Green Tea Antioxidant Health benefits.

Green tea health benefits

Nutritional breakdown of green tea

Types of green tea

Green tea side effects and risks

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Green tea, native to China and India, has been consumed and hailed for its health benefits for centuries globally, but has only recently gained popularity in the United States.
Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world behind water. However, 78 percent of the tea consumed worldwide is black and only about 20 percent is green.
All types of tea, except herbal tea, are brewed from the dried leaves of the Camellia sinensis bush. The level of oxidation of the leaves determines the type of tea.
Green tea is made from unoxidized leaves and is one of the less processed types of tea. It therefore contains the most antioxidants and beneficial polyphenols.

Fast facts on green tea

Here are some key points about green tea. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.

green tea has been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine

there are many different types of green tea available

green tea may help prevent a range of ailments including cancer

more research is needed to prove many of the health claims surrounding green tea

Green tea health benefits

Share on PinterestGreen tea is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S.
Listed below are the possible health benefits associated with green tea. Green tea was used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine to control bleeding and heal wounds, aid digestion, improve heart and mental health, and regulate body temperature.
Recent studies have shown green tea can potentially have positive effects on everything from weight loss to liver disorders, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
It is important to note that more evidence is required before these possible health benefit links are proved definitive:

1) Green tea and cancer prevention

According to the National Cancer Institute, the polyphenols in tea have been shown to decrease tumor growth in laboratory and animal studies and may protect against damage caused by ultraviolet UVB radiation.
In countries where green tea consumption is high, cancer rates tend to be lower, but it is impossible to know for sure whether it is the green tea that prevents cancer in these particular populations or other lifestyle factors.
Some studies have also shown the positive impacts of green tea on the following types of cancer:

breast

bladder

ovarian

colorectal (bowel)

esophageal (throat)

lung

prostate

skin

stomach

Researchers believe that it is the high level of polyphenols in tea that helps kill cancerous cells and stop them from growing. However, the exact mechanisms by which tea interacts with cancerous cells is unknown.
However, other studies have not found that tea can reduce cancer risk. The amount of tea required for cancer-preventive effects also varies widely in studies – from 2-10 cups per day.
In 2005, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated, “there is no credible evidence to support qualified health claims for green tea consumption and a reduced risk of gastric, lung, colon/rectal, esophageal, pancreatic, ovarian, and combined cancers.”

2) Green tea heart benefits

A 2006 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that green tea consumption is associated with reduced mortalityTrusted Source due to all causes, including cardiovascular disease.
The study followed over 40,000 Japanese participants between the ages of 40 and 79 for 11 years, starting in 1994.
The participants who drank at least 5 cups of green tea per day had a significantly lower risk of dying (especially from cardiovascular disease) than those who drank less than one cup of tea per day.

3) Green tea and lower cholesterol

An analysis of published studies in 2011 Trusted Sourcefound that consuming green tea, either as a beverage or in capsule form, was linked to significant but modest reductions in total and LDL or “bad” cholesterol.

4) Stroke risk and green tea

Drinking green tea or coffee on a regular basis is associated with a reduced risk of stroke, according to a study published in the journal Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.
The lead author of the study, Dr. Yoshihiro Kokubo, Ph.D., said, “This is the first large-scale study to examine the combined effects of both green tea and coffee on stroke risks. You may make a small but positive lifestyle change to help lower the risk of stroke by adding daily green tea to your diet.”

5) Green tea for type 2 diabetes

Studies concerning the relationship between green tea and diabetes have been inconsistent. Some have shown a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes for green tea drinkers than for those who consumed no tea, while other studies have found no association between tea consumption and diabetes at all.

6) Green tea and weight loss

Green tea may promote a small, non-significant weight loss in overweight and obese adults; however, since weight loss in the studies was so minimal, it is unlikely that green tea is clinically important for weight loss.

7) Green tea and inflammatory skin diseases

A 2007 study concluded that green tea could hold promise as a new treatment for skin disordersTrusted Source such as psoriasis and dandruff. Researchers studied an animal model for inflammatory skin diseases, often characterized by patches of dry, red, flaky skin caused by the inflammation and overproduction of skin cells. Those treated with green tea showed slower growth of skin cells and the presence of a gene that regulates the cells’ life cycles.

8) Working memory and the effects of green tea

Research published in the journal Psychopharmacology suggests that green tea can enhance our brain’s cognitive functions, particularly the working memory.
The research team said their findings suggest that green tea could be promising in the treatment of cognitive impairments associated with neuropsychiatric disorders, such as dementia.

9) Green tea and Alzheimer’s

In a study published in 2011, researchers tested the effect of a component of green teaTrusted Source, CAGTE (or “colon available” green tea extract), after it had been digested, to see how it affected a key protein in Alzheimer’s disease.
The Alzheimer’s Society commented that “this study adds to previous research that suggests green tea might help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. However, the researchers used a far higher dose of the active green tea chemical than would ever be found in the human body. More research is needed to see whether green tea is protective at a much lower dose, and to understand the mechanism involved.”
Other studies have found that green tea might be helpful in preventing dental cavities, stress, chronic fatigue, treating skin conditions, and improving arthritis by reducing inflammation.
Further research is needed to firm up these theories.

Nutritional breakdown of green tea

Unsweetened brewed green tea is a zero calorie beverage. The caffeine contained in a cup of tea can vary according to the length of infusing time and the amount of tea infused. In general, green tea contains a relatively small amount of caffeine (approximately 20-45 milligrams per 8 ounce cup), compared with black tea, which contains about 50 milligrams and coffee with 95 milligrams per cup.
Green tea is considered one of the world’s healthiest drinks and contains one of the highest amounts of antioxidants of any tea. Natural chemicals called polyphenols in tea are what are thought to provide its anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects. Green tea is approximately 20-45 percent polyphenols by weight, of which 60-80 percent are catechins such as EGCG. Catechins are antioxidants that are said to help prevent cell damage.

Types of green tea

Green tea is available bottled and sweetened with sugar or an artificial sweetener, in single tea bags, loose-leaf, and in instant-powder.
Green tea is available in many types, including:

bottled and sweetened with sugar or an artificial sweetener

in single tea bags

as loose-leaf

in instant-powder

green tea supplements, which are sold in capsule form or liquid extracts

According to 2010 research presented at the American Chemical Society, bottled teas are not equivalent to brewed teas as some 16 ounce bottled teas can contain fewer polyphenols than one cup of brewed tea.

Green tea side effects and risks

There are little to no known side effects or contraindications to drinking green tea for adults. However, the following risks or complications should be made clear:

Caffeine sensitivity – those with severe caffeine sensitivities could experience insomnia, anxiety, irritability, nausea, or upset stomach.

Blood thinners – those taking blood thinners (anticoagulant drugs) such as Coumadin/warfarin should drink green tea with caution due to its vitamin K content. It’s also recommended to avoid green tea and aspirin, because they both reduce the clotting effectiveness of platelets.

Other stimulants – if taken with stimulant drugs, green tea could increase blood pressure and heart rate.

Green tea supplements contain high levels of active substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications.
Green tea supplements are unregulated by the FDA and may also contain other substances unsafe for health or with unproven health benefits. Always check with a doctor before starting any herb or supplement regimen.
In particular, pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with heart problems or high blood pressure, kidney or liver problems, stomach ulcers, or anxiety disorders should not take green tea supplements or extracts.

Further reading on green tea

Various green tea products are available to purchase online. It is a good idea to compare different brands, and different types of green tea, to choose the most suitable one for you.

What are the best teas for health?

It’s likely that we all enjoy a hot cup of tea — or herbal infusion — at least from time to time, if not on a daily basis. But what are the most important health benefits that some of these soothing teas can bring us? Read on to learn more about the top teas for our health.
Share on PinterestSome teas and herbal infusions have long been appreciated for their alleged health benefits, but what does research have to say?

“Tea began as a medicine and grew into a beverage,” writes 19th-century Japanese scholar Okakura Kakuzo in his infamous publication The Book of Tea.
In it, he speaks at length about the history of tea and the philosophy of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Kakuzo was correct: modern research about the history of tea-drinking in the world confirms that this beverage was originally consumed less for pleasure or as a mindfulness aid, calling for the drinker to take slow sips and be in the moment.
Instead, as shown by Prof. Victor Henry Mair — from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia — in The True History of Tea, early in its history, the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) became popular for its medicinal properties.
The tea plant’s main varieties — Camellia sinensis sinensis and Camellia sinensis assamica — are responsible for most of the tea brews that we are accustomed to: black tea, green tea, white tea, and oolong tea.
There are many other types of teas and infusions using various other plants, such as Aspalathus linearis, which is better known as “rooibos” or “redbush.” In this Spotlight, we’ll give you an overview of the top five teas that can benefit your health.

1. Green tea

A favorite with tea drinkers everywhere, green tea has been praised for its medicinal properties for years. Some recent studies have now confirmed some of these benefits, suggesting that green tea may protect various aspects of our health.

Green tea can increase cognitive functioning.
To begin with, this beverage has been found to enhance cognitive functioning, with one studyTrusted Source connecting it to better working memory, the type of we use on a day-to-day basis.

Researchers from the University Hospital of Basel in Switzerland found that healthy people who agreed to consume a soft drink containing 27.5 grams of green tea extract exhibited more intense activity in brain areas linked to working memory.

Therefore, participants who had ingested the green tea extract had better connectivity between the frontal and parietal lobes of the brain, which are two regions involved in aspects of learning, memory processes, and decision-making.

The health benefits brought about by green tea have been linked with their content of polyphenolsTrusted Source, which are micronutrients with antioxidant properties. As antioxidants, these substances can protect against the action of free radicals, which induce the type of cellular damage consistent with aging.
A 2017 study that was published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society found that one such polyphenol found in green tea — called epigallocatechin gallate — may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by interacting with the “building blocks” that form beta-amyloid plaques.

A buildup of these plaques in the brain is typical of this condition and impairs brain cell signaling. Epigallocatechin gallate, this study suggests, could stop beta-amyloid from forming into plaques, potentially helping to keep Alzheimer’s at bay.
This same green tea polyphenol has also been said to slow down the growth of tumor cells of certain types of cancer, such as pancreatic cancer.

Research that was led by the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute in California has shown that epigallocatechin gallate can disrupt the metabolism of pancreatic cancer cells, thereby impairing their growth.

2. Jasmine tea

What we refer to as “jasmine tea” is a type of beverage that usually has green tea at its base, to which jasmine flowers are added for an enriched aroma.
Share on PinterestJasmine tea is an important component of the diet of one of the longest-living populations in the world.
But the benefits of jasmine tea aren’t solely due to the antioxidant effects of the tea plant, since jasmine blooms also bring their own medicinal properties to the mix.

In the book Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, authors Héctor García and Francesc Miralles note that the inhabitants of a healthy, long-lived community in the Okinawa Prefecture of Japan are avid drinkers of Sanpin-cha, a special blend of green tea and jasmine.
“Okinawans drink more Sanpin-cha — a mix of green tea and jasmine flowers — than any other kind of tea,” they write, suggesting that this blend may play a role in keeping the inhabitants of Okinawa healthy and mentally agile well into old age. This may be because, like the tea plant, jasmine flowers contain antioxidants — which may protect cells from age-related damage.
Jasmine itself has been linked with improved physical well-being and is said to reduce the impact of stress. That is why some researchers have experimented with compounds derived from this plant in the search of better therapies.
For instance, Prof. Eliezer Flescher — from Tel Aviv University in Israel — noticed that methyl jasmonateTrusted Source, which is a compound obtained from jasmonic acid, found in the jasmine plant, induces the death of cervical cancer cells.
And, if you happen to enjoy drinking jasmine tea simply because you love the way it smells, there’s actually a good reason for that. Research that was published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology explained that the smell of jasmine tea is soothing, able to calm nerves, and able to help regulate mood.

3. Rooibos tea

Another type of tea with antioxidant properties is rooibos, or “redbush tea,” which is prepared from the Aspalathus linearis plant native to South Africa.
Share on PinterestRooibos tea may protect liver health.
Research has suggested that the antioxidant effects of rooibos are similar to, if not quite as strong as, those of green tea.
A recent study on the rat model has suggested that the antioxidants in rooibos tea may protect the liver from oxidative stress, helping to render this organ more resilient to induced damage.
The researchers who conducted the study noted that their findings suggest that rooibos tea or rooibos-derived dietary supplements may offer a useful health boost.

“Results from this study suggest that the daily intake of unfermented rooibos herbal tea or a derived commercial rooibos supplement may benefit human health by providing the liver with an enhanced antioxidant capacity to reduce damage induced by toxicants.”

Moreover, rooibos has also been cited as helpful in lowering blood pressure and relaxing tense muscles, suggesting that the active ingredient in this instance might be one of the flavonoids (pigments) that it contains: chrysoeriol.
Unlike green or black tea, rooibos does not contain any caffeine, so it won’t have the same stimulating effects. This makes it safe to drink well into the evening.

4. Hibiscus tea

Those of you who enjoy the refreshing taste of a more sour brew may also be familiar with herbal infusions of hibiscus, a plant whose flowers can be used not just to make invigorating beverages, but also to give a subtle “punch” to salads, or as an elegant garnish for sophisticated dishes.
Share on PinterestHibiscus tea is an antioxidant and may bring cardiovascular benefits.
The most commonly used variety is Hibiscus sabdariffa, also known as the “roselle.”
For the tea — or, more correctly “tisane” (herbal tea) — its calyces are typically used, although other parts of the plant, such as the leaves, seeds, and roots, are safe for consumption.

Studies have suggested that extracts from the hibiscus calyx and hibiscus leaves have antioxidant and antitumoralTrusted Source effects.
Therefore, they may protect against the aging action of free radicals at a cellular level, as well as fight certain types of leukemia cells.
Hibiscus tea has also been tied to cardiovascular benefitsTrusted Source, helping to regulate systolic and diastolic blood pressure — that is, blood pressure during and in-between heart beats, respectively.
Though not so commonly used to brew tea, hibiscus leaves have also been linked repeatedly to a wide array of health benefits. Thus, the polyphenols in hibiscus leaves may help to induce tumor cell death in skin cancer, according to a 2015 studyTrusted Source.
Another studyTrusted Source from the same year also argued that hibiscus leaf extracts could inhibit the action of prostate cancer cells.

5. Lemon verbena tea

Another herbal tea whose medicinal properties are getting increasingly recognized is that made out of lemon verbena, scientifically dubbed Aloysia citrodora.
Share on PinterestInfusions with lemon verbena are said to help with weight management.
It is the citrus-flavored cousin of a better-known plant that has been used in herbal infusions for years: verbena, or vervain (Verbena officinalis).
Infusions made with lemon verbena are great for those who, like me, prefer a subtler citrusy aroma in their hot drinks, rather than the strong, lemony flavor of commonly commercialized citrus tea blends.
The first time that I came upon this plant sold as a tisane herb was in a local organic shop that was selling it as “weight loss tea.”
In fact, studies have shown that the polyphenols in this plant can decreaseTrusted Source the formation of fatty acids, marking its potential use in the treatment of obesity-related health issues.
Researchers have also suggested that lemon verbena extracts may help to lower inflammatory markers’ levelsTrusted Source in the blood of some people with multiple sclerosis.
“Results demonstrate that supplementation with lemon verbena extracts may affect the cytokine [inflammation markers] profile depending on the clinical subtype,” the study authors conclude.
Having a cup of your tea — or tisane — of choice may be a pleasant way to carve out some self-indulgence time and stimulate your bodily and mental well-being in a subtle way.
But always keep in mind that, as the saying goes, “one swallow does not a summer make,” and the most potent health benefits are best reaped by leading a healthful, wholesome lifestyle Benefits

What are the health benefits of black tea?

Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water. All tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, but different ways of harvesting and processing the plant produce different types of tea.
After harvesting, black tea leaves go through a process of wilting, bruising, rolling, and oxidation.

Oxidation occurs when the leaves remain exposed to the air for a long time. Enzymes break down the chemicals in the leaves, producing their brown coloring and familiar smell.
The process for making green tea is similar, but it does not involve oxidation. Oxidation may give black tea nutritional benefits that are not present in green tea.
For example, the nutrients in black tea may reduce the risk of several cancers, protect the heart against atherosclerosis, and help maintain healthy blood pressure.
In this article, learn more about the benefits of drinking black tea, as well as the nutrients it provides and the possible risks.

Benefits
Tea contains antioxidants that may help fight free radicals.

According to the United States Tea Association, black tea accounted for around 84% of tea consumption in the U.S. in 2018

Black tea may have similar benefits to green tea. However, many studies have looked specifically at black tea, and how the oxidation process may impact health.
A key area of interest is black tea as a source of antioxidants.
Antioxidants help combat free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules in the body that result from both natural processes and environmental pressures.
The body can remove free radicals, but if too many build up, they can damage or change cells in the body.
These changes can contribute to the development of many diseases and conditions, such as atherosclerosis and some cancers.
Antioxidants can help remove free radicals, and tea is one source of antioxidants. In fact, one study notes that phenolic compounds, which have antioxidant effects, constitute up to 30%Trusted Source of the dry weight of green and black tea.
The antioxidants in black tea are different from those in green tea, due to the oxidation process. Green tea mainly contains catechins. During oxidation, these convert into thearubigins, theaflavins, and flavonols.
These may give black tea different benefits to green tea.

What are antioxidants, and how can they benefit us?

Protecting against atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis refers to a buildup of plaque in the walls of arteries. This can lead to coronary heart disease, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. Free radicals can contribute to this condition.
A 2004 hamster study suggested that consuming black tea or green tea at human equivalent doses might prevent the development of atherosclerosis. More research is necessary in humans to confirm this.

One review suggests that drinking three or more cups of tea per day might help protect against coronary heart disease.
However, it is important to note that black tea contains caffeineTrusted Source, and drinking more than three cups per day would contribute a significant amount of caffeine to a person’s daily intake.
In 2013, researchers found evidence to suggest that people who drank four cups of black tea or more per day had a lower risk of stroke.
Learn more about atherosclerosis here.

Lowering cancer risk

Findings cited by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) suggest that the polyphenols in tea may decrease the risk of tumor growth.
In particular, black tea may help reduce the risk of skin, breast, lung, and prostate cancers.
More studies are needed, however, to confirm whether or not drinking tea as part of the diet can help reduce the risk.

Reducing blood pressure

The findings of a 2015 study suggested that black tea may reduce diastolic and systolic blood pressure.
Consuming black tea also appeared to cancel out the impact of a high fat meal on blood pressure.
This benefit remained despite the caffeine content of the tea. However, this was a small study with only 19 participants, so larger studies are necessary to confirm these results.
In this article, learn more about foods that help lower blood pressure.

Protecting against diabetes

Some research has suggested that consuming tea might help reduce the risk of diabetes.
In one studyTrusted Source, people with type 2 diabetes consumed different amounts of black tea extract over a period of 4 weeks. The authors concluded that regular consumption of black tea might have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects for people with this condition.

Benefits for other conditions

Researchers have also found that black tea might help improve bone density, reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, and protect against Parkinson’s disease.
However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Alkaloids, amino acids, and carbohydrates are all present in tea.
The NCI note that tea containsTrusted Source:

alkaloids, including caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine

amino acids

carbohydrates

proteins

chlorophyll

fluoride

aluminum

minerals and trace elements

volatile organic compounds, which contribute to its odor and taste

The antioxidant effect of black tea is due to its polyphenol content. Polyphenols are chemical compounds that protect plants from ultraviolet radiation and harmful, disease-causing pathogens.
Flavonoids are one type of polyphenol. They occur in grapes, red wine, and other foods.
The antioxidant effect of polyphenols may help protect the body from changes that lead to disease.
Which foods are good sources of antioxidants? Find out here.

Tips for serving

Consuming black tea can be a healthful way to provide a daily caffeine boost. The tea is low in calories, especially when a person does not add sugar.
Ways of adjusting the flavor without adding sugar or sweeteners include:

blending the tea with spices, such as cinnamon

adding lemon juice

adding mint

People can also use it in cooking. For example, they can use it:
As a stock: Black tea can add a smoky flavor to soups with red meat or mushrooms.
In poaching liquids: Poaching food in black tea infuses the aroma into the food. One idea is to poach mushrooms in lapsang souchong black tea.

For cooking beans and grains: Swapping water for tea when cooking rice or beans adds a smoky nuance to their flavor.
In desserts: Infuse the flavor of tea into warm milk and add to puddings or custards. Or, infuse Earl Grey black tea into a chocolate mousse.
Various types of black tea are available for purchase online.

Risks

There may be some risks to drinking black tea. The following sections discuss these risks in more detail.

Toxic elements

All brewed tea contains minerals that, in excess, can be poisonous.
Lead and aluminum are present in tea. In large doses, these heavy metals can be toxic to humans. Minor traces of arsenic and cadmium can also be present in some teas, but not in harmful quantities.
Black tea also has high levels of manganese. The body needs this mineral, but it can be toxic in excess.
The longer tea brews, the higher the concentration of these toxic elements will be. Brewing tea for a maximum of 3 minutes can reduce the risks.
Depending on where and how people grow the tea, there may also be traces of pesticides in the leaves. This is another reason for people to limit the amount of tea they consume each day.

What is lead poisoning? Find out here.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/306601.php

Effects of caffeine

Black tea contains around 2–4% caffeine.
People who are sensitive to caffeine could experience insomnia, anxiety, irritability, or an upset stomach when consuming tea in large quantities.
Consuming too much caffeine may also lead to:

cardiac arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat

diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome

eye pressure, and possible glaucoma

an increase or decrease in blood sugar

an increase in blood pressure

a loss of calcium through the urine, which could lead to weakened bones and possible osteoporosis

People who drink tea regularly and who experience any of the above symptoms should consider reducing their tea consumption. If symptoms continue, they should see a doctor.

Learn more about caffeine consumption here.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/285194.php

Anemia

Black tea contains tannins. One 2017 reviewTrusted Source found that tannin-rich foods, such as tea, may be a good source of antioxidants, but that they can also reduce the body’s ability to absorb iron.
For this reason, people with a history of iron deficiency should avoid consuming tea when taking iron supplements or eating an iron-rich meal.
They should also leave an hour between eating and drinking black tea.

Learn more about iron deficiency anemia here.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158800.php

Interactions with drugs and supplements

A person can talk to their doctor about how caffeine may interact with their medication.

Black tea and the caffeine it contains may interact with a range of different medications and supplements.

These medications include but are not limited to:
Adenosine: Doctors give this drug before a cardiac stress test.

Antibiotics: Some types of antibiotic affect the way the body breaks down caffeine.

Carbamazepine (Tegretol): Caffeine may reduce this drug’s effectiveness in preventing seizures.

Ephedrine: This, like caffeine, is a stimulant. Taking them together might therefore trigger side effects.
People who use medications should speak to their doctor about their caffeine intake through tea or coffee. It could impact how their drugs work and their risk of adverse effects.

Composition

Iced teas and ready-to-drink teas may be less healthful than plain black tea, as the composition is different. Instant and flavored teas may contain sugar and other ingredients.
Adding sugar, milk, cream, and syrups to tea increases the calorie content and may reduce its health benefits.

Summary

Black tea is a popular drink worldwide, and it may have some health benefits. It is also low in calories.

People who drink a lot of tea — especially with added milk, sweeteners, or syrup — should bear in mind the possible risks, such as the high caffeine and sugar intake.
They may also wish to ask their doctor if a high intake of black tea is likely to interfere with any medications they are taking or affect other aspects of their health.

Nutrition / Diet

Cancer / Oncology

Mental Health

Rheumatology

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Green tea is one of the most commonly consumed beverages across the globe, largely due to its associated health benefits. New research offers yet another reason to drink this popular beverage, after finding that it could help to combat the negative health implications of a Western diet.

A compound in green tea could help to reduce the health implications of a Western diet, say researchers.
Researchers found that a compound in green tea called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) reduced the development of insulin resistance, obesity, and memory impairments in mice fed a high-fat, high-fructose diet.
Study co-author Xuebo Liu, Ph.D., of the College of Food Science and Engineering at Northwest A&F University in China, and colleagues recently reported their findings in The FASEB Journal.

The Western diet is generally defined as a diet rich in red and processed meats, high in saturated fats, refined sugars, and refined carbohydrates, and low in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seafood, and poultry.

Unsurprisingly, following such a diet has been linked to weight gain and obesity, as well as the development of type 2 diabetes. What is more, studiesTrusted Source have indicated that a Western diet may raise the risk of cognitive impairment.
The new study, however, suggests that the green tea compound EGCG could help to protect against the harms of a Western diet.

Testing EGCG in mice

Dr. Liu and team came to their findings by studying three groups of 3-month-old male mice.

For a total of 16 weeks, each group followed a different diet. One group of mice was fed a high-fat, high-fructose diet (HFFD), one group was fed an HFFD alongside 2 grams of EGCG in every liter of drinking water, while the remaining group was fed a standard diet (the controls).

At the end of the 16-week study period, as expected, the mice fed the HFFD had gained more weight than the control group. However, the weight gain was much less severe for mice whose HFFD was supplemented with EGCG.

Additionally, the team found that the mice fed HFFD plus EGCG were less likely to experience insulin resistance in response to an HFFD, as determined by the upregulation of specific brain pathways that control insulin signaling.

The memory of the mice was assessed with the Morris water maze test, a navigation task wherein researchers monitor rodents’ ability to find an escape platform.
Compared with mice fed the HFFD, the researchers found that mice fed an HFFD plus EGCG were repeatedly much faster at finding the escape platform, and they also took a shorter path to locate it.

https://www.research.psu.edu/arp/experimental-guidelines/rodent-behavioral-tests-1/morris-water-maze.html

‘Compelling evidence’

The team then removed the platform from the maze to test the rodents’ memory in a probe trial, which measures how long a rodent spends in the “target quadrant,” or the area of the maze where the platform used to be. A longer time spent in the target quadrant indicates better memory.

The researchers found that mice fed the HFFD plus EGCG spent longer in the target quadrant than the mice fed the HFFD alone.

The HFFD plus EGCG mice also had more platform crossings – that is, a greater number of crossings over the target location – indicating that these rodents had a better idea of where the escape platform was located previously.

While human trials are needed to confirm these findings, the researchers believe that EGCG not only has the ability to reduce the development of insulin resistance and weight gain in response to a Western diet, but it could also protect the brain.

“To our knowledge, this study is the first to provide compelling evidence that the nutritional compound EGCG has the potential to ameliorate HFFD-triggered learning and memory loss.”

Nutritional breakdown of green tea

Types of green tea

Green tea side effects and risks

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Fast facts on green tea

Here are some key points about green tea. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.

green tea has been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine

there are many different types of green tea available

green tea may help prevent a range of ailments including cancer

more research is needed to prove many of the health claims surrounding green tea

Green tea is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S.
Listed below are the possible health benefits associated with green tea. Green tea was used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine to control bleeding and heal wounds, aid digestion, improve heart and mental health, and regulate body temperature.
Recent studies have shown green tea can potentially have positive effects on everything from weight loss to liver disorders, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
It is important to note that more evidence is required before these possible health benefit links are proved definitive:

1) Green tea and cancer prevention

breast

bladder

ovarian

colorectal (bowel)

esophageal (throat)

lung

prostate

skin

stomach

2) Green tea heart benefits

3) Green tea and lower cholesterol

4) Stroke risk and green tea

5) Green tea for type 2 diabetes

6) Green tea and weight loss

7) Green tea and inflammatory skin diseases

8) Working memory and the effects of green tea

9) Green tea and Alzheimer’s

Nutritional breakdown of green tea

Types of green tea

Share on PinterestGreen tea is available bottled and sweetened with sugar or an artificial sweetener, in single tea bags, loose-leaf, and in instant-powder.
Green tea is available in many types, including:

bottled and sweetened with sugar or an artificial sweetener

in single tea bags

as loose-leaf

in instant-powder

green tea supplements, which are sold in capsule form or liquid extracts

Green tea side effects and risks

There are little to no known side effects or contraindications to drinking green tea for adults. However, the following risks or complications should be made clear:

Caffeine sensitivity – those with severe caffeine sensitivities could experience insomnia, anxiety, irritability, nausea, or upset stomach.

Other stimulants – if taken with stimulant drugs, green tea could increase blood pressure and heart rate.

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