Catechins & Caffeine in Green Tea Have Additive Effects

Green tea promotes weight loss, reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease and protects the heart after a heart attack. It’s not a magic bullet against these problems, but it helps. Scientist speculate that caffeine and catechins ( epigallocatechin-3-gallate, EGCG ) are the active ingredients in green tea that promote metabolic health. Green tea also contains antioxidants that protect the cells from free radical damage. Free radicals are destructive chemicals produced naturally during metabolism that cause damage of cell membranes and DNA and promote Heart disease, cancer and premature aging. Researches from the University of Connecticut found that EGCG and caffeine in green tea in hibit fat absorption during digestion and work by separate and additive mechanisms. Green tea is a marvelous food with many health benefits. ( Journal Nutrition, 136:2791-2796, 2006)