Green Tea, Catechins, Antioxidants and Health

Green tea contains catechins, which are antioxidants that have been shown to fight viruses, slow aging and have an overall beneficial effect on health.

The most important catechin is known as epigllocatechin gallate, better known as EGCG. EGCG is considered the most important because it reduces the growth of cancer cells, has been effective in lowering cholesterol levels and inhibits the formation of blood clots.

The antioxidants in green tea have shown to increase the speed of metabolism and burn fat naturally. The tea causes carbohydrates to be released slowly, which prevents an increase in blood-insulin levels. When this happens, fat is burned. The EGCG combined with the natural caffeine in tea may raise the metabolic rate by at least 4 percent, according to some studies. Nutritionists agree that drinking tea can help people lose weight because its calorie free and a good source of fluids.

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Women Shed Unwanted Hair Through Mint Tea

Hairy women could shed their unwanted growth by drinking mint tea, according to a study published today. (February 21st - From the telegraph.co.uk)

They are hirsute because they have abnormally high levels of "masculinising" androgen hormones. Today, a study published in Phytotherapy Research shows that drinking two cups of mint tea a day for five days could reduce the level of androgens and counter the unwanted hair growth.

The team studied the effects of spearmint on 21 hirsute women because of reports that extracts of the spearmint plant (Mentha spicata Labiatae ) reduced libido in men. One explanation was that spearmint was reducing androgen levels. After taking spearmint tea twice a day, there was a "significant decrease" in free testosterone, the primary androgen, among the women.

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