Green Tea: Silver bullet or mere health mirage?

Green tea drinkers swear by it. It has ‘magical powers’ that help you shed unwanted kilos; it can treat or prevent cancer, stop Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and will reduce the risk of heart diseases and cardiac arrest. It remains difficult to obtain cold hard facts to support this. However, despite the apparent lack of conclusive scientific evidence, green tea lovers aren’t deterred. Sudipta Talapatra, a nutritionist and avid green tea drinker in Kigali, said she usually enjoys a cup after a busy day’s work. “It helps me relax and makes me feel rejuvenated. I especially like the mint and lemon green teas for their aroma,” she said. According to Sudipta, green tea originated in China but has become associated with many cultures and has become popular with people throughout the world. “Because Green tea is made from unfermented leaves, it contains the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Green tea has become the raw material for extracts which are used in various beverages, health foods, dietary supplements, and cosmetic items,” Sudipta said. The former food service manager in Green Hills Academy who used her expertise to plan nutritious meals for students and staff is quick to acknowledge that more research needs to be made on green tea.“Extensive studies are being carried out to determine the health benefits of Green tea, but it has been proven that Green tea drinkers might have a decreased risk of heart diseases and certain types of cancer,” she said.Is there hype on the health benefits of this beverage? Sudipta said Green tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine that has a calming effect, especially under stress. “Green tea also contains phytonutrients, including catechins that support antioxidant mechanisms and detoxification processes in the body. Catechins prevent cell mutation, deactivate certain cancer causing agents and reduce formation and growth of tumours. Antioxidants produced combat the ageing process by reducing the damage caused by lifestyle and environment,” Sudipta said.Three cups a day keeps the doctor away? “Research has also shown that the catechins increase the production of heat in the body which leads to burning calories. Drinking at least three cups a day is recommended to raise body’s metabolic rate.” “Clinical studies conducted with populations of people indicate thatCan anyone just drink green tea?Asked if there are there precautions worth noting, Sudipta who, among others, holds a bachelors degree in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics and has worked extensively over the past 12 years as a dietician with various hospitals in India, said research at hand indicates “that people with heart problems or high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver problems, stomach ulcers and psychological disorders, particularly anxiety, should not take Green tea.” Sudipta advises pregnant and breast-feeding women to avoid Green tea. Anemic people, diabetics, those with glaucoma or osteoporosis should seek their doctor’s opinion before drinking Green tea. “Drinking large amounts of caffeine including that from Green tea, for a long period of time may experience irritability, insomnia, heart palpitations and dizziness.” According to the American Cancer Society, a USA voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer, moderate intake of Green tea is generally considered safe. “However, a few people may have allergic reactions and should stop drinking it should reactions occur,” says the American Cancer Society. “Drinking large amounts of tea may cause nutritional problems because of the strong binding activities of the polyphenols, which can make it harder for the body to absorb certain medicines and iron supplements. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs and supplements you are taking.”The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), a teaching hospital based in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, the use of herbs is a time-honoured approach to strengthening the body and treating disease, but people ought to understand that herbs contain active substances that can trigger side effects, among others. For these reasons, people should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a practitioner knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine, says UMMC. People with heart problems or high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver problems, stomach ulcers, and psychological disorders, particularly anxiety, should not take Green tea. The antioxidants properties of Green tea help prevent atherosclerosis, particularly coronary artery disease. The polyphenols and catechins present in green tea kill bacteria that cause tooth decay and bad breath but this effect is negated if you add sugar to the tea,” Sudipta said. Kadri Humal Ayal, in Nairobi, Kenya, has been drinking the beverage everyday for over five years, now.“I feel that it is kinder to my body, my stomach. I feel that milk and tea with milk is not good for me, and black tea alone is just not as nice. It took some time to get used to the bitterness of green tea,” she said. “I started mixing it with a bit of pepper mint tea. Now I know the different tastes of the different green teas and I drink it all the way from morning to early afternoon.” Benefit? “I think it is just good for the body. The first time I tried green tea – I did not like the taste, but I had read that it is good for the body. Hence, I started getting myself used to it.”Janet, a Kigali resident, is well aware that Green tea has caffeine but she has taken the drink for the last six years and is still enjoying it.“I really like the taste of Green tea. I don’t drink coffee or tea.” Jane, among others, likes the fact that Green tea has antioxidant properties, which reportedly offer a number of health benefits. “Besides, Green tea helps me add water to my body – and it has antioxidants that help remove bad things from my body. It also helps keep diseases at bay.”