What is Green Tea?
Green tea is not only a popular hot drink, but also a health-promoting agent. It originates from China, where it was first mentioned about 4700 years ago and has been an integral part of Asian drinking culture ever since. Green tea has become one of the most popular teas in the West, but it is also used for the treatment of various diseases. Its leaf extract is one of the most intensively researched phytotherapeutics.
Green tea helps to stimulate the metabolism and contains strong antioxidants.
What are the Active Ingredients of Green Tea Used For?
Ongoing studies have already proven the positive effect of green tea extract in the treatment of obesity and for stimulating the metabolism. Green tea is one of the few scientifically proven active ingredients used in the treatment of obesity. The polyphenols (aromatic compounds) contained in green tea are effective independently of caffeine, which can also be used in this treatment area. Decisive active components are the catechins epicatechin, epicatechin gallate and the most pharmacologically active epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
Losing Body Fat and Weight through Green Tea
Several studies have shown that green tea and its ingredients can reduce body fat and weight. In a study of overweight diabetics who received an additional 580 mg of catechins daily over a period of 3 months, a significant reduction in hip circumference was observed compared to the control group.
Green tea also helps to avoid the yo-yo effect. In general, green tea extract supports reduction diets and adiposity therapies, but is not sufficient as the sole measure for reducing obesity.
Green Tea Extract has Antioxidant Properties
Green tea extract is also used to improve the antioxidant status and to treat oxidative stress, especially in smokers. The carcinogenic, mutagenic and degenerative properties of cigarette smoke and nicotine can be partly explained by the increased oxidative stress to which smokers are exposed. Particularly, lung tissue is protected by EGCG supplementation.
For a preventive effect 300 to 400 mg EGCG are sufficient daily.
One can also help to improve the skin’s appearance by protecting against UV-induced skin aging and helping to maintain skin functions after UV exposure. 300 to 400 mg per day are recommended for preventive measures. The green tea extract also offers an option to stimulate the metabolism, accompanying weight control and reducing the yo-yo effect.
Various clinical studies can also prove the positive effects of green tea extracts in radically associated diseases. Thus, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and cardiovascular diseases can be counteracted.
