Let's go green this St. Patrick's Day! Green tea, that is.
The reported benefits of green tea are plentiful and varied. Let's look at little closer at this Super Food.
There is no shortage of sound, scientific information demonstrating the benefits of green tea.
Green tea has been shown to improve blood flow and lower cholesterol A 2013 review of several published studies found green tea may be beneficial in a range of heart-related issues, from high blood pressure to congestive heart failure. Other reported benefits include improved blood flow, stable blood sugar, and weight loss support. There is even some evidence to suggest green tea may have a place in the battle against cancer.
What is green tea?
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 un-oxidized leaves and is one of the less processed types of tea (with white tea the least) and therefore contains one of the most antioxidants and beneficial polyphenols
How does it work?
Researchers in a 2013 study by the University of Maryland Medical Center think the health properties of green tea are
mostly due to polyphenols, EGCG and other chemicals with potent antioxidant
potential. In fact, the antioxidant effects of polyphenols seem to be greater
than vitamin C. The polyphenols in green
tea also give it a somewhat bitter flavor.
Green tea also contains alkaloids including caffeine,
theobromine, and theophylline. They provide green tea's stimulant effects.
L-theanine, an amino acid compound found in green tea, has been studied for its
calming effects on the nervous system.
Precautions
To be safe, check with your health care provider before
drinking or taking green tea if you also take other medications. It's important to remember that herbs contain active substances that
can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or
medications. For these reasons, people should take herbs with care, under the
supervision of a practitioner knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine.
If you take blood thinners, have heart problems or high
blood pressure, kidney problems, liver problems, stomach ulcers, and
psychological disorders, particularly anxiety, you should not take green tea.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid green tea.
People with anemia, diabetes, glaucoma, or osteoporosis
should ask their health care provider before drinking green tea or taking an
extract.
People who drink large amounts of caffeine, including
caffeine from green tea, for long periods of time may experience irritability,
insomnia, heart palpitations, and dizziness. Caffeine overdose can cause
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and loss of appetite. If you are
drinking a lot of tea and start to vomit or have abdominal spasms, you may have
caffeine poisoning. If your symptoms are severe, lower your caffeine intake and
see your health care provider.
Green tea has not been studied in children, so it is not
recommended for pediatric use.
How much should I take?
Recommended doses for adults , depending on the brand, 2 to 3 cups of green tea per day
(for a total of 240 to 320 mg polyphenols) or 100 to 750 mg per day of
standardized green tea extract.
Caffeine-free products are
available and recommended.
Two of our favorite green tea products are Yogi Green teas- available in green tea-only, or a variety of flavors, and green tea capsules by Jarrow.
Our readers can purchase this and other pharmaceutical grade supplements directly from our supplement supplier Emerson Ecologics at 20% off retail prices !
Click the Emerson Ecologics link on the right side of this page, or go to the "Vitamins and Supplements" tab of our site and click on the Emerson Ecologics banner. When you get there, set up your Patient account.
If you have any questions about setting up your account, please call us at 813-341-1050 and we will be happy to assist you.
Click the Emerson Ecologics link on the right side of this page, or go to the "Vitamins and Supplements" tab of our site and click on the Emerson Ecologics banner. When you get there, set up your Patient account.
You will need this access code to set up your account and receive your 20% discount:
patient access code: comp4u
patient access code: comp4u
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information
is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and is
not a substitute for recommendations by your primary care practitioner.