2006: Green Tea, Nature Calenders, Endangered Plants, Endangered Species, Conservation of Plants

Gunpowder Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) 1 lb: C

This is Starwest's nitrogen-flushed double wall silverfoil pack. 'Gunpowder' is a strong tasting green tea made from the highest quality first-harvested tea. The Chinese name, Siaou Chu, means 'large leaf.' Black tea is oxidized green tea. Tea contains only four calories per cup when consumed without added ingredients but is a source of several B-complex vitamins. Flavor is produced by volatile oils, and astringency and color by tannin. Since green tea, unlike black and oolong tea, is not fermented, the active constituents remain unaltered in the herb. Green tea is bioflavonoid-rich, proven useful for fighting free radical damage in the human body. It has a high content of polyphenols, which are a class of bioflavonoids. Green tea's best studied polyphenol is Epigallocatechin Gallate.

Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), protects against digestive and respiratory in vitro. Green tea is beneficial in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease as it exerts antioxidant activity, lowers cholesterol and reduces platelet aggregation (stickiness). Green tea extract is very good for the arteries and heart. Additional studies have demonstrated enhanced liver function and immune system function secondary to these polyphenols. EGCG helps block the cancer-promoting actions of carcinogens, ultraviolet light, and metastasis from an original site in the skin, stomach, small intestine, liver or lung. Higher quantities (0.5% to 1% of diet) were protective against high total and LDL-cholesterol levels on a cholesterol promoting diet in rats. EGCG also reduces platelet aggregation about as much as aspirin or Ginkgo Biloba extract. Clincial Science:http://www.thorne.com/greentea.html