Tea Catechins-Simple Solution to a Radical Problem

Tea Catechins Green and Black Tea: Simple Solution to a Radical Problem Sunrider Calli and Fortune Delight

Green and black tea contain potent anti-oxidant polyphenols called flavanoids. These teas show much promise as a convenient way to add valuable nutrients to our daily diets. In green and black tea, the polyphenols give the tea its tart flavor. Catechin, Epicatechin, Epicatechin gallate, Epigallocatechin gallate and proanthocyanidins are some of the polyphenols found in green tea.(a)

"Scientists are especially excited about the phenols' cancer-fighting properties. They potentially defeat cancer by at least three mechanisms. Firstly, they can shut off the formation of carcinogens, secondly they turn up the body's natural detoxification defenses, and finally they suppress cancer promotion."(b) Green tea polyphenols seem to increase the action of a number of our detoxification enzymes, including catalase and Glutathione peroxide.(c) Polyphenols are most abundant in green tea, but are also present in black tea. Both teas are made from the leaves of the same plant, Camellia sinensis, but each is dried differently giving different polyphenol contents. The total poyphenol content in dried green leaves is around 8 to 12%. The catechin content of black tea is between 3-10%, while green tea is 30-40%.

Experiments have shown that tea catechins are effective in suppressing the excessive accumulation of body and liver fat. The amount needed is only a few cups of tea a day. The chances are great that obesity or fatty liver will be lessened by the habit of drinking tea-containing catechins. Studies also confirm that when tea-containing catechins were given before starches were consumed, the increase of glucose and insulin concentrations in the blood plasma were significantly suppressed compared with those of the control group. Catechins suppressed the levels of the glucose and the insulin in the plasma, otherwise elevated by sucrose. These results indicate that tea catechins are effective in suppressing the increase of the glucose concentration in the blood. The conclusion is clear, drinking the tea containing catechins before and during a meal containing starches and fats is far more effective in regulating blood sugar, cholesterol and fat than when consumed only after the meal. Again the reference is to black and green tea, not the common herbal teas.

There is also evidence in the literature relating to the additional benefits of lowering blood pressure, as well have having great anti-bacterial properties. A 1992 paper published by the University Hospitals of Cleveland and Case Western University described the anti-mutagenic affects of green tea polyphenols. These polyphenols inhibited the p450 enzyme system in the liver, which is responsible for the production of carcinogens. The green tea polyphenols also inhibited the mutagenic effects of a variety of potent toxins including salmonella tphimurium.(d) In a recent study of 1300 men over 40, Japanese researchers correlated dietary factors to cholesterol levels and liver function tests. The men who drank the most tea had the lowest cholesterol levels and the most normal liver function results. The research again recognized the benefits of polyphenol flavanoids.

A recent report(e) stated that black tea was associated with a much lower risk of stroke in a study of 553 Dutch men. The flavanoid content appeared to be the reason for the findings. Catechins make certain blood cells, called platelets, less prone to clotting and they also act as anti-oxidants, countering the artery damage potential of highly reactive chemicals. In the Dutch study, men with high flavanoid intake had a 73 percent lower risk of stroke during 15 years of follow up, compared to men with lower flavanoid intake. These men got 70 percent of their flavanoids from tea and 10 percent from apples. Those who drank 4.7 cups of tea a day had a 69% reduced risk of stroke.

Another study was recently released by John Folts, a professor at the University of Wisconsin Medical School,(f) suggesting that black tea flavanoids have the ability to reduce blood clotting. He and his colleagues also found that the flavanoids in tea do a better job of lowering platelet activity than any other beverage tests. Coffee was of NO value. Folts was the researcher who first showed that aspirin helps guard against heart disease by making blood platelets less likely to stick together and form blood clots that trigger heart attacks and strokes. Black tea sounds like a good alternative to an aspirin a day!

Other studies have shown the relationship of flavanoids and heart attacks. Many of us know that flavanoids exist in red wine and may account for the French paradox. However, this study is also reinforced by the work done in Asian countries pointing to green tea as a reason for the lower than normal incidences of heart disease and certain cancers.

As scientific research continues to emphasize the importance of added flavanoids to the diet, the key will be regular, consistent consumption of these valuable micronutrients. As their name implies, they are small, but research is verifying their huge value to longevity and overall quality of life.

THE SUNRIDER DIFFERENCE

The difference between traditional forms for black and green tea and Calli and Fortune Delight are:

Calli and Fortune Delight are concentrated. It would be difficult to drink enough black and green tea to actually enjoy the preventative benefits of catechins. However, Calli and Fortune Delight are concentrated, thus making the catechins strong anti-oxidants.
Calli and Fortune Delight have minor amounts of caffeine (about what you would obtain from a piece of chocolate cake), while black and green tea are typically much higher.
Calli and Fortune Delight have other herbs added to the combination for their cleansing benefits and phytonutrient qualities, while green and black tea is from one herb.
Remember that the blend of both black and green is the ideal scenario found in Calli and Fortune Delight. Consistency is important. Don't miss a day; the quality of your future depends on it.
Let's Live, Drink Up, pg 45, March 1996
Carper, Jean. The Food Pharmacy, Bantam Books, 1998
The Anti Cancer Potential of Foods and Spices: Green Tea. Quarterly review of Natural Medicine Fall 19994, pg 214
Horigome, T. Kumar, R & Okamoto, K.: Brit J. Nulr., 60,275-285 (1988)
Nutriceuticals: The New Food Medicine by Chris Kilbam
Canton Repository. Pg 1 March 25, 1996

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