Positively Green - Tea that is!

We have heard about the many benefits of Green Tea, but now there is evidence that it may protect against Alzheimer's as well. Alzheimer's is a disease that affects 13 million people throughout the world. It is characterized by plaques forming in the brain that disrupt the signal between nerve cells so they can no longer function together or communicate well. These plaques are made up of amyloid fibrils, a toxic protein found in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. œNow, a German team says the tea antioxidant, called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), has potent anti-plaque ability.


EGCG seems to attack misfolded proteins and convert them into a molecule that is less toxic, then the immune system can destroy these proteins and reduce the plaque. It is not known if there are any side effects to the EGCG and one challenge encountered by the research was poor absorption of the EGCG. Another challenge is that EGCG is not available for patenting so the pharmaceutical companies may not want to spend the money necessary to begin clinical trials.



The benefits of Green Tea do seem to be the antioxidants (polyphenols) and these compounds are also found in red wine and yellow curry. Research isn't far enough along to determine a recommended amount and doctors believe it may be between 2 and 10 cups daily. Unfortunately, at the higher end, the quantity of other flavinoids present in Green Tea would counteract the effects of the EGCG. Researchers suggest that purifying the EGCG and providing it in supplement form should be tested clinically.

Until the research is completed, it is unknown what doseage is needed daily, but there is enough evidence that Green Tea is good for many ailments, and it makes a great addition to curry chicken.

References: (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/30/AR2008053001886.html)
(http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/09/050928234820.htm)

For more information on the research about Alzheimer's and Green Tea check out these websites:

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Green-tea-s-Alzheimer-protection-gets-more-support

http://www.truehealth.org/ahealt15.html

http://www.cupofgreentea.com/green-tea-alzheimers.htm