Thursday, February 22, 2007

Green Tea, Catechins, Antioxidants and Health

Chinese Tea Ceremony
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.

See our Green Tea selection at: http://potlucktea.com/Portfolio.htm#Green%20Tea

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