The Benefits of Green Tea Extract

Green Tea Extract

Green tea (Camellia Sinensis) is packed with antioxidants, particularly catechins, which help boost metabolism, promote fat burning, and improve brain function. It also offers cardiovascular benefits and helps combat oxidative stress. Known for its calming yet stimulating effects, green tea supports overall health, making it a popular beverage and supplement for weight management and longevity.

Key Highlights

• Supports immune health
• Enhances brain function and memory
• Protects skin cells making it glow
• Can boost metabolism promoting fat burm
• Can help improves digestion and gut
• Protects against oxidative stress

Biochemistry Timeline

Green tea extract supplementation typically shows benefits, like improved metabolism, enhanced fat burning, and increased energy levels, after about four weeks of consistent use.

What is Green Tea Extract?

Tea is a staple beverage all over the world and is ingrained into many cultures. The first green tea specifically was exported from India to Japan during the 17th century. These days it’s estimated that roughly 2.5 million tons of tea leaves are produced globally each year, with 20% produced as green tea. All tea is made from the plant Camellia sinensis and undergoes different processes to create different kinds of brews.

To produce green tea, freshly harvested leaves are immediately steamed to prevent fermentation. This steaming process destroys the enzymes responsible for breaking down the colour pigments and allows the tea leaves to maintain their green colour. These processes preserve natural polyphenols with respect to their health-promoting properties. Green tea contains polyphenols which include flavanols, flavandiols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Most of the green tea polyphenols are flavonols, commonly known as catechins which protect against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress causes cell damage, contributing to ageing and various health problems, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.

The Amazing Benefits of Green Tea

Reduction in Neuroinflammation

Green tea contributes to the strengthening of the immune system as green tea polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), may protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. These antioxidants combat oxidative stress and inflammation, key factors in these diseases. In Parkinson’s, they help protect dopaminergic neurons, while in Alzheimer’s, they may inhibit beta-amyloid plaque formation. By reducing neuroinflammation and supporting brain health, green tea could serve as a natural, complementary approach to traditional treatments for these conditions.

Protection Against Viruses and Diseases

Furthermore, Green tea has been shown to protect against the influenza virus, (especially in its earliest stage), as well as against the Herpes virus. The powerful properties have been demonstrated within green tea leaves that have been shown to inhibit the growth of various bacteria.

More specifically, recent studies suggested that Green Tea polyphenols might protect against Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Brain Function and Alertness

There may be another reason why we like to sit down at our desks and have a cuppa before we start work in the morning. We know that Green Tea contains caffeine, which increases alertness. Now we know that when in combination with L-Theanine, an amino acid also found in green tea, it has been shown to improve brain function. In addition, the high amounts of a catechin known as EGCG, present in green tea may be beneficial for learning and memory. So it seems that starting your day off with a cup of tea might actually be a great idea to boost productivity!

Anti-ageing

There are many ingredients in your kitchen that can be used to make beauty products for your skin, and green tea extract is no exception. The antioxidant EGCG, which is present in green tea, has the ability to rejuvenate dying skin cells. By protecting and repairing cells, this antioxidant can combat signs of ageing and make dull skin look healthier.

For those suffering from acne, the polyphenols in green tea can be highly beneficial. These compounds, particularly EGCG, can damage bacterial membranes, helping to fight acne-causing bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes. Additionally, their anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and mitigate the inflammation associated with acne, making green tea an effective natural remedy for clearer, healthier skin.

Fat Oxidation and Metabolism

Recent data indicates that green tea extracts may help reduce body weight, mainly body fat, by increasing thermogenesis, the process of burning fat and fat oxidation (breaking down fat). Active compounds in green tea such as caffeine and EGCG increase the hormones that signal fat cells to break down fat. When fat is broken down it is taken to the bloodstream to be used as energy which can fuel exercise and your daily movements.

In one study, 10 healthy men took green tea extract and increased their calorie burn by 4%, and this research showed a boost in metabolic rate as well as an increase in fat burning.

Long-term consumption of tea catechins, particularly from green tea, can help combat high-fat diet-induced obesity and type II diabetes by enhancing fat metabolism and improving insulin sensitivity.

Summary

Green tea extract (Camellia sinensis) is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins like EGCG, which enhance metabolism, support fat burning, and improve brain function. It offers cardiovascular benefits, combats oxidative stress, and boosts immune health. Regular supplementation can improve digestion and skin health, promoting a radiant complexion. Benefits typically emerge within four weeks, making it popular for weight management and overall wellness. Green tea has a calming yet stimulating effect, contributing to its widespread cultural significance as a health-promoting beverage.

FAQs

What is the recommended dosage for green tea extract? Typical dosages range from 250 to 500 mg per day, but it’s best to follow product instructions or consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Are there any side effects associated with green tea extract? Green tea extract is generally safe, but some may experience side effects like stomach upset, headaches, or insomnia, especially at high doses. Always consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns.

Can green tea extract interact with medications? Yes, green tea extract can interact with certain medications, particularly blood thinners and stimulants. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting supplementation, especially if you’re on medication.

Research:

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4. Pan, T., Jankovic, J., & Le, W. (2003). Potential therapeutic properties of green tea polyphenols in Parkinson’s disease. Drugs & aging, 20(10), 711–721.
5. Weinreb, O., Mandel, S., Amit, T., & Youdim, M. B. (2004). Neurological mechanisms of green tea polyphenols in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The Journal of nutritional biochemistry, 15(9), 506–516.
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8. Taylor, P. W., Hamilton-Miller, J. M., & Stapleton, P. D. (2005). Antimicrobial properties of green tea catechins. Food science and technology bulletin, 2, 71–81.
9. Wang, Y., Li, M., Xu, X., Song, M., Tao, H., & Bai, Y. (2012). Green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) promotes neural progenitor cell proliferation and sonic hedgehog pathway activation during adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 56 (8), 1292-1303.
10. Gregersen, N. T., Bitz, C., Krog-Mikkelsen, I., Hels, O., Kovacs, E. M., Rycroft, J. A., Frandsen, E., Mela, D. J., & Astrup, A. (2009). Effect of moderate intakes of different tea catechins and caffeine on acute measures of energy metabolism under sedentary conditions. The British journal of nutrition, 102(8), 1187–1194.
11. Dodd, F. L., Kennedy, D. O., Riby, L. M., & Haskell-Ramsay, C. F. (2015). A double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the effects of caffeine and L-theanine both alone and in combination on cerebral blood flow, cognition and mood. Psychopharmacology, 232(14), 2563–2576.