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Got Green Tea? If Not, You Should

Posted on: Saturday, 16 February 2008, 03:00 CST

Green tea just may be nature's best safety net against cancer, heart disease, and signs of aging.

"Green tea is not the ambulance that comes rushing in to whisk away illness," explains Lise Alschuler, ND, a naturopathic oncologist and coauthor of the Definitive Guide to Cancer: An Integrative Approach to Prevention, Treatment, and Healing. "It is more like an insurance policy to protect us against diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes."

Very seldom do we find such powerful insurance against so many devastating illnesses. Yet, extensive research demonstrates that the polyphenols and flavonoids in green tea provide incredible protection, including the following:

* Defending and repairing healthy cells.

* Killing cancer cells (apoptosis) and enhancing the activity of some chemotherapy drugs.

* Preventing tumors associated with blood vessel formation (antiangiogenic).

* Contributing to weight loss through diermogenic activity and fat oxidation.

'Green tea is one of the most studied herbs of our time, " explains Alschuler. "Trie research, specifically on cancer prevention and treatment, is very exciting."

Heart Disease and Cancer

Heart disease and cancer are the top two causes of death in the United States. The National Center for Health Statistics reported that more than 650,000 people died of heart disease in 2004. As for cancer, one in two men and one in three women will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime. Prevention for both illnesses has become paramount.

Many of the deaths associated with heart disease are attributed to plaque buildup in the arteries (atherosclerosis). Green tea has been shown to help prevent atherosclerosis and reduce cholesterol.

Scientific literature clearly demonstrates that green tea and its active compounds-primarily epigallocatechin gallate (ECCC), an antioxidant polyphenol-offer protection against many cancers, including the most common and deadly: lung, breast prostate, colon, and skin. According to the Definitive Guide to Cancer, green tea research has yielded positive results involving 13 types of cancer. In some studies, green tea has been used effectively as a complementary treatment.

Researchers from the lohn Innes Center in Norwich, England, discovered that EGCG can kill cancer cells in the same way as the chemotherapy drug methotrexate.

The List Goes On

Green tea can also help people lose weight. This is significant because obesity is considered a key risk factor for heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Preliminary animal studies show that green tea helps prevent diabetes by reducing inflammation and improving insulin resistance

"The EGCG found in green tea has been shown to regulate dozens of disease-specific molecular targets," explains author and clinician Ray Sahelian, MD. For this reason, Sahelian says that in addition to helping prevent heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, green tea has a wide variety of health benefits: It acts as an antiviral, slows mental decline, protects against arthritis, and protects the skin from UV radiation.

Green tea dosage recommendations vary; however, health experts agree that EGCG content is critical. According to Alschuler, many of the cancer prevention and treatment studies feature a dosage of 1,000 mg of EGCG, which is equal to about 10 cups of tea per day. Drinking that much tea may not be feasible, but concentrated liquid and dietary supplements are available to help achieve a higher dosage. For general prevention, Alschuler says the dosage can be lower.

If you are looking for additional health "insurance,* try adding green tea supplements-or a nice, steamy cup or two of green tea-to your daily routine.

SUNTHEANINE: THE hot WAY TO CHILL OUT

If someone told you there was a natural way to promote relaxation, calm anxiety, and counter the effects of stress-without side effects such as drowsiness-would you believe it?

Meet Suntheanine. This patented form of the a mi no acid L- theanine, found primarily in green tea, can help put the brakes on anxiety and stress. Best known for its ability to induce "an alert state of relaxation," Suntheanine works by affecting the brain's alpha waves, which are associated with restfulness. Consistent use of Suntheanine can help not just with stress and anxiety, but also with overall sleep quality. And a recent study showed that a product called Immune Guard, with Suntheanine and green tea catechtns. helped bolster immune function and reduced cold and flu symptoms.

Other research points to additional benefits, including the following:

* Diminished PMS symptoms.

* Enhanced learning performance, mental acuity, and concentration.

* Lessened side effects of caffeine.

You can find Suntheanine in multiple forms, including supplements, bottled waters, and even chocolates.

Visit suntheanine.com for more information.

Let your whole body benefit from green tea with products like the following:

1. Derma e's VITAMIN A AND GREEN TEA CREME

2. Natural Factors' SUNTHEANINE

3. Choice Organic's GREEN TEA

4. Green Tea Skin Care's ANTI-AGING CREAM

Skin Saver

WHEN TALKING ABOUT the powers of prevention found in green tea, we can't forget what it can do for the body's largest organ: the skin. Green tea is the new superstar in personal care products, such as moisturizers, toners, sun blocks, soaps, exfoliants, shampoos, arid conditioners, because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

According to research, green tea can be the first line of defense against inflammatory skin diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis. It can also relieve swelling from common bug bites. Other studies show that green tea may help inhibit bacteria growth on skin, making it an ideal topical solution for acne.

Green tea also may be helpful in minimizing scarring. The same EGCG in green tea that works inside your body can speed up the healing process and thereby slow scarring when applied to wounds.

Additionally, the powerful herb can serve as a barrier against the sun. While green tea does not block UV rays, according to some studies, the tea's polyphenols eliminate free radicals that can cause cancer by altering DNA. And as an additional perk, protection from the sun means it wards off premature aging. -J.R.

Source: Better Nutrition

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