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Too Many Free Radicals In The Body

Antioxidant Effects Of Green Tea

Oxidation is the process where oxygen in the body burns glucose and fat to provide the body with heat and energy. This is a naturally occurring process that is part of living and is necessary for our bodies to have the energy they need. Oxidation, though, creates some by products that have negative effects on our bodies.

During the oxidation process, the body produces by-products called free radicals. Free radicals act on other molecules to turn those molecules into free radicals and to prevent them from functioning as they should. Too many free radicals in the body can lead to massive cell destruction, tissue damage, and even degenerative diseases like cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis. Too many free radicals in the body causes oxygen damage. Oxygen damage has been linked to certain diseases and general effects of aging.

The human body has natural defenses against these harmful free radicals caused by oxygen damage. There are also substances in food which may help protect against this damage. Antioxidants are natural chemical substances found in fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals to stop the damage they do to healthy cells in the body.

Plants also have antioxidant effects. One such plant is the camellia sinensis, otherwise known as the tea plant. Asians have drank tea for centuries to promote good health. Green tea, especially, has been used for its favorable health benefits.

Green tea is popular for its medicinal uses throughout Asia, but specifically in China and India. Green tea is used as a stimulant, a diuretic, an astringent (to control bleeding and heal wounds) and for a healthy heart. Polycatechins are the ingredient in green tea which are believed to produce its antioxidant effect. Other ingredients also contribute to the antioxidant effect, such as catechin, tannin, Vitamin A, C and E. Catechins are powerful polyphenolic antioxidants.

The antioxidant effects of green tea also make it a powerful anti-carcinogenic. Other antioxidant effects include its cardioprotective, neuroprotective and anti-microbial properties. A substance called epigallocatechin gallate has been identified as an antioxidant that may prevent cancer.

Green tea is an excellent source of antioxidants. Drinking green tea supplies our bodies with antioxidants that protect against cell damage from oxidation. Drink more green tea to protect your body.

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