Green tea is made by steaming the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. A increasingly popular beverage in the U.S., green tea is also used as an alternative remedy for variety of ailments such as cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases, and as a weight-loss aid. It contains a number of active compounds, including epigallocatechin-3-gallate, which is likely responsible for the majority of this herb's therapeutic effects. Talk to your doctor before including green tea in your treatment plan and and do not use in place of medicines prescribed by your doctor.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Relief
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that green tea may be a useful herbal remedy for patients with two forms of inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Clinical studies evaluating the role of this herb in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease is limited. The results of a study published in the December 2005 "Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics," however, show that the green tea compound, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, inhibits the production of inflammatory chemicals in colon epithelial cells.
Weight Loss
Green tea may also aid weight loss when used in combination with a calorie-controlled diet and exercise. UMMC notes that it may help to boost metabolism and burn body fat. An analysis of data from clinical studies, published in the September 2009 issue of the "International Journal of Obesity," found that green tea compounds had a small positive effect on weight loss. The results of the study published in the January 2009 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition," also found that green tea compounds enhance the effects of exercise in reducing abdominal fat.
Cancer Prevention
Green tea may help to prevent and inhibit the progression of various forms of cancer. The A.P. John Institute of Cancer Research states that green tea works by helping to shut off the supply of energy to cancer cells, thereby causing cancer cells to starve to death. An article published in the January 2011 issue of "Current Cancer Drug Targets," notes that data also suggests that green tea consumption may reduce the risk of developing late-stage cancer.
Safety Considerations
MedlinePlus states that green tea is likely safe for most people, but because it contains caffeine, drinking more than five cups per day may cause a variety of side effects including nervousness, nausea, vomiting, tremor and headaches. Decaffeinated versions are available. Green tea is not a suitable herbal remedy for everyone. It is contraindicated in a number of conditions including diabetes, glaucoma, osteoporosis and anemia. It may also interact with other drugs you may be taking including the birth control pill and anticoagulants.
References
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Green Tea
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Green Tea
- "Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics;" Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Impairs Chemokine Production in Human Colon Epithelial Cell Lines; D.Porath et al.; December 2005
- "International Journal of Obesity;" The Effects of Green Tea on Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance: A Meta-Analysis; R. Hursel et al.; September 2009
- "Journal of Nutrition;" Green Tea Catechin Consumption Enhances Exercise-Induced Abdominal Fat Loss in Overweight and Obese Adults; K.C. Maki et al.; January 2009
- A.P.John Institute for Cancer Research: Breast Cancer
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