Green Tea is a super food. It’s been around for centuries and is a staple of some Asian peoples. But more and more reports continue to emerge from studies on green tea’s benefits, from cancer fighting activity to immune boosting. As of late, scientists have shown that green tea reduces risk factors for heart disease, as it rapidly improves the function of (endothelial) cells lining the circulatory system; endothelial dysfunction is a key event in the progression of atherosclerosis. (Science Daily)

The study, performed by Dr Nikolaos Alexopoulos and colleagues at the 1st Cardiology Department, Athens Medical School in Greece, was a randomised trial involving the diameter measurement (dilatation) of the brachial artery of healthy volunteers on three separate occasions – after taking green tea, caffeine, and hot water (for a placebo effect). The measurements were taken at 30, 90 and 120 minutes after consumption. Dilatation of the brachial artery as a result of increased blood flow (following a brief period of ischaemia of the upper limb) is related to endothelial function and is known to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk.1

While black tea has been associated with improved short and long-term endothelial performance, this is the first time that green tea has been shown to have a short-term beneficial effect on the large arteries. Another study has already shown that green tea reverses endothelial dysfunction in smokers.

Green tea, which originates in China but is now consumed throughout the world, is made with pure leaves, and has undergone little oxidisation during processing. The cardiovascular benefits of all teas – as well as dark chocolate and red wine – are attributed to the flavonoids they contain and their antioxidant activity.2 However, says investigator Dr Charalambos Vlachopoulos, flavonoids in green tea are probably more potent antioxidants than in black tea because there has been no oxidisation

What does this mean for potential victims of cardiac arrest? It’s promising news, especially if other risk factors can be eliminated such as smoking, excessive stress and excessive weight gain.

“These findings have important clinical implications,” says Dr Vlachopoulos. “Tea consumption has been associated with reduced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in several studies. Green tea is consumed less in the Western world than black tea, but it could be more beneficial because of the way it seems to improve endothelial function. In this same context, recent studies have also shown potent anticarcinogenic effects of green tea, attributed to its antioxidant properties.”

Source: Benefits Of Green Tea In Reducing An Important Risk Factor For Heart Disease; ScienceDaily (July 3, 2008)

GREEN TEA EXTRACT IS contained in Ultimate Defense Formula. VasCor Complex is our cardiovascular supplement.

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