Truth and myths about green tea
Health / / December 19, 2019
Green tea has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries, they treated everything - from headaches to depression. It is believed that green tea helps to lose weight, lower cholesterol, useful in the fight against cardiovascular disease and can even prevent cancer and Alzheimer's disease. That this is true and what is just a myth?
Does green tea protects against cancer
Unfortunately, there is no evidence that tea may protect against cancer. In 2009, the results of 51 studies, which involved more than 1.6 million people were analyzed. Scientists searched relationship between the consumption of green tea and cancer of colon, prostate, breast, oral cavity, and lungs. It turned out that the findings on the benefits of green tea as a cure for cancer are weak and very inconsistent.
In 2015 studied the anti-cancer effect, which occurs when a combination of trace elements of green tea and the drug "Herceptin", used in the treatment of gastric cancer and breast cancer. The first results are promising in the laboratory, and are now planning clinical trials in humans. But it is too early to draw conclusions, so do not take this as an official recommendation.
Does green tea to lose weight
It is believed that antioxidants and caffeine contained in tea can help the body burn more calories. It is said that green tea helps accelerate metabolism, And therefore lose weight.
Drugs for weight loss with the content of green tea, in fact, are the extracts of green tea, that is, contain higher concentration of catechins and caffeine than the beverage prepared using a conventional tea bag, and boiling water. But the British Dietetic Association, examined the results of 18 experiments involving 1945 people, found no significant weight loss when consuming green tea.
Does green tea lowers cholesterol
In a study in 2012 had shown that daily consumption of both green and black tea helps to lower cholesterol and blood pressure because they contain tea catechines. However, most studies proving this, were short-term, and to reinforce these findings, the need for more large-scale and long-term studies.
Cholesterol - the main reason cardiovascular disease and strokes. And well, that reduce its level can be a simple and enjoyable drink. However, it is unclear how much tea we drink, to see a positive impact on health, and how long you can hold out this effect.
Does green tea prevent or delay Alzheimer's disease
The connection between green tea and Alzheimer's disease in practice has not been proved. In 2010, laboratory tests on animal cells used green tea extract. Since it is rich in antioxidants, it protects nerve cells from death, namely the death of nerve cells leads to dementia, Alzheimer's disease. However, such experiments with humans have not been conducted, so you can not say with complete certainty that green tea helps to cope with the disease.
Can tea lower blood pressure
Green tea actually lowers blood pressure, and studies confirm this. However, the experiments were carried out at a mildly elevated blood pressure people. It is difficult to judge whether the tea have a serious impact on the clinical picture as a whole, and especially if it will help prevent the onset of heart disease or stroke.
Does green tea prevent tooth decay
In a small study conducted in 2014 year, we compared the efficacy of green tea mouthwash antibacterials and popular. As a result, it was found that they were almost equally effective, but green tea has an advantage: it is cheaper.
conclusion
In the East green tea is used as the main agent in the treatment of many diseases - from arthritis to obesity, and for the prevention of diseases like cancer. Although the evidence effectiveness of tea either absent or very weak. Nevertheless tea - perfect drink for the company, which is perfectly safe in moderation, so that fans can continue to enjoy it.