What is egcg good for

The Camellia sinensis evergreen shrub, which is native to China, India and other countries in Asia, produces nutrient-rich leaves that are harvested, steamed, dried or heated to make tea. Black tea leaves are slightly more processed than green tea leaves, which lowers the flavonoid content and EGCG levels slightly. The concentration of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, in green tea can vary widely depending on preparation methods.

Generally speaking, the type of green tea with the highest EGCG level is high-quality, ideally organic, brewed green tea. You can help increase the EGCG concentration of your tea by steeping it in boiling water not just hot water and letting it sit for a full 10 minutes before removing the leaves. This method results in a stronger tea with a somewhat bitter taste, although the taste can be improved by adding some raw honey or fresh lemon juice.

If you want to maximize the amount of catechins you actually absorb, then drink tea alone and between meals. EGCG is not the same thing as caffeine — however both are naturally found in both black and green teas. The amount of caffeine in tea ranges from about 20 to 45 milligrams per eight-ounce cup, with black tea having a bit more than green tea.

Both have a lot less caffeine than coffee , about half as much or even less depending on the kind of tea. What is EGCG good for exactly? Based on what we know from available research, EGCG has certain anti-aging effects and can act like a natural therapeutic agent to aid prevention of some diseases.

Studies investigating EGCG have found that it suppress accumulation of reactive oxygen species, alters signaling pathways in a way that prevents excessive inflammatory responses, lowers nitric oxide levels and reduces oxidative stress.

All of this translates to enhanced protection against a wide range of health problems, especially those related to inflammation and aging. Catechins in tea leaves are thought to be responsible for many of their beneficial health effects linked to the heart and blood vessels.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, flavonoids help quell inflammation, and that in turn may reduce plaque buildup inside arteries, improve vascular reactivity, improve blood pressure and help lower LDL cholesterol levels.

Researchers believe that EGCG has neuroprotective benefits due to its antioxidant effects and ability to invoke a range of cellular mechanisms in the brain. Some studies have found that catechins can help reverse neural damage and prevent further neural death, decreasing declines in cognitive function as people age. In addition to suppressing cognitive dysfunction, EGCG may help increase learning ability by reducing oxidative damage in the brain.

EGCG may also work in part by boosting thermogenesis the body producing heat by using energy , although not every study has found evidence that these effects are substantial. Consumption of two or more cups daily has been linked to a healthier body composition in certain studies.

For even stronger effects, EGCG and caffeine can be consumed together such as from tea or some extracts and supplements. As an antioxidant, EGCG protects your cells from damage associated with oxidative stress and suppresses the activity of pro-inflammatory chemicals produced in your body, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha TNF-alpha 6. Stress and inflammation are linked to a variety of chronic illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Thus, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of EGCG are thought to be one of the main reasons for its broad disease-preventing applications 1. Research suggests that EGCG in green tea may support heart health by reducing blood pressure, cholesterol, and the accumulation of plaque in blood vessels — all major risk factors for heart disease 7 , 8.

In an 8-week study in 33 people, taking mg of EGCG-containing green tea extract daily resulted in a significant 4. A separate study in 56 people found significant reductions in blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammatory markers in those taking a daily dose of mg of green tea extract over 3 months Though these results are encouraging, more research is needed to better understand how EGCG in green tea may reduce heart disease risk. EGCG may also promote weight loss , especially when taken alongside the caffeine naturally found in green tea.

Additional human studies have collectively found that taking — mg of EGCG together with 80— mg of caffeine for at least 12 weeks is linked to significant weight loss and reduction of body fat Still, changes in weight or body composition are not consistently seen when EGCG is taken without caffeine.

Early research suggests that EGCG in green tea may play a role in improving neurological cell function and preventing degenerative brain diseases. In some studies, EGCG injections significantly improved inflammation, as well as recovery and regeneration of neural cells in mice with spinal cord injuries 13 , However, the available data is inconsistent More research is needed to better understand whether EGCG may effectively prevent or treat degenerative brain diseases in humans.

EGCG in green tea may offer a variety of health benefits, such as reduced inflammation, weight loss, and the prevention of heart and brain diseases. Still, more research on its effectiveness is needed. The reason for this is not completely understood, but it may be related to the fact that a lot of EGCG bypasses the small intestine too quickly and ends up being degraded by bacteria in the large intestine A single cup 8 ounces or ml of brewed green tea typically contains about 50— mg of EGCG.

Dosages used in scientific studies are often much higher, but exact amounts have been inconsistent 11 , Daily daily intakes equal to or above mg of EGCG per day increases the blood levels of transaminases, an indicator of liver damage One group of researchers suggested a safe intake level of mg of EGCG per day when ingested in solid supplemental form In fact, EGCG supplements have been associated with serious side effects, such as 16 :.

EGCG may also interfere with the absorption of some prescription medications, including certain types of cholesterol-lowering and antipsychotic drugs To ensure safety, always consult with your healthcare provider prior to starting a new dietary supplement.

There is currently no clear dosage recommendation for EGCG, though mg daily for up to 4 weeks has been used safely in studies. EGCG supplements have been linked to serious side effects and may interfere with medication absorption. Green tea owes its subtle flavors and gentle, mouth-cleansing astringency to a number of organic compounds.

One of them is epigallocatechin gallate, usually abbreviated as EGCG, which has attracted attention within the medical and wellness communities for its potential health benefits.

More research is required, but in the meantime green tea remains an appealing beverage, and any long-term health benefits will be a pleasant bonus. Epigallocatechin gallate is one of a group of plant phenols commonly described as tannins, since some of these compounds have long been used to tan hides for leather.

They give tea its mild astringency, the characteristic that makes your mouth feel clean and fresh after you've had a cup. Some plant phenols, including EGCG, are especially "bioactive," meaning they're very likely to interact with other organic molecules and cellular processes. That activity is exactly what makes EGCG so interesting to researchers. One of the first things to know about EGCG is that it interferes with oxidation, and therefore can help minimize oxidative damage in cells.

Oxidative damage is known to be a contributing factor in a number of illnesses, notably cancer. So some sources, most notably the supplements industry, argue that consuming lots of antioxidants should provide protection against numerous cancers.