The power of green tea
Q:
Can you please tell me what the benefits of drinking green tea are, which brands are the best and how many cups a day I should be drinking?
A:
Green tea is an excellent source of powerful antioxidants called catechins which have been shown in recent studies to fight viruses, slow ageing and protect against cancer, heart disease and many other degenerative diseases.
EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), one of the antioxidants found in green tea, is believed to be 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times more effective than vitamin E at protecting cells and DNA from damage thought to be linked to cancer and heart disease.
The antioxidants in green tea may also lower high blood pressure and cholesterol. Its ability to help regulate blood sugar levels may be helpful for people with diabetes and those wanting to lose weight.
Green tea also contains two chemicals that scientists have discovered can shut down a key molecule that plays a significant role in the development of cancer. (These chemicals are also found in broccoli, cabbage and grapes.)
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