Herbal Bear School of Botanical Medicine - www.herbalbear.com
The tea most commonly sold in stores and supermarkets is made from the dried leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). There are several different varieties of tea: green, black and oolong. All these teas are from the same plant - the differences in taste and appearance are a result of how the tea leaves are processed once they are picked.
Green tea contains the highest concentration of polyphenols. The average cup of green tea contains 50 - 150 mg of polyphenols. Decaffeinated green teas contain 20%-40% less polypenols than the caffeinated teas. Polyphenols are chemicals that act as powerful anti-oxidants and are useful because they scavenge free radicals. Free radicals are compounds in the body which can alter cell membranes, interfere with the genetic material of DNA and even cause cell death. Free radicals occur naturally in the body. However, certain environmental toxins - such as ultraviolet light, cigarette smoke, air pollutants and exposure to industrial chemicals - can increase the number of free radicals present in the body. The polyphenols present in green tea can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or prevent the damage they cause. Green tea's health effects have been studied and the results of these studies yield some promising results. Here are a few of green tea's medicinal actions:
CancerAnimal and human studies suggest that the polyphenols in green tea may play an important role in cancer prevention. The polyphenols present in green tea have been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, specifically breast, bladder, esophageal and stomach cancers. Foods and beverages rich in antioxidants have long been suggested as a preventative measure against cancers. Current research being conducted on the antioxidant properties of green tea seem to support this approach.
Circulatory Health Studies have show that green tea has the ability to lower total cholesterol levels. Additionally studies have shown that green tea's antioxidant properties - specifically related to its polyphenol content, may prevent atherosclerosis, particularly coronary artery disease.
Diabetes - Green tea has been traditionally used to control blood sugar. Animal studies suggest that green tea may help prevent the development of type I diabetes and may even help slow the progression of disease one it has developed.
The Herbal Bear School of Botanical Medicine offers classes in herbal studies. For more infomation about our programs visit our website at www.herbalbear.com
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