1. Substances in Green Tea Might Affect Your Sex Drive
Green Tea's most studied antioxidant, a polyphenol called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has the ability to bind to sex hormone binding globulin, or SHBG, rendering it unavailable to carry sex hormones such as testosterone, progesterone and the estrogen compounds.
The effect this has on your body depends on whether you use the tea short-term or long-term, and how your body responds to having less SHBG. In the short term, since there's less carrier protein available, more of the hormone is free to work on the body. This translates to more active hormone in the bloodstream and more hormonal effects, such as enhanced libido.
Long-term, the body typically responds by making more SHBG. Eventually, the body has a greater carrying capacity for hormones, so there's less sex hormone available to do the work.
2. Green Tea Constituents Have Anti-Cancer Effects
The hormonal effect of EGCG may be partially responsible for the anti-carcinogenic effects of green tea, though other molecules may be at work as well. Whatever the cause, research has shown that those who drink 5 or more cups of green tea per day have a dramatically lower cancer rate for several types of reproductive cancers.
3. Green Tea Antioxidants Rev Up Your Metabolism
EGCG and caffeine both work on the adrenal glands, stimulating them while acting like adrenal hormone. Several studies demonstrate that green tea extract can ramp up your metabolism.
A faster metabolism can translate into enhanced weight loss, improved focus and athletic performance.
In choosing green tea extracts, look for those with a full-spectrum extract containing EGCG.
4. These Strong Antioxidants Should Be Taken With Food
Green Tea's antioxidants, including EGCG, can stimulate cells in a healthy way. But this effect can cause problems for many people when the tea is taken on an empty stomach. If you experience nausea or vomiting after taking green tea extracts, it's best to take it with food. You don't have to eat much to prevent the effects. A handful of nuts or an apple is often enough food to dilute the extract sufficiently.
5. Take a Break
Your body will develop a tolerance for almost any substance you ingest. That's because the body builds specific enzymes to break down anything we regularly eat. This is an evolutionary adaptation that prevents us from poisoning ourselves gradually.
Yet it can also cause herbs and medicines to become less effective over time, forcing you to increase your dose to get the same effect. To avoid this process, it's best to take breaks at regular intervals. Depending upon the product and the person, you might find that a week or two away from green tea will allow you to get the same benefits as when you first started taking it.
Member Comments