Friday, February 23, 2007

Green tea packed with health-boosting nutrients

Green tea has special health-giving properties because of the way it's processed.
The leaves of black tea are fermented, but the green version is steamed, which makes it rich in antioxidants.

Green tea prevents cancer on a number of fronts: by protecting against damage to DNA, the trigger for cancer, and by shutting down a key molecule in the body that plays a significant role in the development of cancer.

Swedish research has shown it inhibits the formation of new blood vessels that help spread tumours.

Green tea also repairs damage to livers caused by alcohol, protects against diseases such as Parkinson's and rheumatoid arthritis, and restricts the build-up of cholesterol in the blood.
Female tea drinkers have stronger bones than non-tea drinkers, and this reduces the risk of osteoporosis.

Green tea is rich in catechin polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that inhibit the growth of cancer and protect externally against DNA damage induced by ultraviolet light.

The firm is one of a growing number that feature green tea as an ingredient in skincare products because of its protection against sun damage.

The results of a Swiss study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggest that an extract from green tea may help with weight loss by speeding up fat oxidation.

Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.

Japanese evidence suggests that more than three cups a day may ward off the recurrence of breast cancer.

Studies have shown that people who drink five cups a day are 16 per cent less likely to develop heart disease.

If you are a dedicated tea drinker, you might want to consider decaffeinated versions

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