. This keeps the arteries healthy so they are better able to withstand changes in blood pressure. It is also believed that green tea can help to improve the ratio of HDL ‘good’ cholesterol to LDL ‘bad’ cholesterol in the blood.
Is there any supporting evidence?
- One study monitored changes to blood flow in 14 adults, who had an average age of 30. Half of the participants took a green tea extract, whilst the other half took a placebo. Researchers then used flow-mediated dilation to measure the blood flow in the arm of each participant. The findings showed that each of the participants who had taken green tea experienced significantly increased blood flow due to the widening (dilation) of the arteries. In contrast, the subjects in the placebo group showed no changes to blood flow.
- Researchers have also found improvements to the function of endothelial cells in the blood vessels. These improvements have been noted within just 30 minutes of drinking green tea. When the endothelial cells do not function properly, there is a greater risk of atherosclerosis and clogged arteries.
Cognitive Decline
The polyphenols found in green tea may offer neuroprotective properties that help to delay cognitive deterioration associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia. It is believed that when green tea is digested, these polyphenols bind with toxic substances already present in the body and protect brain cells from the damage the toxins can cause.
Is there any supporting evidence?
- A laboratory study led by a research team at Newcastle University in 2011 shows promising results. They found that the antioxidant EGCG has the ability to stop amyloid-beta proteins from damaging brain cells. These amyloid-beta proteins are known to play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s. Researchers believe that studies such as this are an important step in improving our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and provide a solid foundation for more research.
Cancers
Free-radical particles can cause cancer by damaging and altering healthy cells, in particular DNA. The polyphenols in green tea may help to reduce the risk of certain cancers developing and reoccurring.
Is there any supporting evidence?
- A Japanese study involved 500 women with Stage I and Stage II breast cancer. The women were split into two groups; one group took a green tea extract daily before and after their surgery, whilst the second group took a placebo. Findings showed a significantly lower re-occurrence of breast cancer in the women who had supplemented with green tea.
- A separate study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition monitored 69,310 older women over an 11 year period. The findings showed that those who had green tea on a daily basis had a 14% lower risk of developing a cancer of the digestive system.
- There are promising results to show that green tea extracts may help to fight stomach, oesophageal, prostate, prostate and colorectal cancers. Laboratory studies conducted by a team at The University of Strathclyde successfully managed to make 40% of cancer tumours disappear. However, these results were achieved through a targeted delivery system, in which EGCG was applied directly to the cancer tumour. More research is now required.
Ageing Skin
Damaging free-radical particles can lead the formation of wrinkles, spots, and blemishes. Exposure to UV radiation from sunlight is a leading cause of these free-radicals. Green tea is often referred to as an elixir of youth by those who believe it can reduce the signs of ageing. It may also help to accelerate the wound healing process and reduce scarring.
Is there any supporting evidence?
- A laboratory based study found that EGCG reactivated dying skin cells in the upper layers of skin and caused them to start dividing again.
- A human study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that oral supplementation with green tea extract helped to reduce the effects of UV damage by reducing the number of inflammatory markers. The findings also showed an increase in the levels of fluids in the skin.
Weight Loss
It is believed that the polyphenols in green tea, in particular catechins, help to boost metabolism and increase the rate at which the body turns calories into food.
Is there any supporting evidence?
- One study monitored over 100 adults aged between 21 and 65. After 12 weeks, researchers found that those taking green tea lost more body weight, including reductions in abdominal body fat, than those in the placebo group.
Green tea is available in different forms. Some people prefer to enjoy the soothing qualities of a daily cup of green tea. Studies suggest that for the most beneficial properties, at least five cups of green tea are required each day. Therefore some people choose to take a high quality green tea supplement for their daily dose of the beneficial polyphenols in a convenient tablet.
Simply Supplements Green Tea 850mg extract 
provides 40% polyphenols, of which 10% is the powerful EGCG. You may also like to try our SimplyEnhance Daily Cleanze tea, which contains green tea, alongside lemongrass and fennel.
CLICK HERE for more information about our high quality Green Tea Extract 850mg, or to buy online.
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