Process of oxidation takes place in every single place from piece of banana turning brownish color to rust on a piece of metal. It is a normal process that also happens inside a human body. Our body usually deals with oxidation well, but at times it results in cell damage. The damaged cells are referred to as free radicals. They are molecules with unpaired electron. Since it is unpaired, it will attempt to steal an electron from another molecule. Once this activity becomes excessive, it may trigger various health problems which include cancer, cardiovascular disease and arthritis. Pollution, radiation and cigarette smoke also add up to the growth of free radicals. Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize free radicals.
By supplying an electron to free radicals, antioxidants minimize cell damage. It is important to eat food items that come with antioxidants on a regular basis to stay in good health. Lots of vegetables and fruit make the perfect source of antioxidants thanks to vitamins E and C. The vitamins are known to be among the best antioxidants. Fruits and veggies such as strawberry, kiwi, papaya, spinach, bell pepper, and broccoli are the ideal supply of vitamin C and E. However these vitamins are not the sole source of antioxidants and actually they are certainly not the utmost source.
Increasingly more health nutritionists agree Epigallocatechin or generally known as EGCG is a stronger source of antioxidants than vitamins E and C. A large number of scientists agree that EGCG is 100 times more efficient than vitamin C and 25 times more effective than vitamin E in reducing free radicals. EGCG is a substance available in green tea. A number of the acknowledged green tea extract health benefits include preventions against heart disease, cancer, gaining weight, bad cholesterol and depression.
There have been many lab tests pertaining to the effects of green tea on cancer cells. The final results reveal the dose of 300mg of EGCG on a daily basis to be the most ideal amount. A cup of tea includes roughly 100mg of EGCG. A lot more case studies are on the way, yet as for now 3 cups each day looks like a good amount.
At this time there are a number of methods to take in green tea. Common way is to brew and to drink the tea. This is great way particularly when consumed while eating meals. One additional preferred way is to add green tea powder to water. Blending citrus juice with EGCG has been known to maximize the health benefits. A convenient way is to consume green tea capsules. This will work for folks disliking the flavor.
By Tom Nelson
