Benefits of Green Tea Regarding the Immune System

Benefits of Green Tea Regarding the Immune System
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The Chinese have used green tea for its medicinal properties for at least the past 4,000 years. The immune system is the first line of defense in the body's fight against infection and disease. Antioxidants boost the strength of the body's immune system helping it fight against free radicals in the body, which lead to disease. Matcha is a concentrated form of green tea that delivers the full power of the tea plant to the drinker. Matcha is green tea ground into a powder that dissolves in water.

High in Antioxidants

Filled with antioxidants, green tea gives a boost to anyone's immune system. The antioxidants in green tea come in a number of forms including polyphenols, catechins and flavenoids. Each of these compounds delivered by the tea is a highly active antioxidant. Each one aids the body's defense, the immune system, in its battle against free radicals that come from the pollution in your air, water and foods. Free radicals also occur from the operation of various reactions that are part of your body's metabolism.

Detoxification

One of the tasks of the immune system of the body is to undertake detoxification. Matcha green tea adds chlorophyll and fiber to your diet. These two things help the body's digestion operate more efficiently to flush the waste products from the intestines and colon. This helps to rid the body of toxic wastes and other toxins that have come from your environment. As the body detoxifies, the immune system is better able to perform its role in dealing with invaders in the form of foreign bacteria and viruses.

Cancer-Fighting Properties

Catechin EGCG is one of the antioxidants contained in green tea. According to a study performed at Purdue University, EGCG promotes cell death in breast cancer cells at the same rate as normal healthy breast cells. This effect dramatically changes the behavior of typical cancer cells, which continue to grow and multiply in an abnormal way from normal breast cells. The EGCG appears to inhibit the growth of blood vessels to the cancer cells, thus denying them nutrients.

References

Article reviewed by V. Mac Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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