The Health Benefits of Green Tea

Does it Inhibit HIV?

For many years, green tea has been associated with positive health benefits. In a recent study by researchers at Purdue University, the nature of these benefits was identified. The researchers found that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), a compound found in the tea, inhibited the growth of cancer cells. A study from the University of Tokyo has shown that EGCg binds to CD4 cells, prventing HIV from binding to and destroying the cell in the process. Experts feel that the substances found in green tea, specifically EGCg, could lead to the devlopment of new HIV medications.

How Much Green Tea Do We Need?

Green tea leaves are potent in EGCg. The study suggests that consumption of four to five cups of green tea may slow cancer. However, the studies of green tea and it's binding to CD4 used concentrations many times higher than those that could be acheived by drinking green tea. However, understanding the mechanism by which EGCg binds to the CD4 cell could point scientists in new directions when researching new drugs and treatment targets.

Understanding the HIV Life Cycle

Do Other Types of Tea Have the Same Benefits?

All tea comes from the same botanical source. Compared to other types of tea, green tea is processed differently. In green tea, the leaves are not allowed to oxidize but instead are steamed. This process allows the natural ingredients in the leaves to be preserved. Other types of tea were not nearly as successful as green tea in inhibiting the cancerous cells or HIV. In the end, green tea was approximately ten times more potent than the other types.

The scientists want to expand on these studies and determine the exact mechanism of EGCg. At this point, the scientists are beginning to understand the initial inhibitive effects of EGCg but further research is warranted to pin down the exact mechanisms and to put that mechanism to work fighting HIV.

More Green Tea Articles and Information

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Starting The Day With Green Tea

_Source:

American Academy Of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, " Elements Of Green Tea Prevent HIV From Binding To Human T Cells"; 14 Nov 2003.