Studies involving green tea reveal it is effective for alleviating certain maladies and is possibly beneficial for others. Although the medical community believes more tests are necessary to adequately assess its clinical indications, preliminary reports have been promising. Check with your doctor before taking this herb, as it is not recommended with some medications and is contraindicated in certain disease states.
General Information
Green tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant and differs from black tea in its processing. it comes from the unfermented leaves of the plant, and is a source of large amounts of strong antioxidants known as polyphenols. Antioxidants are valued for their ability to nullify the effects of harmful body chemicals called free radicals. The recommended daily dose is 2 to 3 cups of the beverage or 100 to 750mg of the standardized extract.
Benefits
Studies of this herb in both animals and humans indicate it may be useful in an extensive array of health maladies. In a study published in the Jan. 15, 2006, issue of "Cancer Research," researchers found green tea extract was helpful for treating prostate cancer without significant side effects. In addition, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports that green tea may be beneficial for atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, liver disease, weight loss and cancer. Further studies are required to definitively rate this herb's effectiveness in some of these conditions.
Beverage vs. Extract
Some believe drinking green tea is preferable to taking green tea extract. Consuming tea is a method of increasing your fluid intake, which in itself is beneficial. Furthermore, pausing during a busy day to enjoy a cup of tea is a pleasant, comforting experience. If you don't find this convenient or feasible, you may receive benefit from green tea extract. Read the label of the package and make sure the extract is standardized. Decaffeinated green tea extract is recommended for those adversely affected by caffeine.
Warnings
MedicinePlus makes a distinction between the safety of drinking the tea and taking the extract. It contends that the beverage is probably safe for most people, but that the extract is possibly safe for most people to take for a limited period of time only. Green tea extract can produce liver malfunction in rare instances. Side effects of the caffeine include, but are not limited to, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heart rhythm and convulsions.
Those with certain medical conditions such as kidney disease, heart maladies and ulcers should not take green tea. Additionally, it has the potential to interact with different classes of drugs, so consult your physician before taking adding this to your daily regimen.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Green Tea
- MedicinePlus: Green Tea
- Women's Health: All About Green Tea Benefits
- "Cancer Research"; Chemoprevention of Human Prostate Cancer by Oral Administration of Green Tea Catechins in Volunteers with High-Grade Prostate Intraepithelial Neoplasia: A Preliminary Report from a One-Year Proof-of-Principle Study; Saverio Bettuzzi, et al.; Jan. 15, 2006
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