Antioxidant Supplement

In a recent study conducted by The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that tea is more beneficial for your body than plain water. Water does indeed replace fluids, but tea does two things. In addition to re-hydrating your body, tea also has disease-fighting antioxidants. With tea, antioxidant levels are boosted and can offer protection against heart disease, stroke and many types of cancer (e.g. lung, breast, mouth, pancreas, esophageal, bladder, skin and colorectal). A King’s College research team led by Dr. Carrie Ruxton discovered just how tea and its natural antioxidants do a body good. Consumption of four cups of tea a day lays the groundwork for utmost health; even three cups of tea reduces one’s risk of heart attack by 11%. As a natural antioxidant supplement, the tea also strengthens teeth and bones, boosts immune function and improves artery function by blocking LDL (bad) cholesterol and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. Essential oils housed in tea leaves aid in digestion; green tea is touted to help with weight loss. Among the antioxidants in tea, Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) seems to be the most effective in inhibiting beta-amyloid, a toxic protein the clogs the brains of those affected by Alzheimer’s. This potent antioxidant supplement is present in all teas that are made from Camellia sinensis, but it is found in the highest concentrations in green tea. These antioxidants in green tea may be instrumental in protecting an aging brain. Japan has a lower rate of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia over the United States and other Western countries. This attributed to the intense consumption of green tea.