Green Tea
© Steven Foster
Parts Used & Where Grown
All teas (green, black, and oolong) are derived from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. The difference is in how the plucked leaves are prepared. Green tea, unlike black and oolong tea, is not fermented, so the active constituents remain unaltered in the herb. The leaves of the tea plant are used both as a social and a medicinal beverage.
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- This interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
|
Abnormal Pap Smear
|
Twice weekly, apply a cream with 15% polyphenols to the cervix and/or take a 200 mg EGCG supplement daily |
[2 stars]
A preliminary study found that cervical dysplasia improved following treatment with epigallocatechin-3-gallate, a green tea flavonoid, for 8 to 12 weeks.
|
|
Colon Cancer
|
Drink a few cups per day |
[2 stars]
The polyphenols in green tea leaves may help protect against colon cancer.
|
|
High Cholesterol
|
3 cups daily |
[2 stars]
Green tea has been shown to lower total cholesterol levels and improve people’s cholesterol profile. |
|
Leukoplakia
|
3 grams daily of a combination of whole green tea, green tea polyphenols, and green tea pigments, along with painting the mixture on the lesions three times per day |
[2 stars]
A combination of whole green tea, green tea polyphenols, and green tea pigments painted on lesions may improve healing. |
|
Obesity
|
An extract supplying 270 mg of EGCG and 150 mg of caffeine per day |
[2 stars]
Green tea extract rich in polyphenols may support a weight-loss program by increasing energy expenditure or by inhibiting fat digestion. |
|
Prostate Cancer
|
Several cups per day (enough to provide 600 mg of catechins daily) |
[2 stars]
Drinking green tea or taking green tea catechins may help prevent prostate cancer in men at high risk of developing the disease. |
|
Sunburn
|
Apply a formula containing 10% green tea polyphenols before sun exposure |
[2 stars]
Green tea contains polyphenols that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, and studies have suggested that these polyphenols can protect skin against ultraviolet rays. |
|
Breast Cancer
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
In one Japanese study, drinking green tea was associated with improvements in women just diagnosed with breast cancer.
|
|
Crohn’s Disease
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Green tea is a tannin-containing herb that may be helpful to decrease diarrhea during acute flare-ups and has been used for this purpose in traditional medicine. |
|
High Triglycerides
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Drinking green tea may have a positive effect on triglyceride levels. |
|
Hives
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Two components of green tea, the polyphenols epigallocatechin (EGC) and epicatechin gallate (ECG), are reported to have an antihistamine effect. |
|
Immune Function
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Green tea has stimulated production of immune cells and has shown anti-bacterial properties in some studies. |
|
Infection
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Green tea is an herb that directly attack microbes. |
|
Lung Cancer
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Numerous preliminary studies have shown an association between drinking green tea and a reduced risk of several types of cancer including lung cancer. |
Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
According to Chinese legend, tea was discovered accidentally by an emperor 4,000 years ago. Since then, Traditional Chinese Medicine has recommended green tea for headaches, body aches and pains, digestion, depression, immune enhancement, detoxification, as an energizer, and to prolong life.
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2013.
