Rhonda Campbell is a radio host and the author of five books. She has more than thirty-four years of book, newspaper, magazine, radio and business writing experience. Her works have appeared in leading periodicals like "Essence," "Your Church Magazine," "The Trenton Times," "Pittsburgh Quarterly" and "New Citizens Press." Campbell studied psychology at the University of Tennessee.
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Healthy FoodOverview
People seeking to relax, lose weight or build their bodies use green tea extract. According to the Mayo Clinic, green tea dates back about 5,000 years. The tea has been used in the East during ceremonies and to aid people in their efforts to remain alert while meditating for extended periods of time. Polyphenols are active ingredients in green tea. The tea is made from Carmellia sinensis leaves. The tea has grown in popularity in the United States over the last several years for notable reasons.
Cancer
In September 2005, MSNBC reported that during an International Research Conference on Food, Nutrition and Cancer, scientific evidence was presented that showed that phytochemicals found in green tea might thwart normal cells from becoming cancerous. At the conference, which was sponsored by the American Institute for Cancer Research, it was also noted that although black and oolong teas contain phytochemicals, green tea was found to have increased levels of phytochemical epigallocatchin gallate (EGCG). Because of the way the teas are processed, green tea maintains higher levels of the chemical than do other teas. EGCG might help fight against the start of cancer and, for people who already have the disease, EGCG might deter the growth of cancer cells. According to the Mayo Clinic, the benefits of green tea as related to fighting or preventing cancer remains inconclusive. The clinic notes that one clinical trial showed minimal benefit in relation to the treatment of hormone refractory prostate cancer with the use of green tea extract.
Menopause
The Mayo Clinic notes that a study involving healthy postmenopausal women demonstrated that menopausal medicines that include green tea effectively relieved menopausal symptoms. Particular areas of relief were showed for hot flashes and sleep.
Help with Arthritis
The Mayo Clinic notes that green tea might help to slow down cartilage breakdown related to arthritis. A February 2003 article in BBC news reports that Sheffield researchers found that EGCG and epicatechin gallate (ECG) found in green tea might help block the enzyme that attacks and destroys cartilage. It was noted that the tea works best when consumed over several years rather than after severe arthritis has developed.
Heart Disease
The MSNBC article also noted that because it is a strong antioxidant, EGCG may prevent heart disease by helping to normalize reactive molecules or free radicals that damage blood vessels and help to cause heart disease. Furthermore, the Mayo Clinic notes that customary consumption of green tea may help to lower the risk of heart attack or clogged arteries. The clinic noted that additional clinical trials would be needed before results could be determined as conclusive.
Considerations
As with all medical drugs and supplements, please be sure to speak with your personal physician before using green tea as a medicine to cure ongoing physical ailments.
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