For centuries, the benefits of green tea diets have been the subject of many writings and scientific investigations.

For over four thousand years, green tea has become a staple beverage for many Asians because of its countless health and medicinal benefits. It is said that the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung was the first one to have discovered green tea diet. Emperor Shen Nung was reported to have been boiling water when some leaves of a nearby plant fell into his pot. The leaves actually came from Camellia sinensis, the herb from which green tea is extracted.

When producing teas such as oolong tea and black tea, the leaves are allowed to oxidize, during which enzymes present in the tea convert some or all of the catechins to larger molecules. However, green tea is produced by steaming the fresh-cut leaf, which inactivates these enzymes, and oxidation does not significantly occur.

Having a green tea diet is associated with several health benefits. One of the benefits of drinking green tea is providing a potential cure for cancer. According to some studies, certain substances in green tea can destroy cancer cells without harming any neighboring healthy tissues. This substance in green tea is called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

Epigallocatechin gallate belongs to the family of catechins. It contains 3 phenol rings and has strong antixoidant properties.

Epigallocatechin Gallate Structure

It may provide health effects by protecting cells from oxidative damage from free radicals. A number of chronic disease have been associated with free radical damage, including cancer, arteriosclerosis, heart disease and accelerated aging.

Epigallocatechin gallate may protect the DNA in human cells from ultraviolet and visible radiation-induced damage. It may also be effective in promoting fat oxidation and lowering body weight.

Posted: 01|19|07 at 10:13 am. Filed under: News.