Green tea’s antioxidant power can fight the effects of free radicals on the body.
There are substances in nature that can eliminate free radicals, and many of them, like tannins, catechins, and flavonoids, exist in green tea. Catechin is an especially potent free-radical fighter.
To a lesser extent, vitamins A, C, and E are also antioxidants. Green tea contains high levels of all of these vitamins, and it is the most potent antioxidant drink available today. Green tea polyphenols have powerful anti-cancer, heart and brain protective, and antibacterial properties. The most potent of these, EGCG, is present in very high levels in green tea, and it is vital for the prevention of cancer.
Free radicals are molecules that can cause cellular damage in our bodies. Oxygen triggers the burning of fat and usage of glucose, which creates the energy we live on. But, stress, UV rays, smoking and excessive exercise can cause that oxygen to turn into those damaging free radicals, negatively affecting the metabolism. Free radicals can kill germs as they enter the body, but they can also attack the cells, and accelerate the aging process. Free radicals also can do the following:
- They can cause damage to genes, possibly leading to cancer-causing mutations.
- Free radicals oxidize cholesterol, making it into the “bad” form that can cause arterial clogging, and hypertension.
- Narrowing of blood vessels is also possible, which can lead to stroke and heart attack, and can negatively impact blood flow to the tissues.
- Cell walls can oxidize, hindering organ function and causing premature aging.
- Free radicals produced by the sun’s UV rays can create excessive melanin, resulting in age spots, blemishes and freckles.
Green tea is relatively safe for most people, and has very few side effects. Most people that experience problems usually have a bit of insomnia due to the caffeine, but green tea has less caffeine than coffee. To be safe, women who are or could be pregnant should not drink green tea.
Green tea’s antioxidant power is second to none, and it should be part of everyone’s healthy lifestyle. Of course, there are choices when it comes to how you get your daily dose of green tea. You can drink it, which is how people in Japan and China have enjoyed its benefits for centuries. However, some don’t really like the taste of green tea. For them, there are many quality green tea supplements on the market. Some are in tablet form, and some come as a liquid. The liquid formulas are generally more concentrated than the tablets (three tablets would contain about as much caffeine as a single cup of coffee). Either way, everyone should try green tea and experience the benefits themselves.