EGCG and Green Tea

Green tea is said to provide you with excellent health benefits when consumed in moderation on a regular basis. This is due to a number of different properties existing in green tea but is related primarily to the fact that green tea is an excellent source of epigallocatechin gallate, also known as EGCG. EGCG is an antioxidant which is believed to have positive effects in protecting the human body against various types of cancer. Will you cure your cancer with the EGCG in green tea? Probably not, but you can improve your overall health and ward off likelihood of cancerous diseases, including breast cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer, by making the consumption of green tea a regular part of your daily diet.

History of EGCG studies

EGCG was determined to provide protection against cancers as a result of a study completed in Japan. The study was headed by Hirofumi Tachibana who was working with a team at Kyushu University to study the effects of green tea on lung cancer development. The study found that the growth of certain cancer cells is slowed by the consumption of EGCG in the form of green tea and that this process begins as early as just after having consumed two cups of green tea. This study was published in New Scientist magazine where it began to gain international attention and additional studies of the effects of green tea and EGCG on cancer began to be explored. Additional information on this study can be found via standard online searches for this information.

EGCG instead of other cancer treatments

EGCG has been supported over other forms of cancer treatments by some people with various types of cancer because it has the benefit of potentially killing cancer cells without causing damage to the healthy tissues of the body. In spite of the fact that there are people who claim this, studies appear to be inconclusive as to the actual positive effects of EGCG and green tea on cancer in general. In other words, you should speak to your physician about all of your available cancer treatment options and not merely try to self-medicate with green tea.

Benefits of green tea in addition to EGCG

Green tea is said to have a number of health benefits in addition to the benefits of EGCG. Whether or not these benefits are supported by scientific study is debatable, but there are a number of people out there enjoying green tea and citing benefits as a result. Weight loss is a common benefit which is touted by those who drink green tea for their health. A general increase in energy levels is also cited by many people. These effects may be due to green tea or they may be due to the fact that many people beginning to drink green tea do so by switching over to it from consumption of black teas or even coffee. This gradual reduction in caffeine levels may lead to improved health.

So, does green tea and the benefits that it offers because of EGCG decrease your need to concern yourself with cancer? Not really ... but it is one of many methods of improving your health that you may consider. After all, it has almost zero side effects, tastes good and could be great for you. Why wouldn't you at least give it a try?