Green tea is one of my favorite drinks. Almost every evening after dinner, I will have a cup of green tea. I cannot recall when I started this habit, but I still remember when I had the first cup of green tea, I did not like its taste.
Green tea has been famous for its rich antioxidant properties because it contains compounds such as catechins. It may help reduce free radical damage that is often associated with certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
When comparing to other beverages such as coffee, green tea is more beneficial as it contains 6 times less caffeine and is virtually calorie-free.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Arizona found that caffeine-free green tea increased the production of detoxification enzymes known as glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the body. These enzymes are important in helping the body defend against toxic and cancer-causing compounds found in a person's genetic make-up and in the environment.
The researchers studied 42 healthy individuals who took 4 capsules of green tea extract every morning for a month. GST levels in the participants who had begun the study with the lowest levels of GST increased by 80 per cent, while participants who had low or moderate levels of GST initially experienced a slight increase in GST levels.
Despite of the many benefits that green tea has, you should take green tea in moderation. Different kinds of green tea has different tea catechin content, thus it is not easy to ascertain the optimal amount daily consumption. Catechin content may also depend on factors such as where the leaves are grown, how they are processed and prepared. On average, each cup of green tea contains between 50 and 100mg of catechins.
In addition, not everyone can drink green tea in large amounts. When we consumed green tea with food, the absorption of iron can significantly be reduced from the food. Therefore, those who are anaemic should avoid drinking too much of it. People with a heart condition should also check with their doctor before starting a green tea diet.
Antioxidant nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin E, phytochemicals such as catechins, carotenoids and antioxidant enzymes (GST) work in synergy in the body. As such, it is important for people to have a well-balanced diet that includes at least 2 servings each of fruit and vegetables to ensure optimal antioxidant protection.
Green tea has been famous for its rich antioxidant properties because it contains compounds such as catechins. It may help reduce free radical damage that is often associated with certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
When comparing to other beverages such as coffee, green tea is more beneficial as it contains 6 times less caffeine and is virtually calorie-free.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Arizona found that caffeine-free green tea increased the production of detoxification enzymes known as glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the body. These enzymes are important in helping the body defend against toxic and cancer-causing compounds found in a person's genetic make-up and in the environment.
The researchers studied 42 healthy individuals who took 4 capsules of green tea extract every morning for a month. GST levels in the participants who had begun the study with the lowest levels of GST increased by 80 per cent, while participants who had low or moderate levels of GST initially experienced a slight increase in GST levels.
Despite of the many benefits that green tea has, you should take green tea in moderation. Different kinds of green tea has different tea catechin content, thus it is not easy to ascertain the optimal amount daily consumption. Catechin content may also depend on factors such as where the leaves are grown, how they are processed and prepared. On average, each cup of green tea contains between 50 and 100mg of catechins.
In addition, not everyone can drink green tea in large amounts. When we consumed green tea with food, the absorption of iron can significantly be reduced from the food. Therefore, those who are anaemic should avoid drinking too much of it. People with a heart condition should also check with their doctor before starting a green tea diet.
Antioxidant nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin E, phytochemicals such as catechins, carotenoids and antioxidant enzymes (GST) work in synergy in the body. As such, it is important for people to have a well-balanced diet that includes at least 2 servings each of fruit and vegetables to ensure optimal antioxidant protection.
No comments:
Post a Comment