| In addition, other research seems
to indicate that green tea has the ability to lower both
total cholesterol levels and the ratio of good cholesterol
(HDL) to bad cholesterol (LDL).
Some of the many conditions for which green tea is
thought to be effective include cancer, high cholesterol
levels, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular
problems, infections and lowered immune system function.
The power of green tea
The secret to the power of green tea is thought to
lie in the fact that it is so high in polyphenols. The
most significant of these ingredients is thought to
be epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is known as
a powerful antioxidant, and it has been shown to both
inhibit the growth of cancer cells and kill cancer cells
without injuring healthy body tissue. EGCG has been
shown to be effective at lowering the level of bad (LDL)
cholesterol, and in helping to prevent blood clots from
forming. This may be why green tea has shown such promise
in preventing heart disease and stroke.
In addition, scientists have been studying the role
green tea may play in what has become known as the French
paradox. Many people find it amazing that the French,
who eat diets rich in fatty foods, have a much lower
level of heart disease than do Americans. The answer
to the French paradox is thought to lie in the healthful
benefits of red wine. Red wine contains resveratrol,
which is a polyphenol thought to mitigate the effects
of the fatty French diet. Studies have shown that EGCG,
a main ingredient of green tea, is twice as powerful
as the ingredients found in red wine.
What makes green tea so special?
While green tea, oolong tea and black tea are all made
from the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant, green
tea is different in the way it is processed. The leaves
of green tea are steamed, which helps to prevent the
oxidation of the important EGCG compound. Black tea
and oolong tea, on the other hand, are made from leaves
that are fermented, and this means that the EGCG they
contain is converted to other, less effective, disease
fighting chemicals.
In addition to its many traditional health benefits,
there is even evidence that green tea can be helpful
when trying to lose weight. One study found that those
who consumed a combination of green tea extract and
caffeine burned a higher number of calories than those
only taking caffeine.
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