The Green Tea Extract Is Standardized to Provide
a MINIMUM of 95% Polyphenols, 40% ECGC Content, and 75% Catechin
Content.
Parts used and where grown: All teas (green, black, and
oolong) are derived from the same plant, Camellia sinensis.
The difference is in how the plucked leaves are prepared. The leaves
of the tea plant are used both as a social and medicinal beverage.
Green tea, unlike black and oolong tea, is not fermented, so the
active constituents remain unaltered in the herb.
The known health conditions where green tea has been found to
be an effective treatment or preventative:
- cancer risk reduction
- gingivitis (periodontal disease)
- high cholesterol
- high blood pressure
- high triglycerides
- immune function
- prostate health
Historical or traditional use: According to Chinese
legend, tea was discovered accidentally by an emperor 4,000 years
ago. Since then, traditional Chinese medicine has recommended green
tea for headaches, body aches and pains, digestion, depression,
immune enhancement, detoxification, as an energizer, and to prolong
life. Modern research has confirmed many of these health benefits.
Active constituents: Green tea contains volatile oils,
vitamins, minerals, and caffeine, but the active constituents are
polyphenols, particularly the catechin called epigallocatechin
gallate (EGCG). The polyphenols are believed to be responsible for
most of green tea's roles in promoting good health.1
Research demonstrates that green tea guards against
cardiovascular disease in many ways. Green tea lowers total
cholesterol levels and improves the cholesterol profile (the ratio
of LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol), reduces platelet
aggregation, and lowers blood pressure.2
3 4
5 The polyphenols in green tea have also been
shown to lessen the risk of cancers of several sites, stimulate the
production of several immune system cells, and have anti-bacterial
properties -- even against the bacteria that cause dental plaque.6
7 8
How much should I take? Much of the research documenting
the health benefits of green tea is based on the amount of green tea
typically drunk in Asian countries -- about three cups per day
(providing 240-320 mg of polyphenols). To brew green tea, 1 U.S.
teaspoon (5 grams) of green tea leaves are combined with 250 ml (1
cup) of boiling water and steeped for three minutes. One capsule of
our green tea contains 300mg of standardized green tea extracts of
polyphenols, particularly EGCG, providing 97% polyphenol content --
which is equivalent to drinking four cups of tea.
Are there any side effects or interactions? Green tea is
extremely safe. The most common adverse effect reported from
consuming large amounts of green tea is insomnia, anxiety, and other
symptoms caused by the caffeine content in the herb. There is NO
caffine in the green tea extract offered below. The tea bags are not
decaffeinated as that will spoil the flavor for most drinkers.
References:
1 Graham HN. Green tea composition,
consumption, and polyphenol chemistry. Prev Med
1992;21:334-350.
2 Kono S, Shinchi K, Ikeda N, et al.
Green tea consumption and serum lipid profiles: A cross-sectional
study in Northern Kyushu, Japan. Prev Med 1992;21:526-531.
3 Yamaguchi Y, Hayashi M, Yamazoe H,
et al. Preventive effects of green tea extract on lipid
abnormalities in serum, liver and aorta of mice fed an atherogenic
diet. Nip Yak Zas 1991;97(6):329-337.
4 Sagesaka-Mitane Y, Milwa M, Okada S.
Platelet aggregation inhibitors in hot water extract of green tea.
Chem Pharm Bull 1990;38(3):790-793.
5 Stensvold I, Tverdal A, Solvoll K,
et al. Tea consumption. Relationship to cholesterol, blood pressure,
and coronary and total mortality. Prev Med 1992;21:546-553.
6 Stoner GD, Mukhtar H. Polyphenols as
cancer chemopreventive agents. J Cell Bioch 1995;22:169-180.
7 You SQ. Study on feasibility of
Chinese green tea polyphenols (CTP) for preventing dental caries.
Chin J Stom 1993;28(4):197-199.
8 Hamilton-Miller JM. Antimicrobial
properties of tea (Camellia sinensis L.). Antimicro Ag
Chemo 1995;39(11):2375-2377.
