Did you know that catechins play a key role in the health benefits associated with tea?
Catechins are part of a group that is naturally found in tea leaves as well as fruits and cocoa. Catechins have been used in herbal remedies since hundreds of years. However, we are just beginning to appreciate the true power and potential of the Camellia Sinensis plants.
What makes catechins special? Studies have shown that catechins possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties have been linked to a lower incidence of chronic conditions like cancer and heart disease.
Let’s explore the many health benefits of catechins to better understand their power.
9 Amazing Health Benefits of Catechins
There are four main types of catechins: epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin and epicatechin. EGCG is the most powerful catechin and has many health benefits.
Catechins are a strong antioxidant that protect the body against free-radical injury. The presence of free radicals can cause cell damage and premature aging. Research has clearly established the role free radicals play when chronic health issues arise.
Catechins can reduce the risk of oxidative damage, which in turn can lower your risk of long-term diseases. This is a detailed explanation on the mechanisms that catechins have to offer health benefits.
1. May protect against cancer growth
Catechins and cancer are not directly linked. However, scientists have studied extensively the anticancer properties catechins.
Studies have shown that catechins might exhibit different inhibition mechanisms and during carcinogenesis.
This includes the inactivation of carcinogenic substances that prevent them from entering cells. Carcinogens can also be blocked from entering cells. Catechins could help to suppress cell mutation. They can also block tumor promoters binding to receptors. They can also repair mutations and prevent the spread of cancer cells.
According to existing literature, catechins are linked to lower chances of developing breast and prostate cancer. A study in Japan found that women who consumed at least 10 cups per day of tea had lower rates of cancer and a later onset of the disease.
To fully understand the anti-cancer effects catechins have, however, further research is needed.
2. Lower blood pressure
Hypotension is a significant risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease. Researchers believe that catechins could lower blood pressure.
Participants with type 2 diabetes were asked to consume a catechin tea mix three times per day for four weeks. The participants experienced a significant drop in their systolic as well as diastolic bloodpressure.
According to animal studies, catechins can reduce NADPH oxidase activity as well as lower reactive oxygen species. Both of these factors can lead to hypertension.
3. May aid in weight loss
Weight loss supplements now include catechin-rich green Tea extract. These supplements will not cause weight loss by themselves, but they can help you to lose weight.
Because studies have shown that catechins and caffeine interact to promote thermogenesis, the process of burning fat. Also, catechins can increase energy expenditure and speed up body metabolism.
You may be able to manage and lose weight with the help of catechins. Catechins have been shown to reduce glucose absorption in your digestive tract. They prevent insulin from turning excess glucose into sugar. This means that there is less fat to store.
4. Lowers Cholesterol
Catechins may reduce cholesterol by having anti-obesity effects. Catechins may slow down LDL cholesterol oxidation and inhibit cholesterol absorption, according to studies.
A meta-analysis showed that participants who consumed green tea catechins from 145 to 3000 mg per day had lower LDL cholesterol than those in the control group.
Catechin supplements can lower the risk of CVD by lowering cholesterol. Although the role of catechins is still unclear, a long-term study showed that green tea consumption was ininversely linked to CVD deaths.
5. Cognitive Function Support
Research also showed that higher consumption of green tea was associated with less cognitive impairment. Although many of the improvements can be attributed to caffeine (e.g., increased memory and mental activity), studies have shown that catechins may also help with cognitive function, though in a smaller amount.
Researchers have shown that EGCG and other catechins are capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. They are believed to promote neural connectivity and protect against oxidative damage. This helps avoid cognitive dysfunction.
6. This helps to prevent viral infections
Catechins have protection from viral infections like influenza. Studies have shown that high levels of EGCG or ECG can prevent virus replication and neuraminidase activity, which aids in the release viruses from host cells.
Researchers discovered that catechins also bind to spikes of influenza virus. This blocks the virus from binding with cells in the mucous membrane. As such, catechins may help protect against infection.
7. Promoting oral health
Catechin supplement users may notice a better oral health.
Studies have shown that catechins may help prevent periodontal disease. This is due to the bactericidal properties of catechins that are effective against Porphyromonas spp.
Catechins are also effective in reducing bad breath. One study found that a four-week-long gargling of diluted catechin solutions resulted in lower halitosis .
8. Enhances Anti-Fungal Treatment
Catechins could also improve anti-fungal treatment. Studies have shown that pyrogallol catechin has strong anti-fungal effects on Candida albicans. The anti-fungals fluconazole and amphotericin B may be enhanced by EGCG.
Research suggests that you might see similar benefits with a lower dosage of anti-fungals when you combine catechins with them.
9. Promoting Gut Health
Catechins may promote optimal intestinal health by having anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Catechins have been shown to inhibit the growth pathogenic bacteria in the intestines, according to studies. These include H. pylori and E. coli as well as Salmonella typhimurium DT104.
Catechins don’t seem to kill good bacteria like Lactobacillus species. Bifidobacterium and other spp. Studies have shown that green tea intake can lead to an increase in good bacteria.
Researchers believe this may be because catechins can activate in alkaline environments. Bad bacteria can lead to an increase in ammonium and other sulfides that make the gut alkaline. Good bacteria produces acidic substances, on the other hand. The mechanisms behind catechins’ effects on gut health remain to be fully understood.
How to harness the power of catechins
You now know all about the health benefits of catechins and should include them in your daily routine. It is easy to harness the power of catechins.
Catechin-infused beverages such as green tea can be consumed. Catechins can be found in many foods including blackberries, cherries, grapes and cherries as well as fava beans and dark chocolate.
Green tea supplements are another great option. These are very convenient as you don’t need to prepare anything. The capsules contain all the health benefits of catechins. Experts recommend that you consume 800 mg of catechins per day.
Keep in mind, not all supplements are created equal. It’s not just about the dosage. To maximize the benefits of catechins, you need one with high bioavailability.
Xendurance offers Immune Boost which is high in catechins. Each capsule contains 111 mg green tea leaf extract standardized at 90% and 25 mg green tea extract standardized at 98%.
Immune Boost also contains vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients to boost the effects catechins. This will keep your immune system strong so that it can fight off free-radical injury.
Catechins, when combined with regular exercise and a healthy diet, can help to boost your overall health.
