Green Tea’s EGCG Boosts Immunity, Fights Inflammation

by John Phillip

The Chinese have known the healing power of green tea for generations. Many believe that the unprocessed tea leaves can help to prevent or even cure many chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer and dementia.

Volumes of scientific evidence now provide compelling proof that the active polyphenol found in green tea (EGCG) has the power to increase the number of regulatory immune support T-cells. T-cells play a crucial role in the suppression of autoimmune diseases including the terminal condition ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Research published in the journal Immunology Letters demonstrates that regular consumption of green tea can help your innate immune system to operate at peak efficiency to fight invading pathogens.

Green Tea Polyphenols Fight Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune diseases occur as the result of an imbalance in the immune system that results in the body mounting an attack against itself. Immune T-cells are critical in providing a defensive shield that can protect against cancer proliferation and a host of diseases where the body recognizes healthy cells and organs as foreign. T-cells also help to control systemic inflammation and can dampen the inappropriate response to normal cells seen in autoimmune conditions.

Scientists conducting this study found that EGCG found in green tea was responsible for a significantly higher number and frequency of regulatory T-cells found in the spleen and lymph nodes, helping to control the immune response. They found that EGCG did not directly affect the genetic DNA, but did influence gene expression that determines how the genetic material is switched on or off as a response to food consumption. Epigenetic regulation is a rapidly emerging science that explains the extensive health benefits seen with a natural diet.

EGCG From Green Tea Extinguishes Inflammatory Flames, Prevents Cancer Development

Emily Ho, associate professor and research author from the Oregon State University Department of Nutrition commented with reference to EGCG, “This appears to be a natural, plant-derived compound that can affect the number of regulatory T-cells, and in the process improve immune function.” Researchers found a dual role for green tea polyphenols include boosting T-cell production and fighting cellular inflammation. Both mechanisms are critical in fighting conditions exacerbated by chronic inflammation such as cancer and heart disease as well as autoimmune disorders.

Studies that involve regular consumption of naturally occurring foods and extracts are rapidly mounting to explain the importance of the foods we eat on our genetic health. Genes are expressed immediately following each meal and directly influence the progression of disease and the prevention of most chronic conditions.

Researchers conducting this study concluded, “Epigenetic regulation can be potentially exploited in generating suppressive regulatory T cells for therapeutic purposes, and is of significant clinical importance for the suppression of autoimmune diseases.” Although this study did not publish the dietary equivalent of green tea used to achieve their results, similar studies have recommended consuming 2 to 4 cups of green tea daily or 500 mg of a standardized EGCG extract for optimal health benefits.

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Green tea may delay onset of type-1 diabetes

ISLAMABAD: A powerful antioxidant in green tea may prevent or delay the onset of type-1 diabetes, according to a study.

Researchers were testing EGCG, green tea’s predominant anti-oxidant, on a lab mouse with type-1 diabetes and primary Sjogren’s syndrome, which damages moisture-producing glands, causing dry mouth and eyes.
"Our study focused on Sjogren’s syndrome, so learning that EGCG also can prevent and delay insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes was a big surprise," said Stephen Hsu, molecular cell biologist at the School of Dentistry, Medical College of Georgia (MCG). The study was published Friday in Life Sciences.

In the mouse, EGCG reduced the severity and delayed onset of salivary gland damage associated with Sjogren’s syndrome, which has no known cure.

"EGCG modulates several important genes, so it suppresses the abnormality at the molecular level in the salivary gland. It also significantly lowered the serum auto-antibodies, reducing the severity of Sjogren’s syndrome-like symptoms," Hsu said. Auto-antibodies are antibodies the body makes against itself.

Both type-1 diabetes and Sjogren’s syndrome are autoimmune diseases, which cause the body to attack itself. Autoimmune disorders are the third most common group of diseases in US and affect about eight percent of the population, an MCG press release, quoting Hsu, said.

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The Healing Benefits of Antioxidants

You hear the term antioxidants all the time. You know you need them. But, what exactly are antioxidants? What are antioxidants? Simply put, antioxidants help prevent damages to your cells. They neutralize free radicals. Think of free radicals as toxic pushers, they go around to other cells telling them what to do. They form with the other cells and start to gang up on healthy cells. By doing this they cause pre-mature aging and even diseases like cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants are the superhero that makes sure these toxic pushers don't get a hold of your healthy cells. What are Some Popular Antioxidants?

Your body actually has the ability to produce its own antioxidants, however, without the help of zinc, magnesium and a variety of other minerals, your body cannot do its job. That's why there is an abundance of fruits and vegetables along with other foods that have a high level of antioxidants. Even though antioxidants can be found in tomatoes, vegetables and super fruits like the acai and goji berries, they are also found in cocoa and wine. Some of the most common antioxidants known to man include:

• EGCG (Epigallocatechin) - Usually found in Tea, EGCG has been known to prevent cancer, aid digestion and prevent heart problems.

• Flavanoids- Best known for their anti-viral, anti-cancer properties, these flavanoids are usually present in red wine, citrus fruits and green vegetables.

• Resveratol- This antioxidant is usually found on the skin of grapes, and is known as the secret to staying young. Not only does it stop those toxic pushers in their tracks, it also has the ability to burn fat and promotes great heart health.

What are the Health Benefits of Antioxidants?

When it comes to speaking about the health benefits of antioxidants, the list can go on. It's no secret that antioxidants play a vital role in preventing diseases and help maintain a healthy lifestyle. Researchers and physicians alike are fascinated with the wonderful powers of antioxidants. Some of the most notable health benefits of antioxidants include:

• Improves Heart Health
• Prevents Wrinkles
• Prevents Cancer
• Strengthens Your Immune System
• Helps aid digestion
• Removes toxins
• Promotes Energy
• Promotes Longevity

As you can see, consuming antioxidants is the way to optimum health. However, there have been new advances in the way individuals consume food. There are some companies that are taking our antioxidant activity to the next level. A premiere health and wellness company has actually taking super fruits and foods and infused them with the main source of energy also known as zero point energy. By doing so, this helps people absorb nutrients that go way beyond the ORAC. (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) is the measurement of how much antioxidant activity a particular food has in it. The Zero Point energy resonates with the body's own unique healing power to promote health, vitality and long life. If you want to stay healthy, young, and disease and pain free, it's time to start making an antioxidant rich diet part of your daily life.

By applying the laws of Quantum Physics, you have the ability to tap into your body's own unique defense system and start the self-healing process. Discover how you can live a healthy and pain free life by experiencing Amized Fusion Technology. Visit http://www.theslightedgeadvantage.com to Grab your FREE Video to see how Amega Global Can Help You Heal.

Amega Globa is a Health and Wellness Company that offers a unique form of products which include, skincare, food and supplements, jewelery and an alkaline ionized water filtration system like no other. All these products are designed to promote self-healing, Visit http://www.theslightedgeavantage.com to find out more and get your FREE Video while you're there!

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Green Tea is Great at Getting Rid of Acne

Suffering from acne? The solution could be just around the corner, at your local grocery store. Get out of the pharmaceutical aisle, I'm talking about green tea. Green tea could be the solution you need for getting rid of acne. Mild, moderate, and severe sufferers of acne have attested to its effectiveness.

According to a study done by Dr. Jennifer Gan-Wong of the Philippines and reported to the American Academy of Dermatology, a topical face cream produced with 3% green tea extract had the same effect on treatment of acne as a face cream produced with 4% benzoyl peroxide (a common acne medication). While this is just one study, it lends credence to the thousands of people who swear by green tea as a miracle acne cure.

Researchers postulate that the potent antioxidants in the tea, specifically EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate), help rejuvenate dying skin cells. Acne is caused when skin cells die in uneven patterns on the face - this prevents them from sloughing off naturally to make way for new skin cells. According to researchers, EGCG could help rejuvenate skin cells so they can slough off properly. It also contains tannins, which help to reduce swelling and inflammation.

It can be taken in one of three ways. You can drink it, or buy it in extract pills as supplements, or apply the wet tea bag directly to the affected areas on your face or body. It is extremely healthy in general, and a great caffeine substitute for coffee. If you're interested in getting rid of acne, why not drink a cup or two of green tea each day, and then gently rub the bags over your pimples when you're finished?

It may sound strange, but the healing powers of green tea are backed up by evidence. Make sure to gently wash it off after a couple minutes and pat, not rub, your face dry. You don't want to pop the pimples, because that'll only get them infected. There are lots of remedies that do an awesome job at getting rid of acne. Learn more at http://acne-information.com.

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Green Tea Serves As a Wonder For Bodybuilders

Why are bodybuilders over the world giving green tea more priority than any other beverage? Investigating the process, here is what was found out.

Green tea has been called as one of the most natural and safe products that can cure various diseases like Alzheimer, diabetes and help shed some extra pounds. No field has been left where the wonders of green tea have not touched. Talking about the realm of bodybuilding, a large number of bodybuilders have found increase in their energy levels and strength with the help of this infusion. Whether taken in the pills, capsule, powdered or liquid form, this natural blend offers excellent results to the users.

Green tea is widely consumed in most places not just because of its fresh flavor, but for the excellent antioxidants it contains. It contains a whole family of molecules popularly known as the ECGC or the epigallocatechin gallate that includes anti-oxidants that are approximately 100 times healthier and stronger than the Vitamin C. It has also been highlighted by many studies that in order to reduce the overall level of cholesterol in the body, consuming this is the best choice, with some health benefits that are still not known to the mankind. It is a very popular drink whose regular intake rivals the coffee and water worldwide along with being a superb dietary choice for a lot of people including bodybuilders.

Bodybuilders generally need to drink about a gallon of water every day, according to their dietary formulas. This actually becomes a truly tedious task for some who get tired of drinking water incessantly. There are some who even choose to include Crystal Light or sweetener to the water in order to make it all the more palatable. By using green tea instead of these, an athlete can really avoid the various unknowns that are associated with consuming some drink that contains saccharin or aspartame, artificial sweeteners which adds no nutrition to the body.

So, tea produces a healthy option to people who like to improve themselves and develop their bodies. It increases the overall exercising capability by allowing larger utilization of the fatty acids serving as a great source of energy during intense workouts. Also, this can lead to great weight loss as they enhance fat burning. Consumption of this infusion results in the 24 hour window of raised respiratory capacity that leads to more efficient oxidation performance in the consumer's body. The recommended dosage is about 100 to 500 mg of green tea every day. For bodybuilders, drinking this product with caffeine is also a beneficial option. In fact, caffeine works to become a great support for a bodybuilder to stay lean and does not hinder the process of weight gain.

Ready to learn how a green tea and weight loss plan could impact your life? Visit our site today to find out how!

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Green Tea For Acne

Tired of the pimpled-face that stares back at you every time you look at the mirror? Are you stressed out by the fact that you have acne? Conscious of the staring public every time you pass by? If it is any consolation, you are not alone in facing this problem. According to a study, acne affects 85% of teenagers and young adults. And 25% of them will have a permanent scar from the condition that they have to endure for the rest of their lives. Do not be a part of that 25% and act now to treat your acne problems.

Termed as acne vulgaris in medical science, acne is characterized by pimples and lesions that erupt mostly on the face and also to some parts of the neck. There are many known treatments that are available today. The list includes lotions, creams and ointments which are available over the counter. Also, there are the more conservative treatments that can be found in specialty clinics made especially by dermatologists. Recently, there has been an addition to these treatment options.

A study that compares 2% green tea lotion and 5% zinc sulphate lotion in treating acne has been published in the Saudi Medical Journal. The study, which was completed last year, yielded a dramatic result. According to this study, patients who used 2% green tea lotion has experienced the most favorable result than those who used 5% zinc sulphate lotion in terms of reducing the condition. And in April 2009, an almost similar study has been conducted among 20 patients. It is proven that usage of 2% green tea lotion has a significant improvement. Statistics said that there was a 58% reduction in terms of lesions and 39% decline in a severity of cases. This study was published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.

There are also some undocumented studies which compared 3% green tea lotion and 4% benzoyl peroxide. The study concludes that there are similar effects but green tea is milder to the skin because it does not cause dryness and irritation, which are the common side effects of the more common acne treatment, benzoyl peroxide.

Aside from green tea lotion, drinking green tea itself is recommended to have optimum results. Also, you can try cooling off green tea bags and applying them on your skin. The catechins and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) are green tea's components which help in aiding people with such a skin condition because of their high antioxidant levels and antibacterial effects.

It is said that being beautiful does not just mean having a perfect body and flawless skin. Beauty comes from within and it radiates through you. But it also helps if you know the acne ansr and a proven ansr treatment to bring out the best in you.

Gerald Shaw is a voracious reader. Maybe that's why he writes so well.

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GREEN TEA BENEFITS

The Truth About Green Tea, EGCG, And Antioxidants

by: Darrell Miller

photo credit: fraboof

To understand the truth behind the medical claims for green tea and the antioxidant properties of EGCG, it is first necessary to have a close look at what green tea is, and why these claims are being made.

Green tea is a form of tea made from the leaves of the Carmellia Sinensis, a shrub that is native to China and has spread to other areas of Asia including Japan and the Middle East. Drinking it is believed to impart many health benefits, including the prevention of obesity, heart disease and some forms of cancer and it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 400 years.

Tea is known to have been consumed in China for around 5,000 years, and used, not only in Chinese medicine, but also in that of Japan, Thailand and India for a number of ailments including regulating blood sugar, treating wounds and digestive problems. The drinking of green tea to benefit the heart and other vital organs is described in the Kissa Yojoki (Book of Tea), written in 1191 by Eisai, a Japanese Zen priest.

This two-part book talks about the various medicinal benefits of green tea, such as preventing fatigue, curing beriberi, quenching thirst, clearing the thoughts, maintaining health of the urinary tract and improving digestive problems. It also explains how to grow tea and how to prepare and use the leaves. The methods of treatment of various ailments and medical conditions are described in the second part of the book.

The active ingredients in green tea are catechins, polyphenols with strong anti-oxidant properties. Antioxidants are important components of your diet due to their effect on free radicals. These are small molecules, generally oxygenated, such the superoxide cation and hydrogen peroxide that are generated during normal metabolic processes and also ingested in pollutants such as traffic and factory fumes and insecticides. Free radicals are also formed by the
effect of the ultra-violet component of sunlight on your skin and other tissues.

The effect of free radicals on your body can be devastating, and they not only destroy cell membranes but also oxidize such molecules as the low density lipids (LDL) that carry cholesterol around your bloodstream. This allows the LDLs to be absorbed by the white blood cells and then deposited as fatty plaques in the walls of your arteries. The end result is a thickening and hardening of the arteries that leads to a condition known as atherosclerosis, where the blood
supply to the brain and heart muscle is restricted, which can in turn lead to strokes and heart disease.

Their effect on your cells is to cause cancer and premature aging, among others, and free radicals are also believed to play a part in conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and also inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and diabetes. They can also cause damage to your DNA.

It is essential, therefore, that these free radicals are destroyed as quickly as they are generated, and that is what antioxidants do. You might be more familiar with the antioxidants Vitamins A, C and E, and phytochemicals such as flavonoids and carotenoids, but there are many substances available to you that are even more powerful such as the polyphenols found in green tea.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most powerful of these with antioxidant properties at least twenty five times that of Vitamin E, and 100 times that of Vitamin C. EGCG comprises around 10-50% of the total catechin content of the tea and studies indicate that it likely helps to protect against DNA damage by free radicals, to protect against oxidation of LDL, provide protection against the damage of ultra-violet radiation and to protect you from the free radicals that
are generated by smoking tobacco and general airborne pollution.

There are suggestions that the bioavailability of EGCG can be increased by consuming black pepper when drinking green tea, possibly due to the presence of piperine in the pepper. The piperine appears to retard the intestinal glucuronidation of EGCG and so allow more of it to be absorbed as opposed to excreted. So if you are using green tea for health reasons, spice up your food with a small amount of black pepper - that's all it needs. You don't have to smother your food in it! It should be stressed that these tests were carried out on animals, although the biochemistry involved is much the same.

The oxidation of fat by your metabolism to provide energy is a very important factor in weight control. If the contribution of the fats you ingest to the energy generated by your metabolism is low, then the fats can go on to be deposited in your body. This is not only unsightly, in that it can basically make you look 'fat', but is also dangerous to your health. Fat deposits around your midriff and round the major organs of your body can be extremely damaging and a severe risk to your health.

It has been shown by a recent study in the UK (Birmingham University) that those taking green tree extract displayed a 17% increase in fat oxidation over those given a placebo. Not only that, but the ratio of fat oxidation to the overall energy expenditure showed a similar differential between the study and the control group. This provides evidence of green tea extract being able to control your weight by burning fat, and also to improve the tolerance to glucose and
sensitivity to insulin of healthy people.

Many other health claims have been made for green tea extract, although many of these have little, if any, scientific basis. Among these are the claims that it can treat multiple sclerosis and be used to treat cancer, although claims that it can prevent the destruction of cell membranes due to its oxidative effect are supported by the biochemistry, if not the medical proof. There are cases where theoretical biochemistry can explain many of the applications of ancient
remedies without needing modern day studies to support it.

Some of the research supporting the green tea theories include:

1. In 2006, a study was announced that had followed over 40,500 Japanese men and women, aged between 40 and 79, that had no history of coronary heart disease, stroke or cancer starting in 1994. It was found that those who drank at least 5 cups of tea per day had a 16% lower risk of dying from any cause and a 26% less risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than those that drank less than one cup of tea each day. Since cardiovascular disease and cancer are the major
causes of death world-wide, these are significant results.

2. Again in 2006, it was reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that studies indicated that a higher consumption of green tea was associated with a reduction in human mental impairment when compared to the average.

3. Yale University School of Medicine reported later that year that, in spite of smoking more than their western counterparts, Asians suffered lower rates of cancer and heart disease, and put that down to them drinking over 4 pints of green tea daily. It was the polyphenol content of green tea and its antioxidant effect that was proposed for this result, known commonly as the 'Asian paradox'. A specific reason given for this was the antioxidant effect preventing the
oxidation of LDL cholesterol, and its subsequent deposition in the artery walls.

4. Another component of green tea is the amino acid L-Theanine that promotes relaxation, and it is believed that this could help to fight stress by inhibiting the excitation of cortical neurons.

There is a lot more evidence for the health benefits of green tea, and once again it appears that the ancients have been proved correct. Perhaps we should pay more attention to ancient remedies, although without the proper evidence much of it is ignored - for the time being at least. Green tea, however, has generally been accepted due to the research and studies carried out on ECGC (Epigallocatechin gallate) and in additional to the traditional form, is also available as a dietary supplement.

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Antioxidants in Green Tea and Black Tea

Antioxidants in green tea are higher compared to black tea because of the processing method. The article below shows you why green tea has more antioxidants(catechins) than black tea.

Catechins in Green and Black Tea By Brigita Feltham Although both green and black tea come from the camellia sinensis plant, the quantity and kinds of catechins found in green and black tea vary due to their different processing methods. How are green and black tea processed? When green tea is processed the leaves are immediately steamed after picking, this halts the oxidation of the leaves, which means a high concentration of catechins is retained in the leaves. When black tea is processed the leaves are first withered. The leaves are dried in the open air or air is pumped through the layers of leaves. The leaves are left to oxidise for an extended period and this causes the leaves to change colour from green to coppery brown. During this process the catechins are converted to complex flavanoids known as theaflavins and thearubigins. The processing of black tea produces the distinctive taste and aroma of black tea, but also means much of catechin content and goodness is destroyed. What do the catechins in green tea do? There are four catechins in green tea. The catechins found in green tea are epicatechin (EC), gallocatechin (GC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECg) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) The most active and beneficial catechin in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). A cup of green tea contains approximately 40-90mg of EGCg. A cup of black tea contains approximately 5-10mg of EGCG. Catechins work by neutralizing and inhibiting free radicals which destroy healthy cells and tissues in the body and contribute to aging and disease. Conclusion The catechins found in green and black tea differ due to their different processing methods. Green tea is an unfermented tea (not exposed to oxygen after picking) and is able to retain its high catechin content. While black tea is fully fermented (extensively oxidised), which means much of the beneficial catechin components are destroyed. Although both green and black tea contain catechins, green tea has the higher catechin content of the two. To fully reap all the health benefits of green tea, it is suggested you should drink between 3-10 cups a day. I personally recommend brewing your own green tea leaves rather than using tea bags. The flavour and quality of the leaves is superior and also you can re-brew with the same leaves a few times over. Brigita Feltham is the creator and owner of Infusious Tea. After spending 4 years in Japan, green tea became a part of Brigita's daily lifestyle. Brigita began to study tea ceremony and found out that not only does green tea have wonderful health benefits, but it also has a rich cultural tradition in Japan. For more information on Japanese green tea please visit http://www.japan-green-tea.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brigita_Feltham

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