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 Visit the Virtual Health Fair at http://vfair.com with "Everything Health-Related Under the Sun" Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=13786