The Effects of Green Tea Extract

Green tea, which is made from unfermented leaves, offers healthy properties attributed to its high level of polyphenols. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, green tea leaves contain the highest level of polyphenols, compared with black tea and oolong tea. The antioxidant called epigallocatechin-3-gallate, more commonly know as EGCG, is the most powerful, being 25 to 100 times more powerful than vitamins C and E.

Protect Agaist Cardiovascular Disease

• There are a number of risk factors associated with heart disease. Green tea lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides while raising the good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. Green tea has shown to inhibit the formation of abnormal blood clots, similar to aspirin. These blood clots, also known as thrombosis, are the leading cause of heart attack and stroke.

Lower Blood Pressure

• A significant cause of hypertension is an enzyme secreted by the kidneys, know as angiotension-converting enzymes. Green tea is a natural angiotension-converting enzyme inhibitor. By blocking the effects of this enzyme, green tea can help to reduce blood pressure.

Lower Blood Sugar

• Green tea has traditionally been used to control blood sugar in the body. Studies on animals suggest that green tea may help prevent type 1 diabetes or slow the progression once it has developed. Several small clinical studies have found that daily supplementation helped lower blood sugar averages in those with borderline diabetes.

Kill Bacteria

• Since green tea can kill bacteria, taking it with a meal can reduce the chance of food poisoning. It is also effective against a strain of staph that has become resistant to antibiotics. It promotes the growth of health bifidobacteria in the intestine, while preventing the growth of dangerous intestinal bacteria, such as E. coli and clostridia.

Inhibit Hepatitis Viruses

• Green tea is recommended for hepatitis patients with too much iron in their livers, as iron interacts with the hepatitis viruses, generating free radicals that could cause cirrhosis of the liver. Green tea lowers iron levels throughout the body and may have a direct anti-viral effect on certain hepatitis C virus strains.

Prevent Diseases

• Green tea may to protect the liver from damaging effects and prevent liver disease. According to the University of Maryland Medical School, some researchers also believe that the polyphenols in green tea help kill or stop the progression of cancerous cells. Population-based clinical studies have shown that the antioxidant properties of green tea may prevent atherosclerosis---coronary artery disease in particular.

Weight Loss

• According to the University of Maryland Medical School, clinical studies performed on green tea extract suggest that it may boost metabolism and help burn body fat. One study found that a combination of green tea and caffeine improved weight loss in overweight and moderately obese people.

Other Uses

• According the the University of Maryland Medical School, research has shown that green tea may decrease the inflammation associated with arthritis and reduce cartilage breakdown. The chemicals in green tea may also be beneficial in treating genital warts and preventing symptoms of a cold or influenza. Small clinical studies have even shown that green tea may be effective in preventing tooth decay.

Side Effects

• Green tea contains caffeine, so those sensitive to caffeine may experience some side effects such as insomnia and restlessness. Other known side effects include excess gas, upset stomach and abdominal pain, dizziness and nausea, heartburn, headaches and muscle pain. However, these are considered by researchers to be minor.