Evidence is strong that green tea lowers the risk for a number of chronic diseas

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Evidence is strong that green tea lowers the risk for a number of

chronic diseases

http://www.news-medical.net/?id=18306

There is a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and cancer in

Asia where people smoke heavily, which may be accounted for by high

consumption of tea, particularly green tea, according to a review

article published by a Yale School of Medicine researcher.

" We do not yet have a full explanation for the 'Asian paradox,' which

refers to the very low incidence of both heart disease and cancer in

Asia, even though consumption of cigarettes is greater than in most

other countries, " said Bauer Sumpio, M.D., professor and Chief of

Vascular Surgery in the Department of Surgery. " But we now have some

theories. "

Sumpio, the lead author of the review in the Journal of the American

College of Surgeons, said he and his colleagues reviewed more than

100 experimental and clinical studies about green tea in writing the

article.

He said one theory is that the average 1.2 liters of green tea

consumed daily by many people in Asia offers the anti-oxidant

protective effects of the polyphenolic EGCG. EGCG may prevent LDL

oxidation, which has been shown to play a key role in the

pathophysiology of arteriosclerosis. EGCG also reduces the amount of

platelet aggregation, regulates lipids, and promotes proliferation

and migration of smooth muscle cells, which are all factors in

reducing cardiovascular disease, he said.

Sumpio said other reports show that EGCG prevents growth of certain

tumors. Tea, according to studies, also can improve gastrointestinal

function, alcohol metabolism, kidney, liver and pancreatic function,

protect skin and eyes and alleviate arthritis. Tea has been used in

managing and preventing allergies, diabetes, bacterial and viral

infections, cavities, reduce or cure diseases with an inflammatory

component and improve neurologic and psychological health.

" More studies are necessary to fully elucidate and better understand

green tea's method of action, particularly at the cellular level, "

Sumpio said. " The evidence is strong that green tea consumption is a

useful dietary habit to lower the risk for, as well as treat, a

number of chronic diseases. Certainly, however, smoking cessation is

the best way to prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer. "

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