(also referred to as...)
Epigalloctechin-3 Gallate, EGCG
Latin Name: Camellia sinensis
Description
Green tea is a beverage of the orient and has been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years in China and Japan. Both green and black tea are derived from Camellia sinensis.
Not only used for medicinal purposes, herbal tea is often an everyday beverage chosen by many around the world. Many drink it as their morning cup while reading the newspaper, some during the afternoon while checking how their stocks are doing or over a game of Cheeky Bingo, or some prefer to have a cup before bedtime. Anytime is a healthy time to enjoy a hot or cold cup of herbal tea.
Green tea contains natural nutrients and chemicals such as the flavonoid catechin, polyphenols, tannins, alkaloids, and vitamins and minerals that have antioxidant and health-enhancing properties.
Polyphenols are a class of antioxidant flavonoids that help eliminate free radicals in the body. It is believed that one particular group of polyphenols, called catechins, are responsible for the anti-carcinogenic (anti-cancer) effects of green tea.
Green tea extract has antibacterial and anti-allergenic properties that promote smooth, healthy skin.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
Due to its composition and specific antioxidant properties, green tea helps protect against various types of cancer, including cancer of the esophagus, colon, stomach and skin. In addition to its antioxidant properties, green tea helps lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels, helps prevent heart disease, and supports the immune system. It helps reduce blood clotting, inhibits bacteria that cause food poisoning, and also protects against digestive and respiratory infections.
Green tea may help as a weight loss aid as it burns fat by heating up the body -- a process called thermogenesis. It can help regulate blood sugar and insulin levels and combat mental fatigue. Green tea is also useful for arteriosclerosis.
When applied externally as a cream or gel, green tea can promote smooth, healthy skin.
Source
Leaves
Optimal Absorption
Place 2 teaspoons of green tea leaves in one cup hot (not boiling) water and steep for 3 to 4 minutes. The longer the infusion, the more bitter green tea becomes. Boiling water destroys some of the beneficial elements of green tea. Allow the water to stop boiling before adding the leaves. Use a ceramic, glass, or earthenware mug. Drink 1 to 2 cups daily.
If supplementing, take 250mg green tea extract daily. If choosing standardized extracts, look for preparations that contain 97% polyphenols.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
Green tea contains caffeine at 1/3 the quantity of coffee. Decaffeinated versions are available, but may be medicinally less potent as the leaves are harvested at a very early stage of growth.
Ailment / Situation Listing
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consult with their naturopath or other health practitioner before undertaking additional regime for their ailment.
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