What New Studies Reveal About Green Tea

Green tea supplements have long been long touted as beneficial for weight loss, and as preventatives against heart disease and cancer. Unfortunately, as is the case with most supplements, too much of a good thing may be very bad.

A recent report from American Chemical Society states that toxicity can occur in the liver, kidneys and intestinal tract, with high doses of "phytochemicals," such as those found in green tea. More studies will be done to weight the evidence of positive health benefits of the supplements versus the possible detrimental side effects of consuming high doses of the supplements.

On a more positive note, in another recent, but separate research experiment, neuroscientist Brian Giunta, MD of the University of Florida found that EGCG, a green tea-derived antioxidant, may prevent and treat pre-existing cases of, a form of dementia that can occur in HIV patients. HIV secretes certain proteins which are toxic to neurons and also interact disastrously with chemical messengers from the brain in a way that proves fatal to brain cells. According to Giunta's research, EGCG interferes with the interaction between the HIV proteins and the brain's chemical messengers, "cytokines," and inhibits the harmful effects on brain cells.

Until studies are complete, (if they ever really are), everyone would be well-advised to practice care when taking green tea supplements, and/or other phytochemical substances. It is very tempting to become overly exuberant about supplements that have possible anti-cancer properties or are said to cut risks of heart disease. Years ago, when a report came out about the benefits of beta carotene, many people decided that more is better, with disastrous results. Turning a funny orange hue from eating bags of carrots daily is bad enough, but some people also died from the effects that excessive amounts had on the body .

Green tea extract is available in many products and is a common ingredient in many diet pills. The recommended daily value has not been established and the amount present in supplements can range from only 32 mg, to several thousand mgs. It would be very easy to accidentally take too much.

I believe that balance is the key. When a study came out reporting that eggs raised cholesterol, many swore off eggs. Later, after more studies, scientists concluded that eggs also had a lot of very important nutrients and that, eating eggs in moderation was likely better for a person than avoiding them completely. The lesson is simple: going to extremes is usually a bad idea. A simple balanced diet, with occasional tweaking here and there, is probably the safest diet for most people.

Article on Brian Giunta's findings:
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-05/uosf-gte042707.php

"High Doses Of Phytochemicals, Including Flavanoids, In Teas And Supplements Could Be Unhealthy"From : http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070430224756.htm