EGCG - Health benefits

Of all the catechins of green tea, EGCG has the most health benefits. First of all it is a very potent antioxidant. An antioxidant prevent oxidation in cells which causes free radicals that can cause damage in cells. In studies it has shown to be useful in the treatment of numerous diseases.

EGCG's anti-cancer effects

Numerous studies suggest that green tea has anti-cancer properties. EGCG might protect against cancers including breast cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer. Drinking  just two or three cups of green tea might slow down the progression of lung cancer. Although there is some evidence that white tea might be more effective than green tea in the treatment of lung cancer. A study in Taiwan showed that that people who drink at least one cup of green tea per day have five time less chance of developing lung cancer. One study green tea combined with tamoxifen suppresses the growth of breast cancer tumors in humans and mice. Applying green tea extracts directly to the skin might have protective properties against skin cancer.

EGCG might speed up metabolism
There is evindece that green tea might speed up metabolism, increase fat oxidation and enhance insulin sensitivity ja glucose toleranse. Also EGCG and caffeine found in green tea raise thermogenesis (heat production).

Anti-diabetic properties

Since green tea might enhance insulin sensitivity there is a chance it could be used in treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Green tea a smart drug?

L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea and there is a possibility it affects brain's neurotransmitters and enchances activity in alpha brain-waves.

Benefits boosting immunity

By comparing coffee drinkers and green tea drinkers it was found that green tea drinkers have five times the amount of anti-bacterial proteins in blood than coffee drinkers. It might boost the immune system and help in treatment and prevention of diseases.

EGCG prevents cognitive impairment.

A study in Japan showed that seniors drinking more that two cups of green tea per day had half the chance of having cognitive impairment. It is thought to be an effect of EGCG passing the blood-brain barrier.

Tea lowers cortisol

Drinking tea can lower the level of cortisol (a stress hormone produced by zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex). High cortisol levels have been linked with blood clotting and heart attacks.

EGCG inhibits HIV

Epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG  can inhibit the HI-virus binding to healthy cells and it might be useful in the treatment of HIV.

EGCG and IBD

Polyphenols (such as EGCG) in the green tea have to ability to reduce intestinal inflammation in mice with inflammatory bowel disease. It might have something to do with the anti-inflammatory properties of green tea.

Halitosis and polyphenols

The anti-bacterial properties of polyphenols might help with bad breath caused by the growth of bacteria in the mouth.

Drinking tea against hemachromatosis

Flavonoids in black tea can limit iron absorption and help people with hemochromatosis by preventing excess iron damaging their bodies.

As shown green tea and EGCG have multiple health benefits.