Latin name: Camellia sinensis (Theaceae [tea] family)
General Description :
Green tea contains high levels of substances called polyphenols, which are known to have strong antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antitumorigenic, and antibiotic properties.
Properties :
The tannins interact with proteins and are astringent and also have antioxidant activity. One of the polyphenols in green tea - epigaltocatechin galate (EGCC) is thought to be 200 times more powerful than vitamin E for neutralizing free radicals. It contains caffeine as well as triterpene saponins, carotenoids and non-protein amino acids (theanine, 2-amino-6-ethylamidoadipinic acid).
Therapeutic Uses :
Internal use :
- The theophylline found in green tea relaxes the smooth muscles supporting the bronchial tubes and this can therefore reduce the severity of an asthma attack.
- The polyphenols have shown cancer protecting properties, which is thought to be attributed to blocking cancer causing compounds. The catechin, on the other hand, provides some form of protection when cancer radiation treatment is used.
- It furthermore has a protective effect on the liver and is also useful for people suffering from diabetes.
- When drinking green tea, it helps to prevent the formation of plaque on the teeth, which in turn helps to control periodontal disease.
- In some studies green tea has shown good results in fighting the flu virus. The antioxidant effect it has helps to keep wrinkles at bay by neutralizing free radicals.
External use : Green tea is often included in anti-aging skincare products for the antioxidant properties contained in the herb.
- It has three major benefits – that being a powerful antioxidant and thereby reducing free radical damage in the skin, a potent anti-inflammatory agent thereby reducing inflammation in the skin, and most importantly having a inhibitory action on collagenase – an enzymatic action in the skin where the collagen is broken down, resulting in more firm and elastic skin.
- The flavonoids and catechols in green tea provide it with vitamin P properties and the tannins in its chemical composition give it astringent properties, whereas the polyphenolic compounds also act as an astringent, but also protecting the skin, and later bring about vasoconstriction, reducing inflammation in the affected area and finally cell regeneration is caused as well as a wound healing activity.
- In hair care it can be used with great success to improve the gloss and shine of the hair as well as the tensile strength.
Evidence of Benefit :
Green tea is both a stimulant and an antioxidant with a diversity of healing applications. The polyphenols in green tea are potent antioxidants. Researchers have found that one of the polyphenols, designated epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is over 200 times more powerful than the renowned antioxidant vitamin E in neutralizing free radicals. Also, green tea increases energy, which may make it useful as part of a weight-loss program.
Green Tea's anti-oxidants :
There have been several studies that suggest that green tea helps protect against a range of cancers, including lung, prostate and breast cancer. This has been attributed to flavonoid phytochemicals called polyphenols. The polyphenols in tea mainly belong to the type called catechins. The major catechins in green tea leaves are epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC) and epicatechin (EC). Of the catechins, EGCG is the most abundant one in green tea leaves. EGCG is brain permeable.
|
044 42874620
