Catechins - a kind of antioxidant that is particularly rich in tea leaves. In smaller amounts of catechins found in red wine, chocolate, berries, and apples. Scientists have begun to actively explore the use of catechins for health in 1990, but in ancient times, tea was considered a drink of health and longevity.
The catechins contained in tea leaves, also called catechin polyphenols. They belong to the group of flavonoids, which are plant secondary metabolites. This material is not necessary for the normal process of plant growth, and to maintain his health.
Research
Studies have shown that catechins are useful not only for plants but also for humans. In laboratory experiments it has been found that catechins inhibited growth of cancer cells and limit the activity of free radicals that cause cell damage and lead to cancer development.
The results of studies of the properties of catechins, however, is not yet final. Some studies suggest that people who drink tea regularly, the risk of developing certain types of cancer significantly reduced; other studies have found no such beneficial properties of tea.
For example, in one study involved 18 thousand Chinese people, some of whom regularly drink tea rich in catechins. It was found that the risk of developing stomach cancer have 50% lower than those who rarely drank tea, or do not drink it at all. However, in another study, which involved 120 thousand residents of the Netherlands, there was no association between the consumption of catechins and cancer.
Green tea contains more catechins than black. All the tea leaves undergo the same preprocessing, but black tea leaves are then fermented for some time and are oxidized. It is believed that due to these processes, the content of catechins in the black tea decreases. Perhaps the reason for the differences in the results of studies in China and the Netherlands. The Chinese prefer green tea, whereas participants in the study from the Netherlands mostly drank black tea, which means that their body received less catechins.
What is catechin?
Catechins are substances from the group of flavonoids. They are especially numerous in green tea, whose leaves are not subjected to fermentation, so catechins are stored in the leaves intact. In this form of tea contains flavonoids, 70% of which are exactly catechins. They are also available in chocolate, red wine, apples and grapes.
There are five types: catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin gallate. The latter is considered the most powerful in their positive effects.
Catechins and overweight
These substances are often associated with being overweight, or more precisely, it is considered that catechins can get rid of him. Indeed, it is proved that a certain concentration of catechins causes the body to expend energy. American experts study found that people often use green tea, suffer less from fat in the abdomen.
Catechins and metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a plurality of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Catechins are able to prevent significant changes in metabolism, increasing insulin sensitivity, reducing oxidative stress
How to beat stress? Create an oasis
Decreasing fat mass.
Catechins and Type II diabetes
This type of diabetes occurs when the body can not regulate blood sugar
Blood sugar - one of the main indicators of human health
. Studies have shown that regular consumption of green tea a person who has type II diabetes, reduced waist circumference, increased levels of adiponectin increases insulin sensitivity
The principles of action of insulin - the science of saving lives
and the body begins to regulate blood sugar, improves mood.
Catechins and the cardiovascular system
Study of the action of catechins on the cardiovascular system includes a plurality of studies have shown that three cups of green tea per day by 11% to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction. Japanese scientists have shown that regular consumption of green tea reduces the number of deaths from cardiovascular disease, but it is, however, catechins have shown themselves powerless against cancer.
Katiehiny and osteoporosis
With age, bone mass tends to decrease, and the bones become very fragile, porous - all the consequences of oxidative processes in the body. But thanks to the catechins, which are powerful antioxidants
Antioxidants: the truth about the notorious benefits
, Free radicals neutralized and diseases caused by fragile bones, occur less frequently.