This is Part 3 of the Green Tea Series. Here are Part 1 and Part 2.
It may be no coincidence that green tea is associated with a colour that symbolizes nature, tranquility and optimism.
In our previous two articles on green tea — with its powerful compound polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) — we discussed the drink’s multiple health benefits.
Here is some more good news.
There are few side-effects to consuming green tea. I have never, personally or with my patients, found the caffeine content to be an issue. I see a huge difference in my patients who switch from coffee to green tea, in terms of better, more consistent energy.
Green tea doesn’t offer the caffeine surge of coffee — the boost is a more gentle, sustained increase in energy without making you feel jittery. On days when I am feeling less energetic to work out, I find that a cup of matcha tea (a particular green tea preparation) is almost as energizing as a pre-workout supplement. I never use stimulants, before a workout or ever.
So how do we get the wonderful green tea compound EGCG into our system?
The obvious short answer is: drink green tea. I usually ask my patients to start by adding one cup per day. I then have them try to transition away from drinking as much coffee toward more green tea.
That’s not to say there are no benefits to coffee — simply that green tea has more benefits. I leave it to my patients to experience the difference of how they feel between drinking green tea and coffee, and they find their own path. I do ask that people consume at least two cups of green tea per day. I suggest 8-ounce cups. In the modern era, 6 ounces is basically a sip, but a 22-ounce mug isn’t exactly a cup either! My personal favorite “cup” actually holds about 16 ounces. I usually try for three of those “cups” during the day.
Consistency is important, whether talking about exercise, the benefits of adding a more colorful plate to your diet or drinking enough green tea to gain health benefits. Just one cup every so often won’t yield benefits, no more than one pushup a week would.
In reviewing the study mentioned in Part 2 of our Green Tea series about teenagers with mild stuttering, the dose was 6 six-ounce cups per day. I am personally amazed the researchers were able to accomplish this dosing. I feel it’s a measure of success if patients add one or two cups of green tea to their diets a day. There are studies in the general medical literature that show good patient compliance in taking one prescription drug pill a day, less compliance in taking two pills daily, and poor compliance when it comes to three pills per day. I believe the compliance is quoted at about 50% by the time multiple daily doses are used. This is from my memory, but does mirror my experience with patients.
Matcha, which is rich in antioxidants, is a form of green tea made from a powdered version of the actual tea leaves. There are multiple recipes for using matcha in baking. I have never tried to make anything with matcha or even tasted it, so I can’t speak to this. I also can’t bake!
One of the pillars of Functional Medicine is “whole foods,” not the company, of course. But the idea of eating whole, natural foods is the best way to live. That is how our bodies evolved. Unfortunately, with many modern practices (fast food, “junk” food, aspects of how the food industry works and even our own poor choices), getting everything we need in the amounts we need is often difficult. I feel this is especially true of a substance such as EGCG that has such a wide range of activity protecting the body and helping us detox.
In these products that utilize green tea extract, and that you can find in our Shop, you’ll notice a theme (note that these involve green tea extract, NOT green coffee beans, which can be used for extra caffeine and possible weight-loss benefits):
- Resveratrol Plus: A powerful antioxidant mix that also adds green tea extract.
- Detox Support: A tablet to help support Phase 1 & 2 detox enzymes, green tea extract/EGCG supports detoxification.
- Detox Powder: Similar to Detox Support tablets, but with a broader base of ingredients for more complete detoxification.
- CORE Support: A complete 7-, 14-, 21-day or more detoxification plan with medical food, premium vitamin and mineral support, and Phase 1 & 2 detox enzymes.
- Liquid Multi: Broad spectrum liquid vitamin supplement, additional support including green tea extract.
- Mito Recharge: Focused support for mitochondria, the energy powerhouse of the cell; green tea extract is supplied for anti-inflammatory processes.
- Gluco IR: Cinnamon containing supplement to help support healthy blood sugar levels, other nutraceuticals including green tea extract for support
- Inflam-Eze Powder: Comprehensive anti-inflammatory response.
- InflammaCORE with protein: Support for healthy healing and detox.
- MitoCORE: Support for mitochondria.
These nutraceuticals are designed so the ingredients benefit the actions of one another. I have personally found powders to be an easy way to provide broad-spectrum coverage.
Try adding some green tea to your daily routine. The benefits can be profound!