Tea is derived from the leaves of the Camelia sinensis plant and, according to archeological evidence, has been consumed for almost 5000 years. It remains a very popular drink around the world and studies have shown that green tea in particular offers many health benefits. Green tea is prepared by lightly steaming the fresh cut leaves while black tea is prepared via a process of fermentation and oxidation.
The health giving properties of green tea are derived primarily from polyphenols in the tea leaf. (The oxidation process involved in the production of black tea unfortunately destroys the polyphenols. Oolong tea is partially oxidized.) The major polyphenols in green tea are catechins (a class of flavenoid) with EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) being the most active with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities.
Some of the health giving properties that could be associated with green tea include the following:
- An ability to lower LDL cholesterol levels.
- Cancer protection including for lung, prostate and breast cancer (via the activity of antioxidants, in particular EGCG).
- Heart disease prevention (via anti-inflammatory action, reduction in the activity of platelets and the stress hormone Cortisol).
- Positive effect on atherosclerosis (via action on lipids).
- Improved skin health (EGCG may assist in the reactivation of dried skin cells).
- Improved joint health (via anti-inflammatory properties).
- Reduction for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.
- Better management of diabetes via the control of blood sugar.
- Improved intestinal health. (It is thought that green tea may play a role in destroying unhealthy bacteria in the gut).
- Mental benefits including better alertness and lowered risk of cognitive impairment
- Positive effects on bacterial and fungal infections (due to anti-bacteria and anti-fungal properties).
- Weight loss by speeding up fat oxidation and increasing metabolic rate.
Green tea diets for Candida
Alongside its wide-ranging health benefits, green tea may also help in the prevention and treatment of Candida. According to a study for the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Candida is thought to be susceptible to catechins in certain PH environments. This, together with the anti-fungal properties of tea, is likely to assist in the treatment of yeast infections.
Green tea is an allowed food on Candida diet plans. In fact it may even have beneficial effects by reducing the levels of glucose in the blood. (This attribute underpins the anti-diabetes effect that researchers have associated with green tea
Drinking green tea 3 or 4 times a day may help cleanse the system of excess yeast as well as contributing to healthy living in a myriad of ways.