 Eating Right - Health Benefits of Green Tea |
From the Fitness After Hysterectomy Articles List |
 Related Articles
Options to Hysterectomy
Pre-Op Hysterectomy
Post-Op Hysterectomy
Hormone and Menopause
Intimacy after Hysterectomy
Fitness after Hysterectomy
GYN Cancer
Hysterectomy Stories
Ask A Doctor
Advertisement
I’ve heard that green tea is good for health. Why?
You may know that green tea is good for you. But did you know that green and black teas help ward off many types of cancer, fight heart disease and colds, even prevent cavities? It is also believed to relieve the pain of rheumatoid arthritis, slow the onset of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, fight allergies, and reduce acne. Indeed, green tea seems to be one of the most beneficial things you can consume each day! Green tea has been a part of Asian diets for thousands of years, but it is only recently that scientific research has begun to prove why it’s so beneficial.
Green and black teas are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The leaves contain catechins, which are antioxidants that block the action of free radicals (harmful molecules). The most powerful catechin is called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). A study conducted at the University of Shizuoka in Japan showed that the antioxidant power of EGCG in green tea was 200 times stronger than that of vitamin E, another antioxidant.
Green tea is made from fresh, young leaves, which are steamed right away to preserve catechins and then dried. Black tea contains about half the catechins as green tea because it undergoes more processing before the leaves are dried.
According to Lester A. Mitscher, Ph.D., who teaches medicinal chemistry at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, the health benefits of catechins in tea include:
- Reducing risk of certain types of cancer, including cancers of the lung, breast and digestive tract. In a University of Minnesota study of more than 35,000 women over eight years, those who drank two or more cups of green or black tea daily had a 10% lower risk of developing any cancer than those who seldom drank tea.
- Reducing heart disease by blocking the formation of plaque in the coronary arteries. A four-year study conducted at Harvard Medical School showed that participants who drank 14 cups or more of green or black tea weekly had a 44% lower death rate after a heart attack than people who didn't drink tea.
- Fewer colds and other illnesses. Tea keeps free radicals from undermining the immune system. In a 2002 report, researchers at Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University in Japan confirmed reports that catechins in green tea extract inhibit the growth of the influenza virus. Scientists at SUNY Health Science Center, University Hospital in Syracuse, New York, reviewed the literature and concluded that green tea enhances immunity.
- Building bone density. One study of more than 1,000 participants showed that drinking two or more cups of tea a day for at least six years strengthened bone density.
- Preventing cavities by blocking growth of Streptococcus mutans, bacterium associated with dental plaque.
- Aiding digestion by fostering the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
So, how much tea do you need to get all these wonderful benefits?
Tea-drinking cultures usually drink about three cups of tea per day. If you can’t always get fresh-brewed tea, assume you’re losing some of the benefits, so aim for four cups of green tea or six cups of black tea daily. Note that expensive teas may taste better, but they don't necessarily provide more health benefits.
Brew tea for three minutes to ensure the release of antioxidants. Longer steeping only produces more tannins, which taste bitter. Iced tea yields the same benefits, but antioxidants degrade with time, so drink the tea soon after brewing.
Tea contains less caffeine than coffee—up to 30 mg per cup of green tea and up to 90 mg for black, versus 160 mg for brewed coffee. People who are sensitive to caffeine may prefer decaffeinated tea. The process that removes caffeine from tea does not interfere with its health benefits.
If you do not like to drink tea, there is an alternative. Try caffeine-free green tea capsules, available at health-food stores. Look for a brand that is organic, free of preservatives and has an expiration date to ensure freshness. The usual dose is two 250-mg capsules daily.
- - - - -
Here is some feedback from the HysterSisters about drinking tea for good health:
- - - - -
“Green tea with jasmine is my favorite! My #1 choice is The Republic of Tea's Jasmine Jazz; it says 'the romancer enhancer' on the label, but you couldn't prove it by me. It just tastes and smells delicious! It's a loose tea. I make two pots a day and drink all of it!”
- - - - -
“For plain green tea, I go to a Japanese grocery store and buy that both loose and in bags. It's wonderful when they get the new crop each year, it has a great fresh aroma.”
- - - - -
“As a tea lover, it makes me happy to see evidence that something so enjoyable to me is so good for me! I grew up drinking black tea, almost daily, but for the last couple of years I've been making pots of half black/half green because I prefer the taste of black. I have come to enjoy green, too, over time, but I still prefer the mixed pot. Just a suggestion in case any of you ladies out there are like me with a taste preference for black! It's a painless way to get your green.”
- - - - -
“I do a green tea with lemon every morning, a green tea mint decaf for lunch or my black tea (it has a lot of caffeine), and for bedtime a Sleepytime green tea. It is very relaxing. After work, while making dinner, sometimes I do chamomile to replace my after-work wine. I don't drink and found it a great substitute. I have been doing this for years and don't drink sodas.”
- - - - -
“I have been using green tea for a few months now. I don't much prefer hot teas, but I make a gallon jug of sun tea about twice a week. The sun tea never comes out bitter or cloudy.”
- - - - -
“If you don't like just plain green tea, you can buy it with all types of different flavors too (usually more expensive). Sometimes I just toss in other flavored teas with the green, and it helps in giving it different flavor while still getting the benefits of the catechins. Right now my sister and I are into Chai tea. I have also purchased from Plymouth Teas online.”
- - - - -
“I live in an area with a large Asian population so I have the convenience of going to one of several large markets to buy the tea and it is really reasonably priced.”
- - - - -
“Oolong is 1/2 fermented green tea, black is fully fermented green tea.”
- - - - -
“I used to make my tea in the microwave because it is quicker (I still do when in a rush), but I bought a pretty kettle and got out my teapot and have been brewing a pot of tea at least once a day. It is so much nicer and makes me feel like I am doing something nice for myself.”
- - - - -
“I started drinking green tea daily (3 - 6 cups a day) over a year ago and just love it. Recently, I took a teapot to work and I make my little pot of hot tea and keep it on my desk. I also drink some black tea. I believe that the green tea has helped keep me healthy. Over the past few months I just haven't gotten a cold. I used to get a cold 3-4 times a year. I work at a university and encounter a lot of run-down, sick students—but I have escaped the pestilence! My favorite green tea is Jasmine Green Tea made by Republic of Tea. It’s a little pricy, but it smells heavenly (aroma therapy) and tastes divine. I also like their Grapefruit green tea, Orange & Spice green tea, Blackberry Sage black tea, and Ginger Peach black tea.”
- - - - -
“I just read in the April Prevention magazine of another benefit of green tea. Researchers have found that the anti-oxidant compound in green tea blocks the biochemical process that causes allergic responses to pollen. It could ease the sneezers this spring and summer!”
- - - - -
“I have found a tasty way to replenish carbs after exercising on a cold day. Microwave Gatorade (I prefer Lime Ice flavor; good taste, no added coloring) until hot, then steep green tea in the hot Gatorade. You get carbs, electrolytes, and the goodness of green tea all in one drink!”
- - - - -
“Know that green tea has the same amount of caffeine as black tea, if you are watching that. I always thought until recently that green did not have caffeine because it is lighter, but it does.”
- - - - -
“I have been surfing in the Celestial Seasonings web site and looking at the caffeine levels in their various teas. Generally speaking, their green teas have 30-35 mg per 8 oz., whereas their black teas have around 60 mg per 8 oz. (although some of their black teas had less, as low as 45 mg). I am pretty sensitive to caffeine, and I am able to drink two cups of caffeinated green tea in the morning without problems. I admit that later in the day I drink decaf green tea just to play it safe.”
- - - - -
“Green tea is great but white tea may be even greater! I have been drinking green tea for a few years now and I believe that it has been a healthy habit that has kept me healthy and has helped keep my skin looking great. Recently I have begun drinking white tea, which may even be more beneficial than green tea, but it is more rare and more expensive (where I get it in loose form it costs 69.99/pound). Anyway, I drink green tea by the gallon each day, plain without any sweetener or lemon, since I prefer the clean crisp flavor of the green. I am 43 years old and have been an iced tea drinker since I was about 10 years old (the instant powdered type, no lemon, no sweetener) and continue to drink iced tea made in this way to this very day. Although the instant powdered tea mix may not be as potent with antioxidants as teas freshly brewed with tea bags, there still are antioxidants in the tea mix, but more likely to a lesser degree. I have always worn sunscreen and never been a smoker: I believe that these along with the tea drinking have preserved my skin! Hurray for tea!”
- - - - -
“I am now drinking really delicious iced tea I made out of Lipton Green Tea with orange, passion fruit, and jasmine. I put a fresh lemon wedge in a glass, and it is soooo refreshing."
- - - - -
“Use 7 teabags.
Pour about a quart of boiling water over the teabags.
Cover and let steep about 10 minutes.
Pour tea in a 2 quart pitcher and fill with water to make 2 quarts.
Serve over ice with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
(Add sugar or honey if you like it sweet.)”
- - - - -
This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.
Ivonne Reynolds, M.D.
2964 North State Rd 7 Suite 310
Parkland FL 33063
954-917-4997 |
Iris Orbuch, M.D.
202 Spring Street 2nd Floor
New York NY 10012
212-343-3040 |
Mayra J. Thompson, M.D.
5323 Harry Hines Blvd Dept OBGYN
Dallas TX 75290
214-645-3888 |
John Garofalo, M.D.
30 Stevens St. Ste A.
Norwalk CT 06850
203-855-3535 |
Eric Grossman, M.D.
2301 Evesham Road
Suite 504
Voorhees NJ 08043
(856) 772-2300 |
Susan Carter, M.D.
North Colorado Medical Center/ MCR
1800 15th Street, Suite 220
Greeley CO 80631
970 353 1335 |
Melodie Wilson, M.D.
3650 Joseph Siewick Dr. #203
Fairfax VA 22033
703-391-1500 |
Wilfredo R. Ramos, M.D.
5301 F Street, Suite 210
Sacramento CA 95819
(916) 453-3440 |
Francisco Garcini, M.D.
1870 Silver Cross Blvd
Suite 210
New Lenox IL 60451
815-463-3000 |
|
|
|
-- January NewsletterPost Hysterectomy Fitness and Health is the theme of our January, 2012 newsletter at HysterSisters.com. Visit this link [ More]...
Advertisement
 Helpful Links
|
|
|
Store »
Hysterectomy Checkpoints
