By HCLI Staff
How does green tea affect the kidneys? Recent animal studies have highlighted some interesting results. As many people know, one of the most important functions of the kidneys is to remove wastes from the bloodstream. These wastes include excess water and nutrients, as well as the byproducts of cellular processes and substances taken up by the body through the digestive system, skin, and lungs. However, there are some circumstances when kidney functioning may be impaired. A few of these circumstances include kidney disease that results from having diabetes (diabetic nephropathy), kidney stones, low blood supply to the organs (ischemia), and blood coagulation or clotting(thrombosis). A plethora of new animal studies now show that green tea may have the potential to improve these conditions. It might also help maintain the function of our kidneys in spite of these serious health problems. Read more…
By Justin H. Joe, Ph.D. & H. S. Jeon, Ph.D.
With the prolonging of the lifespan in humans, many age-related diseases are becoming more of a problem. While there have been numerous studies on neurodegenerative diseases, studies on the effects of green tea on neurodegenerative diseases have only fairly recently been undertaken. Current research shows that because green tea has natural and potent anti-oxidative properties, drinking green tea regularly can have neuro-protective effects.[1]
Neurodegenerative diseases are disorders that affect the neurons in the brain. These diseases are not curable and progressively get worse as the nerve cells degenerate or die over time. This can cause huge problems in mental functioning.[2] This loss of mental function/ cognitive function and behavioral abilities is called dementia.[3] Commonly known diseases that fall under dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and vascular dementia. Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia are considered primary types/causes of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease can also be considered a vascular disorder (disorder involving the interruption of blood flow to the brain).[1]
By Justin H. Joe, Ph.D. & H.S. Jeon, Ph.D.
Exercise and green tea are considered beneficial to our daily health. However, the combined effect of consuming green tea and exercising is not as widely known. Current research elucidates the benefits of green tea consumption in combination with exercise in both humans and mice. These benefits include improved endurance, weight loss, and resting metabolism, as well as a reduction in the oxidative stress related to exercise.
One prominent finding concerning the connection between green tea and exercise indicates that green tea enhances the body’s metabolism and adipose tissue oxidation when consumed concurrently with moderate to intense exercise over a period of a several weeks.[1,2] A human study in Japan that included moderate-intensity exercise (endurance training) over the span of 10 weeks found that the group receiving Green Tea Extract (GTE) had a decrease in whole-body fat in comparison to the group receiving a placebo.[1] Another investigation involving overweight individuals confirms the enhancing effect of green tea on exercise.[2] 102 overweight adults were randomly assigned either GTE catechins or a placebo and made to exercise with moderate intensity over a 12-week period. The group that received the green tea supplement had a larger decrease in abdominal fat compared to the control group.[2] These studies show that, in overweight women and men, a higher concentration of green tea catechin consumption led to an increased loss in body weight and fat when combined with exercise.
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