Green tea research shows great promise on the fight of obesity and prevention of numerous cancers in adults including breast, colon, skin and blood. In addition to promoting healthy body weight and composition, green tea may also help other conditions such as autoimmune disorders, diminish cardiovascular disease risk, protect against complications of diabetes and cataracts.
The FDA has finally recognized the health-promoting properties of green tea and has approved the first prescription drug derived from green tea to treat genital warts.
A catechin EGCG in green tea may work to promote healthy weight management by:
1. Reducing fat cell proliferation
2. Decreasing body and fat mass
3. Inhibiting fat absorption
4. Lowering blood levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, and insulin.
Polyphenols make up for 30 to 40% of green tea, as opposed to roughly 3-10% of black tea. Polyphenols in tea are classified as catechins, EGCG being the most active.
Green tea has demonstrated health-promoting benefits in dosages ranging from 2 to 10 cups of tea daily. Green tea supplements are typically standardized for their content of polyphenols, primarily EGCG. Optimal dosee are approximately 1400-2800 mg a day of a green tea extract with a minimun 95% polyphenols content, taken with meals.
Source: Life Extension www.lef.org