can be utilized effectively for powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, enhancement of brain function, maintenance of heart and metabolic health, immunity-boosting effects, and protection of skin and liver. It can be consumed on a daily basis in moderation to aid the overall health pattern.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Support
The is highly enriched with polyphenols, essentially catechins, among which EGCG has been identified as a potent antioxidant. These compounds can neutralize free radicals in the body, unstable molecules that could cause oxidative stress and trigger damage to cells. Oxidative stress has been linked to a number of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Indeed, studies have shown that green tea extract significantly reduces markers of oxidative stress. One recent study, published in Nutrition Research and Practice, found that participants ingesting green tea extract for eight weeks had markers of oxidative stress cut way down, compared to the control group. This would therefore suggest that regular intake of green tea extract may give long-term protection against oxidative damage.
Other than its antioxidant properties, the extract of green tea is anti-inflammatory in nature. Chronic inflammation is another facilitating factor for many diseases, such as arthritis, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Catechins from green tea were found to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory molecules like cytokines. Such dual action against oxidative stress reduction and inflammation makes green tea extract worth adding into every health routine for disease prevention.
Enhances Brain Function
One of the more immediate benefits of green tea extract is its ability to improve brain function. Green tea catechins can cross the blood-brain barrier and exert neuroprotective effects. According to studies, it enhances the cognitive function, working memory, and attention span. The extract achieves this partly through its antioxidant action, protecting neurons from oxidative stress, and partly by the promotion of the growth of new neurons-a process known as neurogenesis.
Green tea extract also contains caffeine and L-theanine, both of which impact brain activity. Caffeine is a well-known stimulant: it increases focus, attention, and reaction times by inhibiting an inhibitory neurotransmitter called adenosine. This, in turn, increases the firing of neurons and the levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine.
L-theanine balances this out, as it has an inhibitory effect on the nervous system. It promotes the synthesis of inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, a neurotransmitter with anti-anxiety effects. In a shocking twist, L-theanine and caffeine synergize. Conjointly, they created a stable, focused energy without the jitteriness usually contributed by caffeine alone. The combination of caffeine with L-theanine resulted in significant improvement of cognitive performance; subjects of a psychopharmacology study reacted more quickly and had improved working memory compared to caffeine only.
Heart and Metabolic Health
Green tea extract is highly studied for its benefits in heart and metabolic health. The catechins contained in green tea extract contribute to lowering the levels of LDL cholesterol, scientifically known as the “bad” cholesterol that builds up in arteries, causing atherosclerosis-a huge risk for heart attacks and strokes. It supports the arterial routes by naturally keeping them clear and healthy, hence reducing the amount of LDL. This in return reduces the chances of any cardiovascular events from occurring.
Metabolically, green tea extract is well known in the use of fat burning, especially at the abdomen. It has been documented that EGCG accelerates fat oxidation by enhancing the capability of the human body in burning fat for energy. A meta-analysis of 11 studies published in The International Journal of Obesity found that subjects taking green tea extract had a significant rise in calorie burning and fat oxidation, contributing to weight loss.
Green tea extract also helps balance levels of blood sugar; hence, it is useful for those individuals with or at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Actually, an improvement in basically means the body will be able to deal with the peak in blood sugar after the ingestion of food. In one study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it was shown that green tea extract supplementation was associated with a significant reduction of fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c, a marker of long-term blood sugar control.
Immune and Infection Defense
Green tea extract has another action that stimulates the immune response, thus offering protection against infection. Catechins, especially EGCG, exert an antimicrobial action through inhibition of growth of certain bacteria and viruses, including influenza viruses, Streptococcus mutans, which is a bacterium implicated in dental caries, and certain strains of E. coli.
In fact, one study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition indicated that supplementing with green tea extract on a regular basis decreased the rate of upper respiratory tract infections among healthy adults. This is due to the immuno-modulating action of the catechins, further supporting the body’s natural defenses.
Apart from the , green tea extract has been proposed to prevent bacterial infections as well. The catechins have been known to disrupt the bacterial cell membrane, which leads to the death of harmful bacteria. In relation to oral health, research has documented that green tea extract reduces the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, thereby contributing to a reduction in plaque formation and risk of cavities.
Skin and Liver Protection
Green tea extract is very helpful for protecting the skin and liver from oxidative stress and environmental damages. Skincare containing green tea extract has been associated with protection from UV radiation and a reduction in signs of aging. Polyphenols in green tea prevent the breakdown of collagen, which is an imperative component to keep the skin firm and elastic. The extract of green tea also prevents wrinkles and fine lines by neutralizing free radicals formed from sun exposure and pollution.
Topical application of green tea extract may also be beneficial for individuals with skin conditions, such as acne and psoriasis, by reducing inflammation and preventing the over-colonization of bacteria on the skin. One recent study published by the Journal of Investigative Dermatology cited that topically applied green tea extract resulted in as much as 80% reductions in acne lesions, making it a useful natural treatment for skin.
Regarding liver health, green tea extract was reported to protect the liver from toxic damage and fat accumulation. Antioxidant activity involving catechins reduces inflammation in the liver and improves liver function, impeding conditions such as NAFLD. In a study featured in the Journal of Hepatology, supplementation with green tea extract for 12 consecutive weeks resulted in significant improvement in liver enzyme levels, a sign of reduced liver damage, among participants with NAFLD
