This conclusion has been supported by, the Mayo Clinic of Minnesota, after conducting their own studies on leukemia patients. Large doses of GTE’s ( green tea extracts) were administered producing immediate results. GTE’s are now considered a viable addition to orthodox cancer treatments.

Scientists in Spain and England were also able to identify the way in which green tea stops the formation of cancer cells. The report was published in the March 2005 issue of Cancer Research, showing how the catechins in green tea act as an inhibitor to the enzyme DHFR. ( dihydrofolate reductase) Without this enzyme, cancer cells cannot grow and multiply.

It has also been determined that the ECGC, or catechins in green tea bear a strong resemblance to methotrexate, the cancer drug used in chemotherapy. Fortunately, the binding properties of ECGC are much weaker than the drug methotrexate, therefore producing minimal side effects.

The only time where green tea’s ECGC effect is considered unsuitable is during a pregnant woman’s first trimester. The process of ECGC binding to DHFR can reduce the amount of much needed folic acid that protects against fetal neurological disorders. Green tea consumption or supplements should be reduced at this time.

On a positive note, all of these studies show that high green tea consumption reduces blood cancers by 42 percent and lymph cancers an even higher 48 percent.

The National Institute of Health statistics show that 35,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. This accounts for 2 percent of all cancers with a five- year survival rate of approximately 50 percent. This high death rate is primarily due to the fact that oral cancer is often not discovered and diagnosed until late in its development.

If the cancer metastasizes to another location, often the lymph nodes in the neck, the prognosis becomes significantly worse than when caught in a localized area.

The journal, Cancer Prevention Research recently published a study revealing the effectiveness of green tea extract in slowing down the progression of oral lesions. In some cases the green tea extract was so potent, some participant’s lesions vanished completely.

Tests were done by the University of Texas, over a twelve- week period using varying quantities of green tea extract on 41 participants who were suffering from leukoplakia, lesions on the tongue and inside the cheeks.

The results showed that in the group taking the highest dose of 1,000mg. there was a 60 percent reduction or disappearance of the lesions. Those who were administered 750mg. also showed significant diminishing of lesions, again at 60 percent.

Utilizing the smallest dose of green tea extract of 500mg. three times a day the figures showed the lowest success at only 35 percent.

Despite researchers declaring that further studies are still necessary before they can definitively prove the effectiveness of green tea in fighting oral cancer, the conclusion is that these findings are still “significant.” So if you enjoy green tea, be sure to drink a high quality brand that does not contain additives or choose an extract in supplement form and keep smiling!

The information compiled by the Ohsaki National Health Insurance Cohort Study was used by scientists, at the Tohuku University Graduate School of Medicine. It showed important connections between drinking green tea and its protective agents against pneumonia in women. The article was published in the September edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, citing once again, that the catechins and  antioxidant phytochemicals, found in green tea work against infection.

In another study, published in September in the American Journal of Epidemiology, the same scientist, Dr.Toru Naganuma, who established the pneumonia-fighting links, also produced information regarding blood and lymph system cancers. It was found that by drinking at least 5 cups of green tea daily, there was a 42% reduction of blood cancers and 48% lymph system cancers. These findings were arbitrary in relation to male, female and body size.

The Ohsaki National Health Insurance Cohort Study was used in yet another study by a research team in the Division of Epidemiology in Tohoku University’s Department of Public Health and Forensic Medicine. Another link was established, this time documenting that five or more daily cups of green tea offered the most protection from liver cancer in most individuals.

It is widely documented that drinking antioxidant-rich green tea lowers the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and now these specific cancers can be added to what is evolving into an ever growing list. Throw in weight loss as another benefit, and you have the perfect ingredient for a healthy life. As an alternative to drinking five cups of green tea a day, green tea supplements can work just as effectively.

Amyloids are known to have a negative impact resulting in fatal brain disorders. These are tightly bound sheets of protein that find their way into the brain, eventually suffocating brain cells. This causes memory loss, language impairment, motor function and eventually premature death.

The stability and complexity of amyloids has made the destruction of plaque cells in the brain, until recently, only minimally successful.

An article published in the December issue of Nature Chemical Biology cited studies by the Boston Biomedical Research Institute and the University of Pennsylvania showing that combining the EGCG component in green tea with another isolated compound can actually dissolve these amyloids. This is the first time a particular set of chemical extracts has shown such effectiveness in amyloid eradication.

Further research will continue and scientists anticipate discovering what exactly causes the success of combining these two components. It is considered to be a promising initial step forward, furthering the understanding and treatment of amyloid-based diseases.

EGCG is short for, Epigallocatechin 3-gallate and is the ester of of epigallocatechin and gallic acid. If we drink enough green tea or take green tea supplements there may be hope yet, that some of will be able to pronounce it and possibly even store the word in our memories.

Most of us have heard about the multiple benefits of green tea due to the important antioxidant properties. We know heart disease, weight loss, cholesterol levels and a myriad of other chronic ailments and conditions can be controlled by this ‘Wonder Tea.”

The reason green tea is different from black tea is because the leaves are steamed before oxidation occurs. These antioxidant polyphenols are called catechins and are only found in green tea. Catechins are known to keep bacteria and viruses from sticking to the cell walls enabling our bodies to fight off disease and maintain a strong immune system.

However, not all brands of green tea contain these necessary antioxidants. Many companies outsource their production to Third World countries where little or no regulatory laws exist.

Taking green tea in supplement form, particularly when purchased from reputable companies that are FDA approved can eradicate any worries as to the exact content. Controlling the amount of polyphenols that go into our bodies is important because too much can cause liver and kidney damage.

There are other advantages to taking supplements, aside from the security of knowing exactly what is going into your body. Many people do not actually like the taste of green tea. If it is over-brewed it can be very bitter and thoroughly unpleasant to drink. If the tea is left to cool too much the valuable catechins are broken down.

Not everyone has the time to make tea and some may find brewing instructions to be daunting, notwithstanding trying to decide whether to use tea bags, loose tea, metal infusion devices and tea strainers, all necessary to make the perfect cuppa.

Taking green tea in supplement form is easy and convenient and can in two 450mg capsules give the equivalent of six cups of tea. One cup of green tea has the antioxidant effect greater than a serving of broccoli, spinach, carrots and strawberries.

We all lead fast paced lives and know the effects of stress is detrimental to our overall health. The expense of buying organic fruits and vegetables and the time it takes to fuss over tea making does not always fit into our lifestyles. Green tea has been around a long time and if you supplement your life with it, you be will too.

There are many easy ways to make green tea a part of your healthy lifestyle, such as drinking brewed tea (hot or cold), or through one of the many supplements that are available.

Many people get their daily dose of green tea by drinking it. Most drink it hot, by using boiling water and tea bags. Some prefer to use loose tea leaves rather than bags, and putting the leaves in an infuser or tea ball is a great way to do it.

If the taste of green tea isn’t your thing, you can add honey, artificial sweetener, or even sugar to make it taste a little better. Some choose to pour it over ice, which can be a cool and refreshing drink on a hot day. There are also many bottled green tea drinks to choose from, and they are sold almost everywhere.

If you’d prefer not to drink green tea, you can still get all its benefits by choosing a green tea supplement. They are sold in stores, and online. However, before you start supplementing, make sure that you are aware of the side effects of green tea dosage, and discuss its use, benefits, and drawbacks with your doctor. Most people can take green tea without any major ill effects, and those who do react to it usually do so because of the caffeine content of green tea.

Green tea has been known for many years to have health-enhancing benefits, and people are flocking to it now more than ever. Brew it, drink it, and enjoy it today!

When researchers were trying to find out what made green tea such a potent health drink, they discovered that most of its protective effects originate with the catechins. Tea has 4 primary catechins- EC, EGC, ECg, and EGCG, which is the most powerful of them all. It is almost 100 times more potent than vitamins C and E.

A cup of green tea gives you between 10 and 40 milligrams of polyphenols, and has more antioxidants than a serving of carrots, broccoli, or spinach. This high antioxidant content makes it ideal for protecting the body from free radicals. It may help to clear arterial blockages by reducing the amount of lipids absorbed into the bloodstream.

Green tea can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, and also protects the immune systems of those undergoing radiation treatments or chemotherapy. White blood cell counts are more easily maintained in those who supplement with green tea.

Green tea is made from unprocessed tea leaves, so the oxidation of the catechins hasn’t had a chance to start. This means that green tea has more antioxidant power than almost any other food. Catechins may be so effective because they can bind to proteins, keeping bacteria and possibly viruses from sticking to cell walls. Catechin is thus a potent antibacterial, and it can also chelate metals like mercury, cadmium, and even lead.

The tannins in green tea are primarily catechins, and are chiefly responsible for the tart taste of green tea. The amount of catechin in green tea usually rises as the season goes on. The first crop of the season would contain about 12% catechins, while a summer crop contains about 14% catechins. Younger leaves generally contain more catechins than older leaves. Summer teas are less tangy than spring teas, making them more palatable.

Catechins are a big part of what makes green tea such an effective supplement. If you don’t like to drink green tea, there are a lot of highly concentrated supplements available that will provide the same benefits. A serving of three tablets contains about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee, and liquid supplements are generally more potent than tablets. Whatever you choose, catechin and green tea will definitely improve your health!

Actually, the side effects involved are so minimal, you could probably even go as far as saying that there aren’t any real side effects when drinking or supplementing with green tea as long as you use caution and take your health history into account.

Most of green tea’s negative side effects can be attributed directly to its caffeine content:

• Sensitivity to Caffeine – If you know you have a tendency to be sensitive to caffeine, make an effort to try out green tea in smaller quantities before taking a large dose. Most people that are highly sensitive tend to feel a little jiggerity or shakey. Heart rate and blood pressure can peak, as well. If this is the case, taking smaller quantities, more often, while your body gets used to the caffeine content in the green tea, is the best fix.

• Inability to Fall or Stay Asleep – This is more of a fair warning then a potential side effect. Similar to if you were to drink coke or a caffenated drink before bed, it’s going to be tough to settle down and get some sleep. As we all know, caffeine is an energy booster. Depending on how much you take, it’s usually best to not consume green tea if you’re planning to catch some sleep within 6-8 hours. It can be really frustrating when you need to wake up to take the kids to school the next morning, but all your body wants to do is lay in bed awake.

Other then that, just be smart when you first start taking green tea. Try your best not to overdo it and let your body get used to taking some new. Green tea can definitely get you closer to where you want to be, weight-wise and beyond.

While some of these effects were thought at first to be because of the green tea’s caffeine, there are some that cannot be attributed to the caffeine. Although, on the other hand, an equal amount of caffeine, given alone, did not raise energy expenditure at all. This means something else going is on with the active ingredients in green tea.

For weight control, these findings seem rather promising. An increase in metabolism during the day was attributed directly to the green tea supplement. Because the body’s rate of burning calories is only about ten percent of daily energy expenditure, this increase translates into about 40% more calories burned per day.

Interested individuals should know that green tea has very little risk for any type of  side effects, and none of the test subjects within the study reported an increased heart rate. Green tea extract, in this regard, is much safer than other products like ma huang and ephedra, or prescription diet pills.

If you want to supplement your healthy lifestyle with green tea, you should choose a trusted brand of organic green tea from your health food store or grocer. Start out with a cup a day. But, a much easier way to add green tea to your diet is to take a supplement. Take it with meals, to prevent any of the albeit minor side effects.

Other studies have shown that caffeine boosts the metabolism, but only at dangerously high doses that can play havoc with the heart rate. Green tea supplements are safer because they contain very little caffeine (three tablets contain about as much as one cup of coffee). The caffeine is thought to work in tandem with the catechins in green tea. Catechins are believed to be responsible for the many health benefits of green tea.

The amount of green tea extract can vary from one brand of supplement to another. Liquid extracts are usually more highly concentrated than caplets. Most supplement labels will say that one dose is equivalent to “x” number of cups of tea. If you are taking supplements for their antioxidant properties, look closely at that label. An ideal supplement will contain a high level of EGCG, the beneficial polyphenol in green tea.

Green tea has long been thought to aid in weight loss. Its polyphenols work with other chemicals present to increase the body’s natural ability to burn fat. With the caffeine in green tea, this can be a useful tool for those who want to lose weight. Green tea supplements are enjoying a lot of popularity as weight loss and muscle building formulas.

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.