Canadian researchers have used rat hippocampal cells that were laden
with amyloid protein, the well-known culprit in killing off human brain
cells in
Alzheimer’s victims. The toxic proteins were injected with green
and black tea extracts (black tea being an oxidized version of green
tea) at concentration levels of 25 micrograms per milliliter. The tea
extracts were found to stop the aggregation of the amyloid so that the
plaque did not form. The results were reported in the European Journal
of Neuroscience (vol. 23 pp. 55-64).
The protective component in green tea and black tea is catechins, which
inhibit plaque build up, and prevents nerve cells from dying. Green
tea contains approximately 70 mg of catechins per 100mL. Black tea only
has about 15 mg 100mL, making green tea more effective in preventing
Alzheimer’s
disease. Catechins are also believed from other studies to help
with reference and memory-related learning ability.
Japanese researchers have also taken the lead in studying the effects
of green tea in the prevention of
Alzheimer’s
disease. One such study from the Tohoku University Graduate School
of Medicine indicated that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) can permeate
brain cells to protect them in addition to its antioxidant capabilities
and the ability to combine with iron.
What does this mean for the prevention of
Alzheimer’s
disease? Up until now, most people consumed green tea for the polyphenols.
These are known to fight free radicals in the body and protect against
many degenerative diseases. The added benefit in brain health is just
coming to light through these international studies.
Green Tea is not unpleasant to the taste, and most people who drink
tea at all find it easy to consume enough for optimal health benefits.
It can be consumed either hot or cold. If you just can’t take the taste,
capsule forms of the extract are available, with the same benefits.
Also, there are granulated forms of green tea extract that are mixed
with water to make a tea-like drink that works in both hot and cold
preparations.
Here are some important facts you should know to be sure your green
tea drink or supplement is giving you the best brain-cell saving properties:
- It is considered safe to drink up to 20 cups of green tea per day.
- Green tea contains caffeine, so if you have
high blood pressure or find that it is making you agitated you should
limit consumption or drink a decaffeinated version.
- When choosing a decaffeinated green tea, be sure it has been standardized
for the polyphenol and/or catechins it contains since some processes
of removing caffeine impact this.
- High levels of green tea consumption can lead to problems for those
who also take anticoagulant medications or even large quantities of
aspirin.
- Dosage recommendations are between 125 and 500 mg/day of an extract
standardized to at least 60% EGCG (catechins) or polyphenols. This would
be the equivalent of 4-10 cups of green tea brewed to a medium strength.
The world is quickly and wholeheartedly embracing what the natives of
China and India have known for thousands of years. Green tea is a healthy
way to fight disease, push back the clock on aging, and prevent
Alzheimer’s
disease.
*
Important note: The recommended doses are for those over age 18.
Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner
prior to administering them.
Discover What They're NOT Telling You About Alzheimer's Disease and
Learn How To Protect Your Brain From Alzheimer's And Memory Loss:
www.AlzheimersDefense.com
