(Sept. 14th, 2009)- A significant component of green tea, epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), has been reported to aid extend the preservation of both frozen blood platelets and cryopreserved skin tissues in two different experiments. The researchers concluded that EGCG may have applications in blood banking and tissue engineering.
In the first study, Dr. Ching Yung Wong at the University of Hong Kong found that adding EGCG to blood samples kept in liquid nitrogen can preserve the number of platelets in the blood for up to 90 days. This is important because whole blood transfusions are limited by the amount of viable red cells and platelets available. If more platelets are needed, then more blood donations must be made or stored products like gelatin sponges or synthetic membranes are used. However, these products are limited in size and number and their effectiveness is also time-dependent.
In the second study, published in the Journal of Biomedical Science, researchers from King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Saudi Arabia showed that adding EGCG to bone marrow cultures grown in laboratory dishes can increase the number of blood stem cells responsible for producing new white cells, red cells and platelets. The team also reported that EGCG promoted the growth of these cells and reduced the risk of mutations that could lead to cancer.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate is a catechin found in green tea (EGCG). Catechins are natural antioxidants that aid in the prevention of cell damage and give additional advantages. These chemicals have the ability to limit the generation of free radicals in the body, therefore protecting cells and molecules from harm. They also can help prevent cancer by removing toxins from cells, stopping tumor growth, and killing cancer cells once they have formed.
Other beneficial ingredients in green tea include fluoride, magnesium, potassium, zinc, silicon, phosphorus, nitrogen, sulfur, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, molybdenum, and selenium. Green tea is considered to be very healthy and has many health benefits when consumed regularly.
Green tea contains less caffeine than black tea, but it does contain some caffeine so those who suffer from insomnia should avoid drinking it before bedtime. Caffeine can cause problems for people who struggle to get to sleep or who have poor quality sleep. Drinking any type of tea before going to bed will not improve your quality of sleep but it may help you fall asleep faster.
Tea is made from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis. Black tea is made from fully matured leaves while white tea is made from buds, flowers, or small shoots of the camellia plant.
White tea, followed closely by green tea, has the most catechins and derivatives owing to the presence of a molecule called Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), according to Hanway. EGCG has been demonstrated in studies to boost your heart and brain, as well as help avoid illnesses such as diabetes and even cancer. Tea also contains small amounts of caffeine and theophylline; both are mild stimulants.
The two main varieties are black and white. Black tea is made from the buds, stems, and leaves of the camellia plant that have been dried and boiled in water or milk, depending on the type of tea. White tea is made from the same leaves but instead it's boiled briefly in water without any other ingredients. The shorter the cooking time, the less there is a chance of developing any bitterness.
The taste of tea depends on how it's prepared. Unsweetened tea is usually served hot, but cold tea is common as well. Many people add sugar to their tea, but this is not necessary. Some people may find the taste of tea to be too strong, but it can be diluted with water or milk.
Tea is considered by many to be a healthy beverage. It's low in calories (20 per cup) and contains several nutrients including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
Green tea includes a high concentration of plant components known as polyphenols, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. In test-tube studies (18), epigallocatechin (EGC), a green tea component, displayed significant antibacterial activity against E. coli strains that cause UTIs. Further research is needed to determine if drinking green tea can help prevent UTIs.
Green tea contains antioxidants as well as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a chemical that may help the immune system and brain cells. Although research on the advantages of green tea in people with MS has yet to provide clear results, little doses are entirely safe and may help you feel better. Drinking tea regularly can be healthy because the caffeine helps your body release serotonin, which makes you feel happier.
People with MS should not assume that drinking coffee will cause them harm. In fact, studies have shown that caffeine appears to be beneficial for people with MS by reducing symptoms such as pain, depression, and fatigue. However, too much caffeine can also be harmful, so keep intake to less than 200 mg per day.
The best source of dietary caffeine is actually coffee, followed by tea. Cola and cocoa contain very little of the active ingredient and can be dismissed as harmless sources of caffeine. The amount of caffeine in coffee varies depending on how it is prepared and what kind of beans are used, but generally speaking, one cup contains around 100-150 mg of caffeine.
If you are having trouble sleeping, try drinking green tea first thing in the morning before going to bed. It will help wake you up without adding extra caffeine to your daily intake.
There are several types of MS, each with its own specific treatment.
Green tea consumption and application combats skin cancer by boosting DNA repair. Green tea includes EGCG, a strong antioxidant that fights DNA damage caused by UV radiation to help prevent skin cancer. That is, it is a strong anti-aging substance that fights age indications when consumed or administered topically.
Green tea also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which has been shown in studies to be calming and relaxing, helping fight insomnia. Finally, green tea is high in caffeine but doesn't cause any adverse effects such as anxiety or jitters from coffee. Instead, it provides many health benefits due to its catechin content.
Mint tea is almost identical to green tea except that it uses spearmint instead of green tea leaves. The taste is slightly different but both teas are highly beneficial for your health. Drinking either type of tea several times per week can help reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes because of the powerful antioxidants it contains.
Impaired nutrient absorption: Certain polyphenols in green tea, such as EGCG and tannins, can bind to micronutrients and prevent their absorption in your body. For example, research shows that the ability of iron to transfer blood cells decreases when it binds to EGCG.
Because of this binding property, individuals who consume large amounts of green tea may need more of some nutrients than others. For example, if you're trying to lose weight, you might want to supplement your diet with iron, since green tea can bind to it away from your stomach acid where it would normally be absorbed. On the other hand, if you have anemia, you might not need as much iron in your diet since more of it will be bound by EGCG and not available for absorption.
Those who are prone to constipation should avoid green tea because it contains fiber that can cause issues with digestion. Also, those who suffer from IBS or irritable bowel syndrome may want to limit their intake of green tea due to its stimulating effect on the gut. Finally, those who are alcohol drinkers should know that the two often go together; however, drinking green tea after taking alcohol can cause upset stomach symptoms due to the caffeine in the tea triggering the same intestinal spasms that alcohol does.