Green tea protects the heart

Date: 6th March 2005, Source: Althealth News

A new study has found that green tea may help protect against the damage caused by heart attacks and strokes. Researchers from the Institute of Child Health in the UK carried out the study which was published in the journal of the Federation of Experimental Biology.

The scientists carried out tests on heart cells which found that a major chemical component of green tea known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) can reduce cell death after a heart attack or stroke. EGCG is also thought to speed up the recovery of heart cells, allowing the tissues to recover and alleviating damage to the organs.

Commenting on the results, researcher Dr Stephanou said: “We’re extremely encouraged by these findings and hope to implement them in the clinical setting to minimize cell death activation levels in patients with acute coronary artery disease. However, until we have carried out full clinical trials we cannot advise patients to drink green tea in these circumstances.”

According to a new report from drinks sector analysts Zenith International consumption of green tea products rose by 87% between 2000 and 2003, which contrasts with the downward trend in hot drink consumption across Europe. “The health issue is probably the most important factor behind this growth but beyond that consumers are looking for something different and the health benefit is a bonus,” Zenith analyst Anya Bourke told NutraIngredients.com.