X-Message-Number: 13786
From: "Dr. Kat Cotter" <>
Subject: Info about green tea
Date: Thu, 25 May 2000 18:03:32 -0700

Info about green tea:
(This is in response to Raphael T. Haftka)

Green tea is from the plant called Camellia Sinensis-
which is actually the same plant that produces both
black and oolong tea. Scientists currently believe
that the active ingredient that may be responsible
for the anti carcinogenic effects are the group of
polyphenols called catechins. Dry black tea, like
your ordinary grocery tea, contains 3%-10% catechins.
Oolong tea contains a little bit more (8-20%). Green
tea, however, contains a lot more. A full 30-42% of
the dry weight of green tea consists of catechins.
While all of these different styles of tea are made
from the same plant--the difference is in the
processing. Black tea is made by rolling the leaves,
then exposing them to air. This causes most of the
polyphenols in the leaves to oxidize. Oolong tea is
produced via a process of rolling and drying that
causes only about half of the polyphenols to be lost.
Green tea, however, is heated with dry air or steam,
and this destroys the enzyme in the leaves that allows
the polyphenols to oxidize. They remain in the leaves
to benefit mankind and laboratory mice.
If you are a mouse in a high-risk group for cancer,
researchers are already quite clear on how green tea can
improve your health and chances of survival. But what
about humans? Some studies have shown a correlation
between green tea consumption and reduced cancer risk
in humans. Statistical studies show that Japanese people
who drink a lot of green tea show lower rates of all
types of cancer, and especially stomach cancer.
Further research is needed to pin down the specific health
benefits of green tea to humans, because there's no way
to know for certain, via statistical research, where the
health benefits are actually coming from.  And since the
green tea is, unfortunately, as high in oxalates as the
black or oolong variety, so it's not a good idea if
you've had kidney stones.

Health & Happiness,
Dr. Kat Cotter

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