All About
Green Tea Benefits

The green tea diet and
the many benefits of green tea

We learn more about green tea benefits all the time. Asian cultures have enjoyed green tea for centuries and have told the rest of the world about its benefits.

Green Tea Extract has now become the subject of studies worldwide for its potential therapeutic benefits and role in promoting weight loss.

Green tea benefits have long been appreciated in eastern countries. It came to attention of the western countries when it was noted that Asians who drink several cups of green tea per day had fewer heart problems and were less likely to be overweight.

Studies are indicating that green tea may aid in thermogenesis, which relates to the body's production of heat, the burn of calories and the metabolism of fats. Green tea seems to increase metabolism without increasing heart rate or causing any jittery effect.

Green tea benefits also include the way the tea appears to act as an antioxidant to help keep blood vessels open. An active ingredient is Polyphenol, which is a more active antioxidant than even vitamin E.

Some studies also indicate green tea may help the body's immune system fight off germs, and also be beneficial in helping to prevent breast cancer.

Green tea versus green tea extract. We believe there are many benefits to drinking green tea every day. It gives you all the benefits of green tea. It gets more water into your system. It makes your tummy feel full. It is a comforting ritual. However if you are not able to enjoy the actual green tea beverage, you may still get some of the benefits by taking green tea extract in supplement form.

The Nebraska Medical Center reported that a study "found that a green tea extract reduced body fat in mice, possibly by inhibiting the absorption of fats and starches." The report quoted one of the doctors in the study saying "although the tea cannot be viewed as a cure, it could be viewed almost as a vitamin for the immune system."

Green tea extract is not a magic pill, however it does offer positive health benefits. Drinking green tea is the preferred method of enjoying green tea benefits. When that beverage is not available, green tea extract is a good second choice.

Problems with green tea extract supplements

One potential problem with green tea extract supplements is that you may not be getting what is promised on the label. Herbs are unregulated for the most part and testing has shown that some companies don't use standardized extracts or package their product in facilities that are pharmaceutical GMP compliant.

If you buy only on price you may be getting cheap, low-grade extract and be cheated on the quantity of ingredients that are stated on the contents facts.

Consumers should look for standardized green tea extract. Also, if you are sensitive to caffeine or already getting enough from your daily tea or coffee, look for a standardized green tea extract that is also decaffeinated, such as the kind found in Total Balance women's supplements by the Xtend-Life company. This is a very high quality supplement.

Green Tea Benefits References

"Another Green that Might Prevent Breast Cancer" Janet Raloff, Science News, Vol. 164, No. 11, 9/13/03, sciencenews.org

"Green tea and risk of breast cancer in Asian Americans" International Journal of Cancer, Vol. 106, No. 4, 574-579, 9/10/03, interscience.wiley.com

"A Cup of Tea May Be Germs' New Enemy - Study Finds Tea Sharpens Body's Defense Against Infection" Associated Press, 4/22/03, edition.cnn.com

"Tea is Good for You" Health 24, 5/15/03, health24.co.za

"Studies Find Health Benefits From Tea." Nebraska Medical Center


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