Green Tea
Camellia sinensis
Through archaeological carbon dating, it was discovered that Green Tea leaves were first boiled in water over 500,000 years ago. It has been cultivated in India, China, and Japan for hundreds of centuries and has been used for at least five thousand years to support digestion, promote a healthy cardiovascular system, promote healthy metabolism of sugars, provide support for clear thinking and encourage an energetic lifestyle. Its consumption worldwide is second only to water. Green tea comes from the unfermented leaves of the Camellia sinensis shrub, while oolong tea is partially fermented, and black tea is fully fermented and has the highest caffeine and lowest antioxidant activity. Green tea has been shown to have the some of the highest antioxidant activity of any plant known. It was shown to have more antioxidant capacity than both Vitamin C and Vitamin E in a study conducted in 1989.
What is Green Tea Used For?
The thermogenic properties of Green Tea and its role in encouraging the healthy metabolism of sugars make it an excellent choice for the support of a weight management protocol. The antioxidant activity of Green Tea is well documented and attributed to the polyphenols known collectively as catechins; epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechingallate (EGCG) and epicatecatechingallate (ECG). The chemical structure of these antioxidants not only impedes the action of free radicals as oxidative stressors but prevents their formation. Many integrative health protocols for the support of the immune system involve using natural health supplements high in antioxidants, including Green Tea which has substantial in vitro clinical validation of its supportive role in reducing the effects of oxidative stress.
Traditional Health Benefits of Green Tea
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Additional Information on this Herb
Green Tea contains hundreds of pharmacologically active chemicals. The most researched of these are the alkaloids (thoebromine, theophylline, and caffeine), tannins, and polyphenols known collectively as catechins; epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechingallate (EGCG) and epicatecatechingallate (ECG).
Leaves
1.)Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998. 2.)Mitscher LA, Mitscher LA, Jung M, Shankel D, et al. Chemoprotection: a review of the potential therapeutic antioxidant properties of green tea (Camellia sinensis) and certain of its constituents. Med Res Rev 1997;17:327-65. 3.)Graham HN. Green tea composition, consumption, and polyphenol chemistry. Prev Med 1992;21:334-50. 4.)Fukino, Y., Ikeda, A., Maruyama, K., Aoki, N., Okubo, T., and Iso, H. Randomized controlled trial for an effect of green tea-extract powder supplementation on glucose abnormalities. Eur.J Clin Nutr 2008;62(8):953-960. 5.)Ostrowska, J. and Skrzydlewska, E. The comparison of effect of catechins and green tea extract on oxidative modification of LDL in vitro. Adv Med Sci 2006;51:298-303. 6.)Tilgner, Sharol ND. Herbal Medicines from the Heart of the Earth. 2nd Edition. Wise Acres LLC. Pleasant Hill, OR. 2009. 7.)Zhao BL, et al. Cell Biophys. 1989 Apr; 14(2): 175-85 Scavenging effects of extracts of green tea and natural antioxidants on active oxygen radicals. Coimbra, S et al. Clin. Nutr. 2006 May 12. Yance DR Jr, Sagar SM. 2006 Mar; 5(1) 9-29.
Not to be used during pregnancy or lactation in very large amounts. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs, please consult with your doctor before use.
- This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.
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