Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)

Green tea, unlike black and oolong tea, is not fermented; therefore, the active ingredients remain unaltered in the herb.

ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:

Green tea also contains numerous cancerfighting polyphenol compounds, including the antioxidant fiavonoid catechin, and studies indicate that green tea may help protect against cancers of the lungs, skin, liver, pancreas, and stomach. A Japanese study published in 2001, revealed that Green tea induced the death of lymphoma cells by apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Other research supports the theory that compounds in green tea protect against cancer by triggering a series of reactions that causes cancer cells to self-destruct. Green tea is also thought to boost cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the tendency of blood platelets to stick together. It may work as a weight-loss agent by increasing fat metabolism and regulating blood sugar and insulin levels. The evidence for green tea’s potent antioxidant effects continues to accumulate. In a recent study, researchers found that green tea compounds not only directly scavenge free radicals but also enhance the effectiveness of the body’s natural antioxidant systems. Research conducted at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) revealed that two chemicals found in green tea called gallotannin and nobotanin B may help to prevent the brain damage that occurs after strokes and other brain injuries. Results of  their study showed that the two chemicals prevent brain cell death by inhibiting the action of the enzyme PARG (Poly-ADP- Ribose Glycohydrolase), which is thought to play a key role in the destruction of brain cells that occurs after a stroke. More recent research suggests that antioxidants present in green tea may slow down the muscle wasting seen that occurs in muscular dystrophy. The study of mice with a Duchenne muscular dystrophy-like disease revealed that daily doses of green tea extract appeared to slow down deterioration of some muscle tissue, possibly by combating oxidative stress in the muscle. Green tea polyphenols are also known to stimulate the production of several immune system cells, as well as possessing antibacterial properties.

You can buy encapsulated extracts standardized for chemicals called polyphenols. An average dose is 200mg of an extract standardized for 25% polyphenols. You can also buy the dried herb and make tea; which is available in various grades, from twiggy, inexpensive kikich to choice sencha. For maximum benefit, drink up to four or five cups of green tea per day.

The most worrisome chemical in green tea is caffeine, which occurs in small amounts (an average of 20 to 30mg per cup, if brewed for two to three minutes). This is much less caffeine than in coffee, however; an 8-ounce cup of coffee typically contains more than 100mg of caffeine. Unless caffeine has been added, the caffeine content in green tea capsules should be approximately 5 to 15mg. Breastfeeding women are advised to avoid drinking green tea and take supplements instead, as caffeine may have unwanted effects on babies sleep patterns!