Posted on:
Sunday, October 13th 2013 at 11:30 am
Green tea
is one of the latest superfoods making its way into bottled waters and
energy drinks. You'll even find it in energy bars, mints, chewing gum
and ice cream. It has many claimed health benefits. Texas researchers
add to the list with evidence that green tea aids in the
prevention of osteoporosis. Especially when coupled with a tai chi practice.
Green tea is full of compounds called
polyphenols which
are known for their potent antioxidant activity. Studies have shown
that people who consume the highest levels of green tea polyphenols tend
to have lower risks of several chronic degenerative diseases such as
cardiovascular disease.
Animal studies suggest that the mechanism
behind this correlation may have to do with lowering chronic levels of
inflammation. These studies show that green tea may benefit bone health
by mitigating bone loss due to aging, estrogen deficiency, or chronic
inflammation. That in turn may improve clinical symptoms of rheumatoid
arthritis, normalize bone metabolic disorders, and impact trace element
metabolism.
In humans, the Mediterranean Osteoporosis Study showed that drinking up to 3 cups of tea per day was associated with a
30% reduction in the risk of hip fractures in women as well as men over 50 years of age.
Researchers at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
believe bioactive components in green tea might decrease the risk of
fracture by improving bone mineral density. These compounds may support
osteoblastic activities (bone building) while suppressing osteoclastic
activities (bone breakdown).
Read More Here
