Green tea is worth its weight in gold.
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Green tea has remarkable health benefits. Studies show that it can reduce the risks associated with diabetes, stroke, and depression. Additionally, it has been shown to have a positive impact on cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, inflammation and age-related diseases.

Scientists have discovered that polyphenols in green tea, especially epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), target two hundred human genes. Animal studies show that ECGC extended life spans by fourteen percent.

ECGC protects our cells from disease by reducing oxidative stress and DNA damage. Our DNA is continuously under attack from free radicals and inflammation. Our bodies can repair themselves when we are healthy. However, as we age, our internal protection processes degrade. There are several ways we can counter the effects of aging. ECGC is one on them.

One of the major impacts on healthy aging is metabolic syndrome. Over one-third of adults are affected by it. Fifty percent of those over sixty years are in danger. Metabolic syndrome symptoms are excess abdominal fat, high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipids and increased insulin resistance. Metabolic syndrome increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, neurodegenerative diseases, and age-related diseases.

A recent study of 56 obese patients with hypertension concluded that three months of ECGC supplementation significantly reduced insulin resistance, improved blood pressure and blood lipid profiles. Another study of green tea drinkers showed improved insulin resistance compared to those not drinking green tea.

Animal studies with ECGC showed reduction in weight, improvement in cholesterol and triglycerides. Blood analyses revealed improved insulin resistance, increased mitochondrial efficiency and normalization of blood lipid markers.

Animal studies also showed very remarkable results with neurodegenerative diseases. Animals were treated to mimic Alzheimer’s disease by causing the accumulation of beta amyloid plaques. EGCG reduced these plaques. Animal memory and learning improved in the ECGC-treated animals compared to the non-treated ones.

Parkinson’s disease is like Alzheimer’s disease. Inflammation and oxidative stress in different parts of the brain result in different symptoms. Parkinson-like behavior in animals was improved and in some cases reversed with those animals treated with ECGC.

I have summarized most, but not all the benefits of recent studies using ECGC. Adding green tea to your daily diet is beneficial. I drink a combination of four teas. I have several glasses of organic green tea, puehr tea, oolong tea and gynostemma daily. It’s easy, relatively cheap.

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