We hear the many claims about how green tea is great for our health just like so many other nutritional products and kinds of foods, many some of us have never heard of before yet we are enthralled by the statements. So many of the declarations made about these products wind up being nothing more than overblown hype and empty promises. Nevertheless, there has been some ongoing clinical research directed at green tea which warrants further observation and discussion.
Specifically in a laboratory setting, the chief elements found in green tea known as catechins, may actually hold some pretty impressive healthful assets. In particular, study involving cardiovascular fitness along with cancer prevention measures appears to put forward that green tea catechins could perhaps diminish the odds of contracting one of these two primary deadly diseases, though in an attempt to maintain some objectivity, some of the research in this area has been less that optimistic.
At the moment, a recently released public health report regarding a research project on aging Chinese adults is stating that increasing the amount of green tea consumed – in the Chinese subjects anyway – appeared to be related to a latent augmenting of life expectancy. The epidemiological investigation in question was recently printed in the British Journal of Nutrition and involved nine hundred seventy six men and one thousand and thirty women who were sixty five years of age or more. The first evaluation was conducted in 2006 and as well as completing daily surveys about their food consumption, blood work was taken and telomere length was studied. This was done so researchers could determine if diet or lifestyle choices had anything to do with telomere lengthening and life span results.
Telomeres are the tiny security caps on the ends of each chromosome in our system and have been likened to the plastic shoelace caps that keep our laces from unraveling. Each time one of our cells divides, we lose a tiny part of our telomeres. Subsequent to a particular number of cell splits, the cell loses the security of the telomeres and perishes. This snowballing process of telomere loss and cell mortality, [aging or senescence] during our lifetime, has been theorized as a determining factor for our longevity and average life expectancy as well as all creatures. Interestingly, it has also been linked to the procedure that occurs that cause cancer cells to become “immortalized.”
Besides aging and the whole process of cell division and telomere shortening, Inflammation and other biological stress factors [this would include the intake of dietary fats] on our physiology also have a telomere shortening capacity in a premature manner. The end result of this is a shorter life span and the potential of contracting diseases like cancer or cardiovascular disease also.
Surprisingly, the pace of the telomere failure seems to occur more quickly in men than in women – lending credence to the fact that men have shorter life expectancies than do women.
The science community can now actually predict an individual’s age by assessing the span of the telomeres in their blood samples. Additionally, differences in the length of telomeres in different people can also be utilized as an approximation for possible variations in the life spans of these individuals. During this exceptionally impactful health investigation, the uniqueness in telomere spans between the 2006 research study subjects contributing information to the research team, were then coordinated to variables in diet and lifestyles of the Chinese contributors.
Modifications were made taking into account other lifestyle, diet and overall health factors that were already understood regarding telomere spans, the scientists who undertook this investigation established that when green tea was consumed in large quantities, elderly Chinese male subjects has longer telomere lengths. When finished calculating the median telomere lengths in those males who drank large amounts of green tea and those who had little, the evaluators then figured out the possible life expectancy variation of five years comparing these two study groups of patients. The effects of green tea consumption and telomere length on older Chinese women in this study were much less impactful.
These scientists also learned that an elevated amount of dietary fat and oil consumption was further linked to a reduction in telomere length in the Chinese women. The same results were determined in prior investigations in both the men and women evaluated, most specifically in relation to the amount of meat consumed.
As a result, to summarize the findings, regular intake of green tea seems to have an association with the increased spans of telomeres, in the Chinese male population at least. This data alludes to the fact that based on median findings, these men could well be roughly five years more youthful from a physiological perspective, than their same aged equivalents who hardly ever if at all consume green tea. Quite an amazing result actually and one that is worthy of further research.
Regrettably, this particular investigation did not recognize the identical telomere security effect of green tea in the elderly Chinese female subjects, but the data does not rule out the potential that the women might also get a parallel advantage from consistent green tea drinking. Since we know now that men experience telomere shortening quicker than women during their lives, the uniqueness between the sexes and their telomere span preservation seen in this investigation could be the result of green tea catechins’ about face of causes specifically attributed to men and elevated telomere reduction, however, there is no verification for this.
Now would also be a good time to mention that vitamin D, a nutritional element that is also currently undergoing a renewed increase in awareness concerning its relation to cardiovascular disease and cancer – has at the same time been recognized for its complicity with telomere span safeguarding.
That said there is no reason why an individual should not enjoy a cup or two of green tea each day. One caveat to beginning a tradition of healthful consumption of green tea is to be certain you are buying the best available tea you can find. There are also health supplements that have green tea in capsule form that are easier to ingest and a quick alternative to the actual brew. Green tea has for centuries been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a form of digestive tract therapy and treatment due to its soothing properties.
It also goes without saying the most popular media driven benefit of green tea is its utilization as a weight loss treatment. There is certainly more to be excited about over green tea and your health. Here are five benefits a person can derive from consuming green tea regularly.
• Its use as a weight loss remedy is widely known as I already said, and there are various types of green tea that are more effective than others. Oolong tea is quite useful as a natural means of losing weight. It enhances the metabolism innately while providing you with energy. It is important however that you find the best variety of green tea that is available.
• As mentioned above there is a direct link between increased life expectancy and longevity when drinking green tea. You now understand the basics of that research.
• Green tea is a powerful antioxidant and has been linked via substantial evidence that it can boost your immune system dramatically due to the polyphenols it contains. It has been shown to have the capacity to impede the growth of cancer though no clear evidence exists that it can cure cancer, prevention is clearly a great beginning and green tea is likely the best preventative measure you can do for yourself. Why? It impedes the production of the actual enzymes that cause cancer!
• Green tea has been shown to be extremely helpful for the brain and your heart, two pretty important organs. When a person consumes green tea consistently, they are far less liable to contract any heart illnesses or disease. It can be a deterrent to stroke and heart attack as well. This tea will soften the arterial walls and this makes a huge difference in the prevention of heart problems due specifically to lifestyle damage.
• Help combat inflammation due to its anti inflammatory capabilities. Regular consumption of green tea has been proven to assist those people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and the associated inflammation which is primarily responsible for the pain and discomfort allied with it. It is an effective anti-inflammatory and useful for any illness or disease that has inflammation as a symptom.
There is much more exciting information to be learned regarding the possible cancer deterrent role played by green tea catechins as well as vitamin D and further exciting information regarding increased longevity and health due to consumption of green tea.
All this may make the reader want to rush off and stock up on green tea and even vitamin D but remember that the information relayed to you is for information reasons only. You should never make any major changes that could affect your health without first notifying and consulting with your primary care professional.
Anti Aging, Anti Aging Theories, Health And Aging, Longevity
Fri, Aug 13, 2010
Anti Aging, Anti Aging Theories, Health And Aging, Longevity