Green Tea and Health: The Science Behind Its Powerful Benefits

Green tea, a beverage with a history spanning millennia, has garnered popularity and extensive research attesting to its myriad health benefits. Among these advantages is its potential to thwart cancer, combat infectious diseases, and notably, its role in promoting heart health through the presence of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a crucial catechin in green tea.

Scientific findings suggest that EGCG, contained in green tea, may play a pivotal role in safeguarding cardiovascular well-being by reducing blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and the accumulation of arterial plaque—key factors linked to heart disease. Moreover, EGCG is believed to enhance both metabolic and vascular functions associated with insulin.

The acclaim surrounding EGCG is primarily rooted in its potent antioxidant properties and its potential to mitigate stress and inflammation. Research has highlighted that epigallocatechin exhibits antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiatherogenic effects, employing pathways mediated by growth factors, the mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent pathway, and the ubiquitin/proteasome degradation pathway.

The generation of free radicals, highly reactive particles capable of harming human cells, leads to oxidative stress when produced excessively. EGCG has demonstrated the capacity to scavenge these free radicals, showcasing additional positive effects in protecting cells and tissues throughout the body.

While EGCG stands out as the most extensively researched and potent catechin, other varieties such as epicatechin, epigallocatechin, and epicatechin 3-gallate may offer similar benefits. Notably, many of these catechins are readily available in various food sources.

Recent studies have further elucidated the health benefits of green tea and its catechins. A meta-analysis published in 2022 concluded that green tea supplementation leads to improvements in lipid and glycemic profiles, supporting cardiovascular health.
Additionally, a 2023 study highlighted EGCG's cardioprotective effects, noting its role in reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting apoptosis, and modulating inflammatory responses in myocardial injury.

Beyond cardiovascular benefits, green tea catechins have been associated with cancer prevention. Research indicates that these compounds may be effective in preventing various cancers, including lung, breast, esophageal, stomach, liver, and prostate cancers.
It's important to note that while green tea catechins contribute to cancer prevention, they are not a replacement for standard chemotherapy treatments.

Incorporating green tea into one's daily routine can also aid in weight management. The catechins present in green tea are proposed to work with caffeine to promote increased fat oxidation and energy expenditure, influencing 24-hour energy expenditure via the sympathetic nervous system and peripheral tissues.

In summary, green tea, rich in catechins like EGCG, offers a multitude of health benefits. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. Regular consumption of green tea may contribute to improved cardiovascular health, cancer prevention, and weight management, underscoring its role as a beneficial beverage in promoting overall well-being.
Green Tea and Health: The Science Behind Its Powerful Benefits

Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG): The Antioxidant Powerhouse in Green Tea

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a potent antioxidant primarily found in green tea, celebrated for its vast array of health benefits. As the most abundant catechin in green tea, EGCG contributes significantly to promoting health and preventing various diseases.

Combating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
One of EGCG's primary functions is neutralizing free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress. This action protects cells from damage, potentially lowering the risk of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Recent research also highlights EGCG's ability to modulate inflammatory pathways, offering relief from inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and autoimmune disorders. These dual effects make EGCG an essential component of immune system support.

Weight Management and Metabolic Health
EGCG has garnered attention for its role in weight management. Studies suggest that it enhances fat oxidation and boosts metabolic rates, aiding in weight loss and maintenance. Additionally, it may influence appetite-regulating hormones, contributing to healthier dietary habits. Combined with regular exercise, green tea consumption can amplify these effects, making it a popular choice among health-conscious individuals.

Cognitive and Neuroprotective Benefits
Emerging research underscores EGCG’s potential in supporting brain health. Its neuroprotective properties may help delay age-related cognitive decline by reducing brain cell damage and promoting the growth of new neurons. Furthermore, EGCG has been linked to improved memory, focus, and overall mental clarity. Some studies even suggest its role in reducing the formation of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

Additional Health Advantages
Beyond these benefits, EGCG has demonstrated antimicrobial properties, which may aid in preventing infections. It has also shown potential in regulating blood sugar levels, benefiting those with or at risk for type 2 diabetes. Moreover, EGCG's role in enhancing skin health—by protecting against UV damage and promoting elasticity—adds to its appeal.

Conclusion
EGCG in green tea is a powerful antioxidant offering diverse health benefits, from combating oxidative stress to supporting brain health and weight management. Regularly incorporating green tea into your routine is a simple yet effective way to harness the advantages of this remarkable compound and elevate overall well-being.
Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG): The Antioxidant Powerhouse in Green Tea

Processing of green tea

Green tea first recorded use was 4,000 years ago. By the third century, it became a daily drink and cultivation and processing began.

The tea leaves are harvested from the Camellia sinensis plant. Green tea is made from the top two leaves and buds. The majority of tea is still harvested by hand but mechanical picking can also be done depending on the tea variety. If harvest by hand, usually stems with a shoot and two or three opened leaves are picked.

The leaves are then quickly heated—by pan firing or steaming. The goal is to reduce water content by 50-70%, halting the oxidizing and fermentation action of enzymes on the leaves, preserve their green color and remove the "grassy" odor. If the fermentation is not completely stopped, the tea liquor will be red.

Withering is also used, which spreads the tea leaves on racks of bamboo or woven straw to dry in the sun or using warm air. Withering times are used for different teas – for Chinese green tea 2-4 hours, Japanese green tea 30 -60 minutes.

Pan-frying: Tea leaves are tossed around in a dry, hot wok by hand, where the tea processor must fry them until they give back just the right amount of “bounce.”

In Japan, steaming is normally used. Steaming: Tea leaves will be rotated through a metal cylinder where they will be flushed with steam. The tea leaves are steamed using non-pressurized steam. The length of the steaming process is said to be a key determinant in the tea's flavor, aroma and color.

Next step: Rolling. In most countries, rolling or shaping green tea leaves is done by machinery. In China, high-end leaves are hand-rolled into various shapes, including curly, twisted, pointed, round, and more. Rolling is a crucial step for shaping the appearance. The tea leaves should look brightly green instead of yellowish and they should smell fragrant instead of stuffy.

The goal of the last step is to reduce the water content of the tea leaves down to 3-6%. This allows long-term storage and responsible for many new flavor compounds particularly. At the same time improve its appearance.
Processing of green tea

Chemical compound of antioxidants in green tea

Tea also refers to the aromatic beverage prepared from the cured leaves by combination with hot or boiling water. At the moment tea is the second most popular beverage in the world. Green tea is available for sale in three variants: In the form of leaves, in tea bags or as powder.

Tea extracts are source of polyphenols, which are antioxidant components. Green tea phenolic compounds are predominately composed of catechin derivatives, although other compounds such as flavanols and phenolic acids are also present in lower proportion.

The content of polyphenols in green tea is higher than those of black tea. Over the past few years, numerous studies have indicated that catechins and other polyphenols in tea exhibit powerful antioxidant activities.

Flavonoids (and their fraction – catechins) are the basic phenolic compounds in green tea responsible for antioxidant activities such as neutralization of free radicals that are formed in the process of metabolism. Free radicals are formed from molecules via breakage of a chemical bond such that each fragment keeps one electron, by cleavage of a radical to give another radical and, also via redox reactions. Free radicals are the main factors responsible for the initiation of formation of cancer cells.

Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates, and inhibit other oxidation reactions.

The main catechin compounds found in green tea are (-) Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), that represents approximately 59% of the total content of catechins; (-) Epigallocatechin (EGC), 19%; (-)Epicatechin Gallate (ECG), 13.6%; and (-)Epicatechin (EC), 6.4% and also other compounds.
Chemical compound of antioxidants in green tea

Drinking green tea can lower risk of diabetes

In comparison to black tea and oolong tea, green tea (GT) contains greater quantities of cate-chins, which are strong antioxidants in vitro and in vivo. The presence of high amount of polyphenols in green tea makes it very important in the prevention of different diseases.

Green tea extract has many naturally occurring biological components of which polyphenolic epicatechins (ECs) are predominantly active. These include (–)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), (–)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (–)-epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG), and (–)-EC. The EC and EGC are catechol catechins, EGC and EGCG are pyrogallol catechins, and ECG and EGCG are gallate catechins.

So far green tea was shown to have many impacts in carbohydrate metabolism. Epidemiologic studies have shown that the consumption of green tea may reduce bodyweight and fat accumulation by improving glucose and lipid metabolism, and it has also been shown that green tea extract and EGCG ameliorate hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in humans and animals.

Green tea is considered as an alternative medicine for diabetes mellitus. The pathology of diabetes mellitus is caused by reactive oxygen species that activate the non-enzymatic glycation of proteins (leads to structural and functional changes), the aldose reductase pathway (causes sorbitol accumulation) and oxidative stress (results in protein, DNA and lipid damage).

Polyphenols in green tea reduce carbohydrate digestion and absorption in the intestine by inhibiting carbohydrate digesting enzymes and inhibiting glucose transporters across the intestine.

The anti-oxidant effect of green tea is because of its polyphenol cathechine components to scavenge ROS. Catechins from tea suppress the absorption of glucose from the small intestine by inhibiting α-glucosidase activity.

They are also shown to increase secretion of insulin by pancreatic β cells and protect cytokine induced inflammatory damage of these cells. Increasing insulin activity and maintaining glucose homeostasis are other mechanisms by which green tea is involved in carbohydrate metabolism.

Drinking green tea can lower risk of diabetes

What is matcha?

Matcha green tea powder is made with finely ground green tea leaves that are rich in phytochemicals, most particularly catechins. Matcha is the type of green tea served in formal ceremonies in Japan.

After harvesting, the stems and veins are removed, leaving the leaves which are the only the edible portion. Matcha remains palatable due to the development of theanine, a mellow flavor stemming from amino acids. Teas grown and cultivated in full sun, on the other hand, develop catechins, which add an astringent flavor to the tea.

The leaves used in this premium tea are cultivated in shaded areas, increasing their chlorophyll content and producing a rich source of antioxidants. The powder is most commonly used in green tea beverages but can also be featured in a variety of other ways such as matcha ice cream and matcha cupcakes.

Credited with benefits that range from aiding weight loss and building muscle to cancer prevention and reducing cholesterol, this superfood is one of the most potent nutritionals available today.

But unlike other types of tea that are steeped in bags, matcha is a finely milled powder made from the whole leaf and dissolved in water to release the full health properties of the leaves. In fact, one cup of matcha has as many antioxidants as 10 cups of regular green tea. There are two major regions where matcha is produced –Uji of Kyoto, and Nishio, in the Aichi-prefecture, Japan.
What is matcha?

Hand-roasted green tea: Longjing tea

Longjing tea is one of the most prestigious hand-roasted green teas in China. Higher concentrations of linalool oxides, geraniol, 2-phenyl ethanol, lactones and pyrazines were found in Longjing tea.

It has been favorably consumed by many emperors since the imperial days. The color of the tea is bright green and the tea is famous for it unique fragrance and flavor.

The best quality longjing tea is hard to come by, for it does not originate in Longjing Village but from Lion Peak. It is classified as a green tea, which keep tea’s natural color. 

A cup of longjing tea is a work of art with its clear tea water, beautiful leaf buds and mild and set taste similar to that of sweet, clear morning dew.

Longjing seedlings were said to be first planted and consumed by the monks at the famous temples of Tianzhu and Lingying along the West Lake area in Hangzhou during the Northern Song Dynasty.
Hand-roasted green tea: Longjing tea

Drinking green tea to fight acne

Acne is the most common skin disorder in the world. Blemishes bumps, papules, pustules, spots, whiteheads, zits, goobers, the plaque, almost everyone is liable to get it. It is either non-inflammatory or inflammatory.

Regardless of a person’s age, acne is a condition of clogged hair follicles and the reaction of sebaceous glands, glands that are attached to hair follicles and produce and produce an oily substance called sebum.

Green tea is used by the Chinese as a traditional medicine to treat many ailments including acne and to improve general well-being.

Green tea leaf extract is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants in the world. Several studies investigating its effects on sun damaged skin have shown that topically applied green tea extract have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity that counters the destructive impact of ultraviolet.

Study by researchers at the University College London, green tea has the ability to lower hormone levels and correct balances, which have been shown to be factor in the development of acne.

Green tea extracts may also work to inhibit the enzyme 5 alpha reductase (which converts testosterone into the sebaceous gland-stimulating hormone, DHT), and this conceivably could help reduce sebum production in acne patients.
Drinking green tea to fight acne

Tea catechins in green tea

Tea catechins constitute the majority of soluble solids in green tea. Catechins represent approximately 80% of the total flavonoid content of green tea.

Major green tea catechins include epicatechin (EC),  epigallocatechin (ECG), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate (ECG).

The catechins are present in all parts of the tea plant; 15-30% are present in the tea shoots, and there are also a high content in the second and third leaves.

Tea catechins have very potent antioxidative (radical-scavenging) activity an intake of them seems to suppress or retard the process of lifestyle-related, life-threatening disease such as cancer, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and hyperglycemia.

Tea catechins also can eliminate the cause of the body odor by binding to the substances produced by microorganisms.

Tea catechins have a strong and unique antimicrobial potency that inhibits the proliferation of infectious disease many of which plaque human daily life.
Tea catechins in green tea

Green tea during tea time

Green tea during tea time
Green tea is a uniquely powerful beverage for improving health, burning body fat, and preventing disease.

Today, this ancient beverage has a bright future owing to a steady stream of new studies showing the health benefits accrued buy drinking it.

We routinely have a cup of decaf tea green tea in the evening after the kids are in bed and we can relax and enjoy spending some quiet time together.

We try to drink two to four cups throughput the day and find decaffeinated green tea keep us focused yet relaxed.

It is also one of the best sources of beneficial phytonutrients that are helpful in preventing aging and disease.

Tea is a great way to stay well hydrated without consuming excess empty calories.

Green tea increases your metabolism and appears to selectively mobilise the fat stores from inside your abdominal cavity. Regular tea drinkers have a lower risk of diabetes high blood pressure and heart disease.
Green tea during tea time

Green tea: healthy benefits

The name of green tea because the leaves of the tea shrubs do not go any fermentation or additional processing after harvest; the chlorophyll is preserve in the drink.

Green tea contains antioxidants known as polyphenols, flavonoids, fluoride, no cholesterol, no fat, no sugar, natural vitamins, and mineral. The health benefits of green tea varied and wide ranging.

Antioxidants bind harmful oxygen-containing molecules in human body called free radicals and peroxides that otherwise could damage DNA, cell membranes, and other cell membranes.

Polyphenols is a broad class of antioxidants including flavonoids and catechins. Catechins are type of flavonoid contained in the leaves of tea. The rich presents of catechin polyphenols particularly epigallocatechin gallate is the reason why green tea has so much health benefits.

Epigallocatechin gallate not only inhibit the growth of cancer cells but can also destroy them without harming healthy cells.

Study by the Mayo Clinic has discovered that Epigallocatechin gallate helps kill leukemia cells by interrupting the nourishing blood flow to the cancer cells, leaving the cancer cells to wither and die. 

Epigallocatechin gallate also can lower down LDL cholesterol levels and stop blood from forming abnormal clots or thrombosis, a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes.

Green tea contain larger amounts important nutrients including twice as much vitamins C, more than twice the amount of bioflavonoid activity, - two cup a day of green tea can meet human body’s daily needs for bioflavonoids.
Green tea: healthy benefits

Green tea can aid weight loss

It is said that green tea increases fat oxidation and metabolism inside the body. That is why it is used by many who want to lose weight without even compromising the health.

In addition to green tea’s ability to clear nasty toxin from the body, it can aid weight loss, which will release stored toxin into the bloodstream, so that they can then be eliminated from the body.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that green tea polyphenols can speed up the metabolic rate of the body.

Green tea contains high concentrations of catechin polyphenols. These compound work with other chemicals to intensify levels of fat oxidation and thermogenesis. Research has shown that by drinking green tea regularly, either will be an increase in one’s metabolic rate and it will help to burn safely and naturally.

Green tea have been used by the Chinese and Japanese for centuries. It was described as a miracle drink that is able to cure or even prevent different kinds of illnesses.

It has been known to prevent diabetes, cancer as well as a cure for bad breath.

Green tea can aid weight loss

Tea and health benefits

The famous Chinese master Lu Yu wrote in AD 780 that tea could cure headaches, body aches and pains, constipation and depression.

Firstly, green tea shares all the health benefits that are thought to come from black tea, except in a more effective form, as the tea is fresher.

Tea can help reduce your chances of getting heart disease by up to half, as well as fight dental plaque and cavities (although it will also stain your teeth if you don’t make sure to drink plenty of water and brush regularly, so watch out).

Drinking tea also burns more calories. Green tea has been mooted as a cure for cancer, Alzheimer, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, heart disease and cardiovascular disease.

The antioxidant part of green tea has been shown to efficiently scavenge the toxin in human body. Green tea’s antioxidant activity is particularly important for preventing lipid peroxidation which often plays a key role in the build up of atherosclerosis plaque.

Tea drinking also protects the blood vessels that feed the heart and brain; men who have the highest intakes of polyphenols from tea and other foods have almost 75 percent fewer stokes than men with low intakes.

Green tea is good for the digestive system. It helps the drinker to think clearly and even improves the eyesight. Green tea strengthens arteries and reduces excess fats in the bloods.

The tannins in green tea can stop diarrhea.
Tea and health benefits

Green tea for your belly

Green tea for your belly
Belly fat is not just unbecoming, it is dangerous to your long term, health and well being. When excessive fat is stored inside your abdominal cavity it has devastating metabolic consequences.

This intra abdominal adipose tissue continually dumps fatty acids into the bloodstream poisoning your muscles so they become unresponsive to the normal action of insulin.

That means your insulin, sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels go up, predisposing you to high blood pressure diabetes heart disease and even some forms of cancer.

Finding a way selectively burn this toxic belly fat has been the holy grail of scientists and dieters alike, but to has proved to be an elusive goal.

Evolving evidence points to green tea and its components like theanine and catechins as at least part of the answer to this problem.

You will need to drink about three to four cups of either caffeinated or decaffeinated green tea per day to see the full benefits including weight loss, increased metabolism and a shrinking waistline.
Green tea for your belly

Tea and Cancer

Tea and Cancer
Most of the on cancer chemoprevention by tea has been conducted using green tea or its individual polyphenolic constituents.

Less work has been reported on black tea.

In animal studies, the polyphenolic fraction isolated from green tea. The water extract of green tea, or individual polyphenolic antioxidants present in green tea have afforded protection against chemically induced carcinogenesis in the lung, liver, esophagus, forestomach, duodenum, pancreas, colon, and breast.

The raises possibility that green tea consumption and its associated catechins may lower cancer risk in humans.

Studies have shown that green tea intake increases the excretion of a class of carcinogens known as heterocyclic arylamines formed during the cooking of meat, poultry and fish; this is expected to reduce DNA adduct formation, in particular and carcinogenesis, in general.

Consumption of both green and black tea aqueous extracts influences the excretion of mutagens and promutagens in the urine of animals.

Several epidemiological studies suggest that tea and its associated compounds may prevent some, but not all, cancers.

This is understandable, because cancer is a complex disease with multiple etiologies, even for one body site.

It is, therefore a false hope that any nutritional or synthetic agent can prevent or treat all cancer types.

However, based on a large volume of cell culture, animal studies and human observational studies, there is hope that green tea consumption can retard cancer development at selected sites in some populations.

The challenge is to elucidate what cancer type can be prevented by tea. This requires extensive research for which considerable resources are required.
Tea and Cancer

Acne and Green Tea

Acne and Green Tea
Green tea is used by the Chinese as a traditional medicine to treat many ailments including acne and to improve general well-being. But does it provide an effective herbal alternative to modern medication?

In a recent study, a green tea cream was trailed against a 4% benzoyl peroxide solution on people suffering with moderate to severe acne. The results from this research study showed that green tea was just as good in treating acne as the benzoyl peroxide.

But benzoyl peroxide dries out skin causing itching or allergic reactions. Unlike green tea that has the added advantages of natural anti-bacterial properties and antioxidants, particularly epigallocatechin gallate which is 200 times more powerful than vitamin E at fighting free radicals.

Green tea also helps to reduce inflammation, hormonal activity and aids in detoxification - which is all good news for acne sufferers.
Green tea extract is an extremely versatile herbal supplement - it can be administered topically, often being used in creams, taken as a in the form of a pill or incorporated into your diet and drunk as a tea.

This last method is very popular (Green Tea with Honeysuckle is often known as Pimple Tea in many Chinatowns) when drunk after a meal it aids digestion and helps to detoxify your system, getting rid of the toxins that can cause acne. Tip: don’t drink it with sugar, this will neutralize the worthwhile effects of the tea.

It seems that taking green tea for acne is a win-win situation It has many beneficial properties which promote good all-round health with little or no known side effects and for the price, green tea its definitely a herbal treatment that is worth trying.
Source: articlehub
Acne and Green Tea