Green Tea Extract

The following benefits have been identified in published scientific studies and clinical reports surrounding Green Tea and its numerous bioactive compounds.

Weight Loss

Subject to many scientific and medical studies over the years, regular consumption of Green Tea extract containing bioactive compounds polyphenols, EGCG and caffeine have been proven to induce thermogenesis and stimulate fat oxidation – boosting the metabolic rate by up to 216% . By super charging the metabolism, Green Tea enables the body to break down and burn through fat stores rapidly as well as using consumed calories for energy rather than storing them as fat and other lipids!

As a natural source of caffeine, there have been many studies verify Green Tea Extract can increase physical performance by approximately 11 – 12 %. The stimulant boosting properties result in lipolysis – the breakdown of fats and other lipids by hydrolysis to release fatty acids which are then used as an energy accelerant. This is idea for high-intensity or maximum endurance athletes, augmenting fat oxidation during exercise will spare muscle glycogen, thus delaying the onset of fatigue and enhancing endurance capacity and performance!
Taking a Green Tea supplement will be highly beneficial if taken before working out. Green tea contains both caffeine and L-theanine – combined they are often referred to as “smart caffeine”. In a randomized placebo controlled study, the effects of smart caffeine was found to boost cognition and make caffeine’s energy effects last longer too! One study also found that supplementing with 500mg of green tea extract reduced markers of muscle damage caused by exercise.

Whole Body Antioxidant Support

The relationship of oxidant levels and human illness is a well noted fact, with oxidative stress having a negative effect on immune health and being linked to numerous diseases. Over production of free radicals will cause damage to biomolecules (lipids, proteins, DNA) and eventually lead to many chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetics, arthritis, atherosclerosis, strokes, inflammation, cardiovascular disease etc.

Biochemical analysis has clearly demonstrated Green Tea’s ability to provide whole body antioxidant support as a potent antioxidant to neutralise free radicals. As you age your naturally defence against free radicals becomes less effective, as cells accumulate free radical damage over time – so that’s why research shows that high levels of antioxidants can prevent many age related diseases by preventing free radicals from oxidizing biological molecules. This will additionally enhancing neuronal mechanisms and alleviate oxidative stress.

Powerful Anti-Inflammatory

One of Green Teas major components is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) which has successfully demonstrated its anti-inflammatory effects in numerous studies. The natural anti-inflammatory compound works by targeting multiple diverse steps within the inflammatory pathway and effectively reduces inflammation at a molecular level.

In diseased joints nitric oxide works as a pro-inflammation mediator that induces inflammation and pain due to over production. Clinical studies have verified that EGCG acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent by stopping nitric oxide production to effectively alleviate joint pain and inflammation in a diseased joint environment.
Another common denominator in the pathogenesis of most chronic inflammatory diseases is oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Due to Green Tea being a highly effective antioxidant, it is able to down regulate oxidative damage and ROS by scavenging reactive oxygen species and reducing the gene and protein expression of inflammatory cytokines and inflammation-related enzymes.

Green Tea extract can alleviate pain while improving function in people with inflammation – WITHOUT the side effects associated with equal strength anti inflammatory drugs.

Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Green teas powerful compounds including catechins, CGCG and polyphenols all contribute to overall heart health due to their diverse yet powerful health benefits. These benefits include improvement in blood vessel function, increased good cholesterol and most recently the British Heart Foundation found that EGCG can break up and dissolve dangerous protein plaques found in the blood vessels!

Green tea posses powerful anti-atherogenic properties and is able to reduce plaque accruement in the blood vessels. A build up of plaque in blood vessels such as coronary arteries, will result in a blood vessel that are constricted and inflexible. If not resolved this will lead to a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack. Fortunately, the progression of atherosclerosis (a disease in which plaque builds up inside arteries) can successfully be halted with Green Tea supplementation.

Due to its powerful anti-inflammatory action, Green Tea effectively reduces inflammatory markers and inflammation at a cellular level. Inflammation will damage the blood vessels that lead to heart diseases and strokes!

Several studies have shown that individuals who consumed green tea a few times per day had almost one-half the risk of death from coronary heart disease and almost one-third the risk if death from a heart attack in comparison with those who consumed no green tea! Similarly, those who consume Green Tea supplements can reap the benefits without having to drink the tea.

Mental Health

L-theanine is an exclusive amino acid found in tea plants which is responsible for the taste of green tea. It acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain which works to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, while facilitating a better night’s sleep by stimulating numerous mechanisms within the brain.

1) Boosts levels of GABA, serotonin and dopamine: All are important neurotransmitters in the brain that work to regulate mood, emotions, alertness, concentration and sleep. Increasing these calming brain chemicals will promote relaxation and regulate sleep-wake cycles.

2) Lowers cortisol levels: It is the body’s main stress hormone and primarily works to control mood, motivation and fear – high levels are linked to stress and anxiety. Lowering these levels is highly beneficial to promote mental health and well being.

3) Boosts alpha brain waves: These are typically produced by the body when responding to activities like meditation and relaxing. Triggering the release of alpha wave, green tea can enhance relaxation and focus without feeling of sleepiness and fatigue!

Clinical studies have proven Green Tea’s extensive range of mental health benefits. Throughout various double-blind, placebo-controlled trials volunteers were given various stress-inducing mental arithmetic tasks; l-theanine was able to reduce markers of psychological stress by up to 50%! The volunteer’s heart rates were also reduced, proving that Green Tea supplementation has the exceptional ability to induce relaxation – even during times of stress!

• Reduced feeling of anxiety
• Reduced stress related symptoms
• Improved sleep quality

Essential Minerals for Overall Health

Just like vitamins, minerals are used by the body to perform various functions that are essential for growth, development and to stay healthy throughout life. Green Tea contains around 5-7% minerals, mainly potassium (K), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg). Some of the essential roles these minerals play:

Potassium: is considered one of the most important minerals due to its vital role regulating fluid balance, muscle health and nerve signals.

Calcium: Activates enzymes within the body, builds bones and teeth as well as enabling muscles to contact and blood to clot.

Phosphorus: After calcium, phosphorus is most abundant ithin the body; it promotes healthy nerves and removes waste from the kidneys.

Magnesium: Plays a vital role in over 300 enzyme reactions, its many functions include nerve and muscle function, supporting the immune system and regulating blood pressure.