Sunday July 6th, 2008
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Green Tea: Don't Believe The Hype
Posted by Su Avasthi on September 13, 2006 - 7:40am.
First a confession: I don't like green tea. I never have.
I prefer Earl Grey, mint, ginger peach, rooibos and many other types of tea. But for years now, I've consumed a daily dose of green tea for its plentiful antioxidants and stellar health benefits.
Now comes the news that green tea—that miracle beverage said to stave off heart disease, strokes and cancer—probably isn't much of a miracle after all.
According to this AP article, years of research shows that green tea's many health claims are overblown. A large Japanese study, published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association, says green tea showed mixed results in terms of disease protection over a period of several years.
This year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said there isn't enough credible evidence to show that green tea cuts the risk of heart disease. The National Cancer Institute also weighed in, saying that there's insufficient proof that it wards off various types of cancer.
Or, as one researcher summed it up: "It's premature to recommend that somebody start drinking" it to protect their health.
I see. So, it's too soon to say that green tea has health benefits, even though they've been touting those benefits for several years now.
I should have known better. I should have trusted my taste buds, rather than the hype. It burns me to think about the hundreds and hundreds of times that I could have been drinking a tea that I liked better. Especially, since I'm not normally inclined to sacrifice taste for a healthier option.
I'm off to sulk with a pint of high fat, calorie-laden premium ice cream. After all, it won't be long now before a new study informs us that M&M and marshmallow-studded chocolate ice cream has been gravely misunderstood and is, in fact, chockful of health benefits.
Just goes to show you that you can't believe everything you read! My wise old grandmother always followed the theory "everything in moderation; nothing in access". I adhere to this also in all aspects of my life. No new fads or studies sway me to drink more of this or eliminate that. The health secret is that there is no secret! Just maintain a healthy balance!
Namaste
For the last three years I drink a whole pot of fresh Green Tea on an empty stomach every morning. Not only does it maintain weight, it has also proven to be detoxifying, cleansing, HEALING and to me very tasty. It strenghtens the immune system as well as increasing energy. Sometimes it's best to listen to your body instead of the 'mixed' messages from the media.
Link: http://www.dare2baware.com/article/5994/green_tea_health_benefits
~ Trinity ~
As I recall this Japanese study included 11 years of study beginning in 1994 ending in 2006. Also recorded deaths of the people involved (specimens). The study only found out it reduced those at the risk of cardiovascular disease by 16 to 20% but did not reduced mortality due to cancer it also concluded that too much green tea causes impair judgment. I would prefer to drink green tea over any energy drink in the market. What I don’t believe is the dark chocolate hype I am skeptic about it more than the green tea hype.
While all this green tea craze might've been a tad exaggerated I'm still inclined to believe that green tea does have plenty health benefits. Like ajsilos says, I'd chose a cup of green tea over any popular drink out there.
Then again the FDA did approve an ointment based on green tea and has been added to the prescription drug product list.
I also find the taste to be quite soothing.