powerman2000

Green tea has become the beverage of choice among health aficionados. Containing potent, disease-fighting antioxidants called catechins, in amounts that are often significant, it can help reduce risk of heart disease, Alzheimer's and certain types of cancer, and also may build bone density, prevent cavities, aid digestion and enhance immunity overall, studies suggest. Now new research provides even more evidence of the benefits of green tea -- that it may assist in weight control and protect against liver disease.

This study took place in mice, cautions lead researcher Richard Bruno, PhD, RD, of the University of Connecticut, so more research needs to be done before people can assume they'll get the same benefits. That said, given the results of this trial and others demonstrating the bountiful benefits of green tea, this is a healthy beverage option to consider.

PROTECTION AGAINST OBESITY
AND FATTY LIVER

To examine the effects of green tea on obesity, Dr. Bruno and his colleagues at UConn divided genetically bred obese mice and their lean counterparts into three dietary treatment groups. For six weeks, mice were given a diet that included 1% green tea extract (GTE), 2% GTE or no GTE in their food. Researchers used a powder derived from brewing green tea.

Researchers discovered that mice that consumed either 1% or 2% green tea extract experienced...

Less weight and fat gain. Interestingly, there was no significant difference in food intake among the three different groups, suggesting that GTE may work by decreasing intestinal fat absorption and/or increasing liver fat metabolism.
A reduced risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This condition is often symptom-free, but can lead to dangerous liver inflammation and potentially to liver failure.
Lower blood cholesterol levels and lower levels of triglycerides (blood fats) in obese mice given the higher dose of GTE.
These results were published in the February 2008 issue of The Journal of Nutrition. Dr. Bruno notes that further research is already underway to better understand green tea's protective effects, and to what extent it may reduce the risk of NAFLD in humans.

THAT'S A LOT OF GREEN TEA

I asked Dr. Bruno how much green tea this translates to in human terms. The 1% and 2% numbers in mice translate to seven and 14 teabags in humans, respectively... a lot of green tea. In Asia, such high consumption is not uncommon, and Dr. Bruno believes Americans too could begin to reap significant benefits at five to seven cups daily.

Still, he cautions that when it comes to weight management, there is no substitute for diet and exercise. Green tea is no miracle weight loss potion, but it is certainly a healthy addition to any lifestyle... and an excellent substitute for all-too-common choices such as sugary soft drinks.


Source(s):

Richard Bruno, PhD, RD, assistant professor, department of nutritional sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut.

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Nice post PM

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