Antioxidant Effects of Green Tea
Through the process of oxidation, oxygen starts the
process of burning glucose and fat to provide heat and energy in the
body. Although this is an inevitable and naturally occurring process
which gives our bodies the energy we need; the process of oxidation
creates some by-products that have negative effects to our body.
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During the process of oxidation, highly
reactive by-products called free radicals are produced.
These free radicals act on other molecules, turning them
into free radicals like themselves, thus disrupting their
normal functioning. This could eventually lead to massive
cell destruction, tissue damage, and even cause degenerative
diseases, like cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease,
Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and
atherosclerosis among others.
Oxygen damage to your cells results when there are too many
free radicals present inside the body. Researchers conclude
that such damage may be partly responsible for the effects
of aging and certain diseases.
There are certain substances in food which may play a role
in protecting against this damage. Luckily, the human body
comes prepared with natural defenses against these harmful
free radicals. |
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Antioxidants are chemical substances found
naturally in fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants act on free
radicals, pursuing them and neutralizing them in order to stop
their damage on healthy cells of the body.
What are the antioxidant effects of plants? Among the many
plants that have disease-fighting antioxidants is the camellia
sinensis, otherwise known as the tea plant. For centuries, tea
has been served in Asian households as a healthy drink to
promote health and general well-being. Green tea especially has
been greatly favored due its many amazing health benefits.
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For centuries, green tea has been consumed
throughout the ages in Asia. In traditional Chinese and
Indian medicine, green tea has been used as a stimulant,
diuretic (to promote the excretion of urine), astringent (to
control bleeding and help heal wounds), and to improve heart
health.
The benefits of green tea have been largely attributed to
the presence of polycatechins which have potent antioxidant
effects. However, besides polycatechins, there are also
other ingredients in green tea that contribute to its
antioxidant effects.
What are the antioxidant effects found in green tea? Among
all flavonoids, catechin is ranked high for its antioxidant
effects and properties. Catechin is that substance in green
tea which makes the beverage an excellent source of
antioxidant effects. Besides tannin, vitamins such as
vitamin A (carotene), C, and E, there are also other
well-known substances in green tea that gives it its
antioxidant effects. |
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Research aimed at finding the active compounds in
green tea revealed that its defensive and antioxidant effects
are mainly due to catechins which are powerful polyphenolic
antioxidants.
Green tea also has antioxidant effects that make them powerful
anti-carcinogenic, cardioprotective, nueroprotective, and
anti-microbial actions. A mostly bioactive catechin called
epigallocatechin gallate has been singled out by many
researchers as very important because of its antioxidant effects
leading to cancer prevention.
It is therefore a good idea to drink tea for its antioxidants
effects. A constant intake of antioxidants from our diet can
protect against damages to our body cells which occur following
oxidation. Have more cups of green tea per day and benefit from
its antioxidant effects.
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