Cancer and Heart
Disease are much lower in Asia possibly from drinking Green Tea
June 7th, 2006
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Green Tea |
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Scientists call it the
‘Asian
Paradox’ because of the lower amounts of cancer and
cardiovascular disease in Asians, even though these countries have an
abundance of heavy smokers. Researchers from the Yale School of
Medicine theorize that possibly it is related to the high consumption of
green tea. The article was first reported in the Journal of the
American College of Surgeons.
"We do not yet
have a full explanation for the 'Asian paradox,' which refers to the
very low incidence of both heart disease and cancer in Asia, even though
consumption of cigarettes is greater than in most other countries," said
the lead author, Bauer Sumpio, M.D. who is a professor and Chief of
Vascular Surgery in the Department of Surgery. "But we now have some
theories."
Sumpio along with
his colleagues evaluated over 100 experimental and clinical studies that
concerned green tea. One reason that he believes green tea helps is
that Asians drink around 1.2 liters of green tea each day. Green tea
contains polyphenolic EGCG which is an anti-oxidant. The antioxidants
help prevent LDL oxidation which is the main contributor to
pathophysiology of arteriosclerosis. The EGCG also helps reduce the
quantity of platelet accumulation. The anti-oxidant also helps regulate
lipids and also helps with the production and movement of smooth muscle
cells. These all add up to health benefits that reduce the risk for
cardiovascular disease.
Other benefits
from EGCG anti-oxidant were also seen in the prevention of some types of
tumors. Some studies showed that drinking tea can help gastrointestinal
function. There is also improved alcohol metabolism. Drinking tea may
help improve the function of the kidney, liver and pancreas. Tea
drinking could also help protect the skin, the eyes, and lessens
arthritis problems.
Even more studies
suggest that drinking tea can prevent allergies, used as part of a
diabetes treatment, and help in the treatment of bacterial or viral
infections. Tea has been used to treat cavities. Some research with
tea shown to either reduce or cure diseases that have an inflammatory
component. There have also been studies that showed improved
neurological and psychological health.
"More studies are
necessary to fully elucidate and better understand green tea's method of
action, particularly at the cellular level," Sumpio said. "The evidence
is strong that green tea consumption is a useful dietary habit to lower
the risk for, as well as treat, a number of chronic diseases. Certainly,
however, smoking cessation is the best way to prevent cardiovascular
disease and cancer."
Green tea should
be brewed fresh to enjoy the maximum amounts of anti-oxidants. Green
tea with a hint of lemon flavor is usually more pleasant tasting than
just regular. The conversion of 1.2 liters (which is the average Asian
consumption) of green tea to cups is approximately 5 cups of tea each
day.
Nicole Wilson
Best Syndication
Books on Green Tea
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