Green Tea Supplement Article

Green Tea Extract

The Chinese have long used Green Tea to treat various maladies such as head aches, indigestion, muscle aches and in general, improve life expectancy and ones overall well being. More recently, we have begun to study the actual benefits of Green Tea. All of this studying has given a heightened awarenes of the benefits such that many are looking for different ways to get green tea into their lives from simply drinking a cup of Green Tea, to ingesting capsules of Green Tea Extract. Some of these capsules are even marketed as "Fat Burners".

Green Tea Extract is derived from leaves of camellia sinensis, the plant from which green, black and oolong teas are made. Green tea extract is associated with several health benefits, many supported by preliminary scientific research. These benefits include potential cancer-fighting properties, and a strong antioxidant effect that protects the body from the damaging effect of Free Radicals.

Green tea is bioflavonoid rich and one of its main uses is fighting free radicals in the body. Green Tea Extract contains high levels of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols (a bioflavonoid). Green Teas are also high in EGCG (an antioxidant), which is more than 200 times more potent than Vitamin E in fighting free radicals and pro-oxidants.

The EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) in Green Tea Extract protects against digestive and respiratory infections. It can help protect from or inhibit the growth of many Cancers including, but not limited to; Breast Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Lung Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, and Prostate Cancer, just to name a few. UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, an award-winning cancer research center, reported in their 2005 Cancer Discoveries newsletter that several published, peer-reviewed studies indicated that green tea extract "induces death in cancer cells" without affecting healthy cells, and prevents cancer cells from producing the "independent blood supply" required to spread to other parts of the body. This indicates that green tea extract might help to keep cancer contained, making it easier to treat.

Green Tea Extract might also be beneficial in improving cardiovascular circulation by reducing LDL or "bad cholesterol" and raising HDL "good cholesterol", suppressing appetite and improving the oxidation of fat. It is under this premise that Green Tea Capsules are sometimes marketed as Fat Burners. One population-based study found that men who drink green tea are more likely to have lower total cholesterol than those who do not drink green tea. Results from one animal study suggest that polyphenols in green tea may block the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and promote its excretion from the body.

Green Tea Extract is also a common ingredient in many Fat Burners as it helps with thermogenisis and the metabolism of fat. It is widely available in Capsule form. It works without increasing the heart rate which most often associated with most fat burners. With Green Tea dieters can get the benefit of increased metabolism and weight loss without the jitters and negative side effects of many other diet supplements. Green Tea Extract itself is used as a weight loss supplement among its many other beneficial uses.

When purchasing Green Tea Extract, look for a product that is standardized to a minimum of 90% polyphenols and 50% EGCG. Using this standard, a 500-milligram (mg) capsule will contain a minimum of 200mg EGCG. The suggested daily dose according to some sources is approximately two cups of green tea per day, or the equivalent of 200-400mg EGCG per day. Note that green tea contains natural caffeine. Processes that remove the caffeine may also diminish the potency of active ingredients.

The quality of green tea extract will vary between brands, so read labels carefully and do not exceed the recommended dosage. Green tea extract should not be used in lieu of professional care, and is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women. See your doctor regularly and follow a healthy routine of diet and exercise for optimum health.

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