Originally published July 12 2005
Green tea offers many health benefits
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Antioxidant-rich green tea may prevent certain cancers, help lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease, and even aid in weight loss.
The latest hype about the ancient drink is creating quite a stir.
Dietician Heidi Kaufman with New Hanover Regional Medical Center says it's one of the healthiest, natural foods available.
For starters, ongoing research suggests sipping green tea regularly might help prevent various types of cancer, guard against heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing blood pressure, and promote longevity.
Green tea contains a potent source of antioxidants, the same beneficial compounds found in fruits and vegetables.
"They're similar in a way to vitamin E and vitamin C, but they seem to be a little more powerful in terms of their protective effect for heart disease and stroke," says Kaufman.
Initial studies also suggest green tea promotes weight loss by boosting your metabolism.
You'll still get the antioxidants effect, but you won't get as much of that boosting of the metabolism if you go with the decaf green tea," says Kaufman.
They say if you drink only one cup a day, you're better off taking a green tea supplement found at most grocery stores and pharmacies.
Also, depending on the brand, some green tea supplements provide a more potent antioxidant effect than the brewed version.
Green tea leaf is 8% to 12% polyphenols (the key antioxidants) while the capsules can contain anywhere from 50% to 90% polyphenols, depending on the brand.
To get an adequate amount of polyphenols, some studies have found you need three to four cups of green tea a day or 100 mg of the extract in a capsule form.
Studies show it doesn't matter how you drink green tea, hot or cold, the benefits are still the same.
Most of the side effects of green tea are a result of its caffeine content.
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