Take Tea and Live Longer

Researchers are uncovering some very modern benefits to an age-old beverage. They have found that green tea contains high concentrations of antioxidants that have known protective effects. Green tea contains high levels of antioxidants that have been shown to offer superior health benefits. Scientists are just now beginning to identify its benefits in warding off heart disease, cancer, obesity, and other illnesses.

Two recently published studies show that green tea is more than just a tasty beverage. The studies suggest that increasing consumption of green tea can trigger biochemical mechanisms that affect our health.

One study published in the Journal of Nutrition, evaluated the effect of green tea compounds on oxidative damage caused by iron treatment in cultured human leukemia cells. Results showed that green tea protects cells from injury. Increasing intake of green tea may help reduce oxidative damage associated with various disease processes.

Another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that green tea extract -- which contains high concentrations of antioxidants such as catechin-polyphenols and many other compounds including caffeine -- can increase the utilization of energy beyond the effects of caffeine alone. Consumption of green tea produced thermogenesis and increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans.

SOURCE: Public Information Committee for the American Society for Nutritional Sciences;
American Society for Clinical Nutrition
CO: American Society for Nutritional Sciences; American Society for Clinical Nutrition