EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) is an anti-oxidant polyphenol flavonoid isolated from green tea. The scientific interests have been increased with EGCG due to its possible benefit as a nutritional chemopreventive agent for cancer, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases. EGCG has demonstrated chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic actions in cellular and animal models of cancer. It is the most powerful and most abundant of the four major catechins found in green tea. It possesses the most potent antioxidant activity of the catechins. It may provide health effects by protecting our cells from oxidative damage from free radicals. A number of chronic disease have been associated with free radical damage, including cancer, arteriosclerosis, heart diseases and accelerated aging. Anti-oxidants found in EGCG work to destroy free-radicals associated with causing fatal health conditions such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. EGCG is also associated with stimulating thermogenesis, a process with a vital role in promoting weight loss. Thermogenesis occurs in our bodies through a series of chemical reactions in which fat molecules are “burned” to form carbon dioxide and water. These reactions release heat which help reduce fat molecules.
The catechins in green tea are responsible for the purported health benefits of the plant. These catechins are antioxidants, with EGCG appearing to be the most power antioxidant of all the green tea catechins. Studies suggest EGCG helps to protect our cells from the effects of free-radical DNA damage. Diseases such as cancer, heart disease and premature aging are all associated with free-radical damage. The antioxidants found in EGCG may help prevent the development of prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, and bladder cancer. Other studies have documented that EGCG may help promote weight loss and fat burning by promoting and stimulating thermogenesis. It may also help you lose fat by stimulating fat oxidation, burning calories, suppressing cravings, and boosting energy levels. Some other benefits of EGCG include helping to improve the ratio of LDL (bad) to HDL (good) cholesterol; helping thin the blood to prevent the formation of blood clots; lowering blood pressure; improving insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes; protecting against kidney disease; and preventing osteoporosis and periodontal diseases.
References:
EGCG Tea. http://www.egcgtea.com/egcg/aboutegcgtea.htm
NutraSanus. http://www.nutrasanus.com/egcg.html
Phytochemicals. http://www.phytochemicals.info/phytochemicals/epigallocatechin-gallate.php
