There are few simpler pleasures in life than a cup of steaming tea on a cold day or refreshing iced tea on a hot, summer day. Just inhaling the grassy aromas of green tea can offer relaxation and comfort. Historically, green tea has been used to treat a variety of health conditions in both Chinese and ayurvedic medicine. It's use in detoxification is due to green tea's high polyphenols content. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that neutralize destructive compounds in the body known as free radicals. Free radicals damage cells and DNA, contributing to the aging process and the risk of many diseases.
Types of Teas
Green teas are different from black or oolong teas because they are made from unfermented leaves, a process that appears to preserve polyphenols. The leaves come from the Camillia sinensis plant, which is grown mainly throughout Asia and parts of the Middle East and Africa. Green tea is available in leaf form for brewing and as a food supplement in extract form. The polyphenols in the tea are called catechins. The most-studied catechin is called epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, and is believed to provide the primary health benefits of green teas.
Detoxification
A detoxification is designed to eliminate toxic buildup in your body that usually is attributed to poor dietary habits or chemical exposure. Many detox diets include fasting or increasing fiber intake to promote elimination of intestinal buildup. According to a Harvard publication, as long as you eat healthfully, are active and get plenty of rest, your body naturally will detoxify itself, but if your intent is to detoxify free radicals and slow aging-related conditions, green tea might be an appropriate addition to your diet.
Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea appears to confer numerous health benefits on its drinkers, including protection against cognitive decline. In a 2011 Newcastle University study, green tea appeared to prevent or reduce key triggers of Alzheimer's disease by binding toxic compounds that damage brain cells. In addition, researchers noted that the tea significantly reduced the growth of tumor cells, thereby providing anti-cancer benefits. Furthermore, a 2007 study published in the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" showed that EGCG provided protection against UV damage and lowered risk of developing skin cancer.
Further Support for Green Tea's Benefits
Green tea appears to offer numerous benefits as a preventative therapy against toxic compounds that promote aging. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, green tea also might help regulate glucose in the body, which makes it useful in diabetes prevention. Studies have revealed that for those who drink three cups per day, green tea helps reduce risk of heart disease and lowers cholesterol levels by blocking absorption into the bloodstream. Furthermore, green tea catechins appear to promote fat-burning, garnering research interest in its use in preventing obesity and facilitating weight loss. Green tea appears to be a safe herbal supplement; however, it might interact with certain medications and medical conditions. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking any medications or are being treated for any conditions before drinking or increasing your green tea consumption.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Green Tea; Zieve, David, et al.; 2010
- Harvard Health Publications; Detox Diets, Procedures Generally Don't Promote Health; Staff; May 2008
- Newcastle University; Protective Properties of Green Tea Uncovered; Okello, E. J. et al.; 2011
- National Center for Biotechnology Information; "Tea Consumption and Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer: Results of a Case Control Study"; Reese, Judy R., et al.; 2007
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