緑茶の効果

1. What is it and where does it come from?

緑茶（カメッリアシネンシ、エピガロカテキンガレート（EGCG)は中国発祥のもので、その歴史は４０００年以上に遡るといわれています。
reen tea (Camellia sinensi, Epigallocatechin Gallate [EGCG]) originated in China, and it is believed to have been in use for over four thousand years.

緑茶にはポリフェノール抗酸化物質として^{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}世界中の人々に飲まれています。

Green tea contains many polyphenolic antioxidants and is widely consumed the world over.

緑茶に含まれる成分は体内において様々な効果を発揮します。Green tea is a remarkable substance that is utilized by the body in many ways.

緑茶の主な効能は紫外線から肌を守る^{7, 8, 9, 10}、胃、卵巣、口頭、前立腺、大腸、子宮、乳がんなど様々な種類のがんを防ぐ^{11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28}、有益な腸内細菌叢を増やしながら、有毒な腸内細菌叢を減らす²⁹、体の酸化ストレスを防ぐ、抗炎症作用として働く

Green tea has been widely recognized as an effective way to protect skin from ultraviolet light radiation, and protect against many different cancers including stomach, ovarian, colon, oral, prostate, breast and cervical cancers.

It is used by the body to reduce harmful intestinal flora, while increasing beneficial intestinal flora, to help prevent cancer^30,31,32, reduce oxidative stress in smokers and non-smokers³³, as well as acting as a powerful antiーinflamatory^{34, 35, 36}.

緑茶は単回の投与においても劇的に抗酸化レベルを上昇³⁷、善玉コレステロールを増やす³⁸、がん細胞を殺す³⁹、虫歯の形成を抑制する⁴⁰. Green tea has been shown to dramatically increase antioxidant levels from a single dose, preserve good cholesterol³⁸, encourage the death of cancerous cells³⁹, and even inhibit the formation of cavities

As if the above listed benefits were not enough, research has suggested that green tea can interfere with the AIDS virus⁴¹, combat cancer⁴², offer the brain protection⁴³, and even increase life span!⁴⁴

When used in conjunction with anti-cancer medications green tea has been shown to have synergistic effects⁴⁵. Green tea has also been used successfully as a weight loss agent, due to its ability to cause rapid fat loss^{46, 47, 48}.

Although it is widely believed that consuming green tea with milk or other dairy products does not negate its beneficial effects, research has shown that drinking green tea with these addatives does not result in a loss of its benefits⁴⁹. Some have also believed that drinking green tea increases ones risk for developing gastric cancer. Recent research has demonstrated that no link exists⁵⁰.

Although we know much about Green Teas positive effects, there is still much that we do not know. The potential that green tea does other helpful things is very probable.⁵¹ Exciting research continues into this wonder-supplement.

Everyone can benefit from supplementing with green tea.

Populations that may benefit most from the supplementation of green tea include: healthy adults, bodybuilders and athletes, persons suffering from or persons predisposed to various cancers, persons looking to maintain gut health, persons with HIV or AIDS, those wanting to lose bodyfat (weight) and persons looking to increase life span.

Because of its high antioxidant content, green tea cleanses the body of harmful toxins. Not only will this make one feel more healthy, but it will reduce oxidative stress, thereby discouraging cell death and increasing overall lifespan. Because of green teas ability to protect skin from harmfull ultra-violet light, bodybuilders and other athletes (as well as persons with naturally fair skin) will benefit from added skin protection when tanning or when being exposed to sunny conditions for extended periods.

Maintaining gut health is imperative not only for athletes who require opimum protein utilization, synthesis, and nitrogen balance, but for all person looking to maintain optimal health. Maintaining gut health will result in improved digestion, reduced occurances of constipation, and a reduction in acid reflux occurances.

Green tea also has the ability to interfere with the ability of the HIV and AIDS viruses to proliferate in the body. While not a cure for these disease processes, green tea may be a beneficial addition to anti-retrovial therapy and drug cocktails.

Green tea also helps (through CNS stimulation) in the weight-loss process. For years green tea has been added to dietary weight-loss formulations. Its high caffine content helps to increase body temperature, thereby increasing thermogenesis and fatty-acid liberation from adiposites. It also acts as a dieuretic, removing from the body excess water that can lead to a bloated look.

The ability of green tea to increase lifespan comes from the synergy of its benefits. Anyone looking to extend their life should consider supplementing with green tea.

4. How much should be taken? Are there any side effects?

According one study "More research is needed to elucidate the biologic activities of green and black tea and to determine the optimal amount of tea consumption for possible health-beneficial effects.⁵² This being the case, label directions should be adhered to strictly.