Miracle Medicine in a Cup Green Tea

Green tea has long been used by the Chinese for its medicinal qualities and also because it is a delicious beverage. As a matter fact there is evidence that this drink has been used for more than 4000 years in China. In modern times research from several sources is providing us with very strong evidence supporting the healthy benefits of consuming this tea.

Research scientists at the University of Purdue in the USA found that catechin polyphenol compounds in green teas have properties which inhibit the growth of cancer cells in human beings and kill them without affecting healthy surrounding tissue. It has also been found that cholesterol levels are reduced considerably by drinking green tea. The ratio of good HDL cholesterol to bad LDL cholesterol is improved , and not only that, the formation of blood clots is also inhibited. This is very significant research since the formation of abnormal blood clots (known as thrombosis) is the major cause of strokes and heart attacks.

It has also been shown in studies that catechin polyphenol compounds in green tea have antibacterial properties which help prevent food poisoning and also prevent the formation of dental plaque by killing the bacteria which promote it. This tea may even have benefits for dieters. A study at the University Of Geneva in Switzerland found that men who were given a combination of green tea extract and caffeine burned more calories in exercise than did a control group given caffeine alone or a placebo.

The catechins in green tea are powerful antioxidants and for this reason they help slow the aging process in those people who drink a lot of this tea. This tasty and relaxing beverage also contains vitamin E, another beneficial antioxidant.

In short green tea is one of the most amazing foods available to us. Its health effects are numerous and it has no bad effects except for the presence of some caffeine which could cause insomnia in some people. However the caffeine in a cupful is about 8 to 30mg compared to over 100mg in a cup of coffee.

 

By John Mowatt