Potential Risks Of Tea
Tea is generally thought to be safe, even in large amounts. But there have been reports of stomach cramps and kidney stones because of excessive tea drinking.â
There may be more risks when consuming tea extracts. Green tea extract products may cause liver damage . Green tea extract may also reduce the effectiveness of some medications like simvastatin and nadolol.â
Some herbal teas may trigger allergies. They often contain different types of spices, flowers, herbs, and fruits. If you have allergies, read the ingredients list before you try a new herbal tea.
Green Tea Shuts Down Chronic Inflammation
In August 2017, university and medical researchers in China published their findings on the green tea extract Epigallocatechin-3-gallate in the publication BioMed Research International.
(In their study, the researchers found that EGCG acted as an anti-inflammatory agent by shutting down chronic inflammation via multiple and diverse chemical pathways. In simplest terms, the green tea extract acted on nitric oxide run amok in a diseased joint environment.
Nitric Oxide is one of our bodys Dr. Jeykll/Mr. Hyde molecules. In a normal joint environment, nitric oxide regulates inflammation as a healing agent. In an abnormal toxic non-healing joint environment, nitric oxide production gets stuck in the open, position creating chronic damaging inflammation. The green tea extra helped close down the runaway nitric oxide production.
EGCG also acted as an anti-oxidant
A common denominator in the pathogenesis of most chronic inflammatory diseases is the involvement of oxidative stress, related to ROS production.
The research showed that EGCG was able to down-regulate ROS and oxidative damage in its role as an antioxidant. In fact, a February 2018 study in the medical publication Cancer Letters suggests that green teas modulation on ROS can inhibit malignant clone expansion by modulating the intracellular production of ROS.
Rheumatoid Arthritis And Japanese Green Tea
Many of the underlying inflammatory mechanisms/cell signals are shared between diseases of chronic inflammation. For the case of arthritis, its known that inflammatory cascades in conjunction with impaired structural cell-growth can lead to cartilage decay while also continuing in cycle.
The anti-inflammatory properties of naturally occurring green tea compounds possess at least two suggested methods of therapy in arthritis. Firstly, by modulating numerous inflammatory signals and by quenching free radicals directly, objective levels of inflammation may be reduced .
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So What About Joint Pain
I have written a number of recent articles on the connection between nutrition and joint pain. A common thread is inflammation caused by obesity and body fat independent of weight bearing wear and tear. In other words, researchers are showing that it is not the weight load by itself causing joint pain, but inflammation being produced by our fat cells.
I discuss this at length in my articles in the role of Elevated Cholesterol and Joint Pain, and the connection between Metabolic syndrome and osteoarthritis joint pain and especially in these articles What is obesity-induced osteoarthritis? and Excessive weight and joint pain the inflammation connection
In a February 2018 study, in the medical journal Clinical Nutrition, doctors suggest that a 4-week course of green tea extract might well be considered as an adjunctive treatment both for control of pain and for the betterment of knee joint physical function in adults with osteoarthritis.
Green tea extracts impact on joint pain can also be found in its anti-inflammatory effects. Lets get to the research.
Drinking Green Tea May Have A Protective Effect On The Heart
Along with green tea’s cholesterol-lowering properties, the NCCIH notes that the tea may also lower high blood pressure. In turn, this can lead to better heart health, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Similar effects may be seen with black tea, too.
If youre currently taking blood pressure medications, such as beta-blockers, drink green tea in moderation. Large amounts of green tea, especially in supplemental form, may interact with these types of medications, according to the NCCIH.
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Be Careful About Your Teas Quality And Quantity
While teas can help fight inflammation and provide various other health benefits, there are some concerns to consider.
Some tea plants are treated with pesticides and herbicides, so try to choose high-quality, organic or pesticide-free varieties.
A study on pesticides in tea imported from China found residues in 198 of 223 samples. In fact, 39 had residues that were over the European Unions maximum limits .
In addition, teas should be stored in an airtight container in a dark, dry place. If not stored properly, they can harbor mycotoxins, a harmful byproduct from a fungus that can grow on some foods and has been found in tea .
Finally, some teas may interact with medications, supplements, or herbs if you drink a lot of it. Consult your healthcare practitioner if you have concerns about possible interactions .
Summary To brew the best cup of tea, use fresh ingredients and be careful about the quality to avoid pesticides, herbicides, or mold. Also, be aware that compounds in some teas may interact with your medications.
Benefits Of Green Tea Extract
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Green tea is one of the most commonly consumed teas in the world.
Green tea extract is its concentrated form, with just one capsule containing the same amount of active ingredients as an average cup of green tea.
Like green tea, green tea extract is a great source of antioxidants. These have been credited with a range of health benefits from promoting heart, liver, and brain health to improving your skin and even reducing the risk of cancer .
Whats more, many studies have looked at the ability of green tea extract to aid weight loss. In fact, many weight loss products list it as a key ingredient.
Despite these benefits, its important to know that green tea extract can also be toxic when taken in excess, so always talk with a health professional if youre interested in taking these supplements.
This article explores 10 science-based benefits of green tea extract.
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Oolong Tea Helps Reduce Inflammation
Oolong tea is highly regarded for its medicinal properties in East Asia and South East Asia, ranging from being a hangover cure, to its anti-inflammatory properties. Similar to black tea, the partial oxidation of oolong tea creates flavanoids, which also helps reduce inflammation.
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Numerous studies show that drinking oolong can support your digestion and can overall boost your immune system. |
For those with an inflamed gut, oolong tea is slightly antiseptic and can support the health of your gut microbiome by disinfecting your digestive tract to stop bad bacteria growth. Read:
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Ginger contains gingerols, which is the main source of gingers anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Drinking ginger tea can also possibly lower sugar and cholesterol levels. |
In fact, a study even shows that ginger can relieve pains from muscle injury caused by exercise. So if you want to treat aches and inflammation caused by exercising, drinking some ginger tea to subside the pain is a great, natural alternative to taking pain relief pills and tablets.
Green Tea With Honey May Support Diabetes Management
When it comes to blood sugar management, unsweetened beverages are best. However, a cup of green tea with honey may be safe or even helpful for people with diabetes.
An older analysis of 17 studies suggested that green tea may improve insulin sensitivity and lower fasting glucose and HgA1C, important blood markers for diabetes .
In addition, several studies have shown that honey may be better than other types of sugar for people with diabetes .
However, more up-to-date research is needed before we can be sure that green tea with honey may have these benefits. We also need more research into how much green tea with honey is safe for people living with diabetes to drink.
If you live with diabetes, its still recommended that you limit added sugars, including honey.
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Best Teas For Reducing Inflammation: Ease Your Discomfort Now
For many centuries, plants, herbs and spices have been used for their medicinal benefits when it comes to reducing inflammation.
Broadly speaking, inflammation is your immune systems response to some sort of irritant and symptoms can vary depending on the cause.
Were going to walk you through the nine best teas for reducing inflammation around the body, based on the latest scientific research:
How To Make A Loose
To make a loose-leaf green tea infusion, steep one to two teaspoons of organic dried green tea leaves in about 12 to 16 ounces of hot filtered water.
- You may also want to invest in a French press, glass teapot*, or reusable stainless steel tea steeper* for convenience purposes and for environmental sustainability!
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Make It Part Of Your Healthy Diet
So it appears that drinking green tea or matcha on a daily basis may help your body absorb vital antioxidants that reduce inflammation, boost your immune system and possibly cure painful arthritis.
Ahmed, S. . Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin 3-gallate in arthritis: Progress and promise. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 12, 208.
Ahmed, S., Rahman, A., Hasnain, A., Lalonde, M., Goldberg, V. M., & Haqqi, T. M. . Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits the IL-1-induced activity and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and nitric oxide synthase-2 in human chondrocytes. Free Radical Biology & Medicine, 33, 1097.
Ahmed, S., Wang, N., Lalonde, M., Goldberg, V. M., & Haqqi, T. M. . Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate differentially inhibits interleukin-1-induced expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 and -13 in human chondrocytes. The Journal of Pharmacology, 308, 767 -773.
Haqqi, T. M., & Anthony, D. D. . Prevention of collagen-induced arthritis in mice by a polyphenolic fraction from green tea. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 96, 4524.
Singh, R., Akhtar, N., & Haqqi, T. M. . Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechi3-gallate: Inflammation and arthritis. Life Sciences, 86, 907-918.
Why Is Green Tea An Anti
All tea is considered anti-inflammatory, but green tea is at the top of its class. Green tea is made from unoxidized tea leaves that are dried and steamed. This preserves more of the anti-inflammatory polyphenols in the leaf, as opposed to oxidized teas. Other factors can affect quality as well, like amount of time the trees are shaded, time of harvest, and the age of the leaf.
EGCG – One of the most prominent polyphenols in green tea is EGCG – a particular polyphenol that suppresses the gene and/or protein expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines and inflammation enzymes. In other words, it is an immensely powerful anti-inflammatory.
How Does Green Tea Compare to Anti-Inflammatory Foods?
A small amount of EGCG can be found in foods such as apples, avocados, blackberries, cranberries, and nuts. However, green tea has higher levels of EGCG and is easy to drink multiple times per day. Drinking green tea on a regular basis is the best way to prevent symptoms due to inflammation.
What is the Best Green Tea for Inflammation?
There are endless varieties to choose from, but here are some exceptional green teas that pack a polyphenol punch.
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Using Tea For Reducing Inflammation
There are many different types of tea â black, oolong, white, green, etc. â but they are all made from the leaves of the tea plant Camellia sinensis. Theyâre just processed differently. Black and oolong teas are fermented, while white and green teas arenât.â
Herbal teas are not made from the tea plant, but instead from the flowers, leaves, and roots of different plants. Some popular herbal teas include chamomile and peppermint.â
Tea has over 2,000 components. These include minerals, elements, vitamins, and amino acids. Research on the anti-inflammatory properties of tea has focused on plant-based compounds called polyphenols.â
Anti-inflammatory abilities. Research has shown that some polyphenols may have anti-inflammatory properties that may potentially help prevent some chronic diseases.â
Most of the studies on the anti-inflammatory abilities of tea have been lab or animal studies. But a few clinical trials have shown that tea may have some anti-inflammatory benefits in people. â
One study found that participants who drank black tea for 6 weeks had lower levels of C-reactive protein than those in the placebo group.â
Green tea may also have an effect on inflammation. In a study of 56 obese people with high blood pressure, researchers found that those who were given green tea extract daily had significantly lower levels of C-reactive proteins.â
Using Tea To Treat Inflammation
Whether youre dealing with the temporary inflammation of sore muscles and swelling, or are suffering from symptoms of chronic inflammation, teas can be a great way to help reduce inflammation and provide relief from the symptoms of related illnesses. In addition, reducing inflammation can help to prevent illnesses such as strokes and heart attacks. While you should always consult with a medical professional when dealing with serious illness, tea can be a tasty way to reduce symptoms of inflammation on a daily basis. And with so many options to choose from, youre sure to find one that strikes your fancy!
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Health Benefits Of Tea
Spurred on by promising studies, researchers are also looking at teas ability to:
- Promote heart health. Studies show that tea can help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with cardiovascular disease.
- Fight cancer. Polyphenols will induce certain tumor cells toward apoptosis , explains Stephen D. Hsu, PhD, a researcher at Georgia Health Sciences University in Augusta.
- Improve bone strength. One study found that green tea improves both bone quality and strength. Another found tea drinkers over 50 had a 30%reduced risk of hip fractures.
- Rejuvenate skin cells. Hsu says green tea seems to promote healthy skin cell growth, which could help wound healing and psoriasis.
- Protect the brain. A United Kingdom lab study suggests black and green tea may slow the progression of Alzheimers disease. A German lab study suggests green tea may inhibit the inflammation and neural damage associated with the progression of multiple sclerosis.
How To Choose Green Tea
Green tea comes in leaf form but is also available in a powdered form called matcha. Most people new to green tea prefer the mild flavor of leaf tea, but matcha is a powerful antioxidant with many benefits.
To get the most from your leaf tea, look for green tea with high levels of EGCG. A Consumer Lab study tested 24 brands of green tea for EGCG and noted the following.
- On a budget, Lipton Green Tea was the best choice, with 71 mg of EGCG per brewed cup.
- A little more expensive, Teavana Gyokuro Imperial Green Tea had the highest levels of EGCG at 86 mg .
- Looking for prepared, iced, sweetened green tea for an on-the-go, refreshing sip? Harney & Sons Organic Green Tea comes with just under 47 mg of EGCG but only a third of the sugar of other iced brands.
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Green Tea Vs Black Tea
After tea leaves have been picked they can be treated in two ways. The first is a process called oxidation where the leaves are left out in the fresh air. As the leaves react to the fresh air around them they turn brown and develop a slightly bitter flavour. These brown leaves are used to make your everyday black tea, otherwise known as English Breakfast Tea.
In the second process the leaves are heated gently to prevent oxidation and to ensure the leaves do not turn brown. These leaves are used to make green tea which has a milder flavour and aroma.
So, is green tea better for the prostate gland than black tea?
As the leaves are heated to produce green tea they release catechins and antioxidants which have a range of particularly formidable sounding titles such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate . These titles can be a little hard to get your head around so we dont need to understand them in any great detail however, what is worth knowing is that these substances can bring relief from prostate symptoms.
These substances are not released when the leaves are left to oxidise, as in the production of black tea, and without these chemical structures, the drink has significantly less impact on the prostate gland, making green tea the better choice of drink.
Doesnât green tea contain caffeine?
How Much It Costs
You can find green tea in health food shops, supermarkets, chemists and over the internet. Prices can vary depending on the amount you buy and where you buy it.
The quality or grade of green tea can also vary. Usually better quality green tea costs more. The best quality tea is made from the first leaf buds that come in the spring.
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How To Choose A Ginger Tea
Choosing the best prepackaged ginger tea for you is influenced by whether or not you like the taste of ginger. There are many herbs that can mask the flavor of ginger if you prefer less spice.
- Celestial Seasonings Jammin Lemon Ginger: If you like your ginger a little less obvious, try Celestial Seasonings. This blend combines rose-hips and natural lemon in a caffeine free blend.
- Traditional Medicinals: Looking for straight ginger? Traditional Medicinals adds nothing to its organic ginger tea.
- Yogi Tea: This tea is organic, kosher, vegan, and non-GMO. It is prepared with lemongrass, licorice root, and black pepper for even more flavor .