How green tea keeps you healthy

Polyphenols are anti-oxidants that are capable of neutralizing free radicals. So what does all that mean? It’s not as complicated as it sounds. Free radicals in the body are created by air pollution, cigarette smoke, drugs, stress, alcohol and pesticides. Essentially they are atoms that have lost an electron and survive by stealing one from a healthy molecule. That molecule then becomes a free radical itself and the chain reaction begins. Free radicals damage cells and can be responsible for the progression of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and many age related ailments.

Catechins are polyphenols unique to green tea and the most powerful of these is called epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG. This powerful anti-oxidant neutralizes free radicals by donating an electron. These are very stable nutrients and therefore do not become free radicals themselves and the chain ends. Many diseases are halted or reversed by this action of stopping the multiplication of free radicals.

One of the most apparent benefits is in dealing with osteoporosis by protecting osteoblasts from destruction by free radicals. Osteoblasts are the cells responsible for building bone. It also inhibits the formation of osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone.
Green tea helps to starve cancer by inhibiting angiogenisis when the cancer causes too many blood vessels to develop.

Drinking green tea can also lower the risk of atherosclerosis by lowering LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipid peroxides which are free radicals that damage lipids or fats.
A study published in the July 2004 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine found that among persons consuming green tea regularly for at least one year, the risk of developing high blood pressure was 46% lower among those who drank ½ cup to 2 ½ cups per day and 65% less among those consuming more than 2 ½ cups per day.
It has also been shown to promote fat loss and slow age related decline in brain function.

So, enjoy your tea. But make sure it is from the evergreen type shrub called camellia sinensis. Herbal teas may taste good and make you feel good but they do not have the anti-oxidant power of green tea.

This amazing drink is not a cure-all. If you have a health problem you should learn all you can about it and then take full responsibility for dealing with it. In todays world there is a tremendous amount of information concerning health and wellness; some good and some bad. There is no chronic condition that will not benefit from a nutritious diet, regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

Much more information at http://www.vitality-after-60.com/.

I am a 73 year old retired engineer turned free lance writer and researcher. I have done a lot of research on aging, nutrition, exercise and body-mind-spirit connection. I strongly believe that most Americans are complacent about their personal health and put their faith in pharmaceuticals that treat symptoms rather than concentrating on prevention.

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