Benefits of Green Tea Extract

Not surprisingly, the health benefits of green tea have caused it to become quite popular for its many therapeutic qualities. It has been used for centuries by the Chinese as medicine to treat various problems including digestive issues and headaches, but they used it then and now as a tonic to improve life expectancy and quality of health.

Perhaps the benefits of Green Tea extract reside mainly in its antioxidant properties. It is rich in polyphenols (a particular bioflavonoid), is a rich source of the antioxidant EGCG that is some say hundreds of times more powerful in destroying free radicals -- the main biochemical culprit attributed to aging. Its antioxidant properties are where the health benefits of green tea extract mainly reside. Let's discuss the benefits of green tea extract now.

Specific Benefits of Green Tea Extract

As mentioned, Green Tea Extract is a potent antioxidant, but what does that mean? The dictionary definition is that "Antioxidants are a chemical compound or substance that inhibits oxidation." Antioxidants work by scavenging free radicals, destroying them. Free radicals can damage cells by changing its molecular composition. Some scientists believe free radicals can cause cancer and other harmful diseases. This is still debatable, however.

Specifically, the health benefits of green tea extract besides being a potent antioxidant, include minimizing the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Research actually shows that green tea extract to be perhaps one of the most potent medicines in fighting both cancer and heart disease, including skin, colon, and pancreatic cancers.

It's also a potent fat burner, helping the body metabolize fat stores -- something of interest to professional athletes as well as the weekend warrior. With decaffeinated green tea extract, one can get the benefits of fat loss without the side effects of caffeine -- this is why it's become a favorite weight loss aid. It also helps to prevent liver failure.

Some other Green Tea health benefits include antibacterial properties, it is an effective treatment for acne, it stimulates the immune system, defends against dental plaque, and is helpful in digestive and respiratory infections. These are key benefits of green tea extract. It also holds promise in helping regulate glucose (blood sugar levels), which is the body's primary source of fuel.

(This list is not exhaustive for there are many benefits of green tea extract not covered here.) Continuing, it is easy to see why the ancient and modern Chinese anointed it a tonic for long life and health.

Benefits of Green Tea Extract

Cautions & Warnings

No benefits of green tea extract page would be complete without some needed precaution commentary. Be advised that green tea has caffeine. The health benefits of green tea are tremendous but for those who want to avoid caffeine, and it's understandable as to why, make sure you obtain decaffeinated green tea.

Caffeine is actually classified as a stimulant with a number of side effects, plus it's addictive. Pregnant and/or nursing women should always limit their intake of any substances with caffeine.

Consult with your doctor if you're unsure. Some supplement makers are aware of the growing health issues with caffeine and deliberately decaffeinate the green tea extracts. Of course, some will want green tea with caffeine and that's certainly your choice. Individuals taking MAOI inhibitors, an anti-depressant, should not take green tea extracts as well.

How to Choose A Quality Green Tea Extract Supplement

1. The supplements should be produced at pharmaceutical standard GMP registered facilities . Facilities that are GMP registered comply with the most rigid standards so as to minimize the possibility of product contaminants. (These are the same standards pharmaceutical companies in the United States are required to operate under as mandated by the FDA.) Nutritional supplements are not regulated by FDA and as such fraud is rampant with many so-called supplements containing contaminants with 1 in 5 not having the ingredients as proclaimed on the label!

2. Ensure the supplement manufacturer has a Certificate of Analysis (COA) on file for review by you the customer thus confirming the potency of the herbal ingredients listed on the label.

3. Ideally, make sure the supplement does not contain any fillers or additives such as sucrose (sugar), starch, gluten, silica (sand) or any other artificial colors, dyes, or flavors. Ideally, it should also be without caffeine.

4. Make sure the green tea extract is made from standardized extracts. Standardized extracts capture the core, active ingredients that are responsible for its therapeutic capabilities. Many companies don't use standardized extracts as it's less expensive to do so. Standardized extracts also allow you to get the consistency of the potency inherent to the herb.

A Quality Product

A company from New Zealand has a supplement product that meets all the above criteria. This supplement has not only decaffeinated standardized green tea extracts but it has over 70 vitamins, minerals, a full array of antioxidants, enzymes, and trace nutrients.

The health benefits of green tea are all found in this scientifically formulated nutraceutical. I mentioned New Zealand deliberately for the regulatory requirements for supplements there exceeds even the U.S. FDA for pharmaceutical medications. I personally have been using it for over two years and can vouch for its efficacy.

Yours in health, hope, and harmony,
Nutritional-Supplement-Bible.com