Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) might sound like an unfamiliar term, but if you’re someone who enjoys drinking green tea, you’ve most likely reaped some of its incredible health benefits. If you start your day with a cup of coffee, you might consider switching to green tea.
Green tea contains EGCG, a plant compound that has gotten a lot of attention recently for its health benefits. A significant amount of research has been done on this unique compound. The findings reveal that there are a variety of benefits EGCG offers for one’s overall health.
Read this blog to find out what science has to say about this natural healing compound.
WHAT IS EGCG?
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG, is a plant compound found naturally in green tea and many foods, like berries and nuts. From a scientific standpoint, it’s a polyphenol, which is a classification of plant-based organic chemicals distinguished by a large number of phenol structural groups. In fact, EGCG is known as the most potent antioxidant catechin.
EGCG BENEFTS FOR THE BODY AND MIND
Since research into the EGCG compound began, scientists have isolated a number of health benefits associated with it. Some of them include:
Antioxidant Properties
One of the most significant benefits of EGCG are their antioxidant properties. Compounds with antioxidant properties are molecules that fight free radicals – uncharged, unstable molecules that are highly reactive with surrounding compounds and can cause damage to cells, proteins, and even DNA. Free radicals are caused by pollution, smoking, and an unhealthy diet. These free radicals can cause neurological diseases as well as cancer through oxidative stress.
Oxidation occurs naturally in the human body and is essential to a variety of body processes. Oxidation only becomes a problem when it occurs in excess.
Studies have shown that by interacting with and neutralizing these free radicals, antioxidants like EGCG prevent the damage and cell death that may occur. Antioxidants improve the body’s daily functions while fighting exterior environmental elements that can impact our long-term health.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Along with its ability to protect cells, EGCG is also linked to a reduction in inflammation. Inflammation is part of the body's natural defense against illness and disease, yet, it can sometimes show up when you don't want it to. This can cause some discomfort and overall swelling.
Chronic inflammation may also occur and lead to health issues like heart-related problems, cancer, or asthma. When free radicals overburden the body, they begin to oxidize – or transfer electrons to – other molecules. Over-oxidation causes stress on the body and results in inflammation of various tissues.
Over time, chronic inflammation – or, the prolonged state of inflammation in any part of the body – is thought to have a negative impact on the affected tissues. Inflammation has been linked to numerous health issues, including asthma, cancer and diabetes.
Multiple studies demonstrated that EGCG has the ability to suppress the expression of inflammatory compounds and enzymes that cause harm to the body. 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.
Heart and Circulatory Health Benefits
Research shows that EGCG may help support heart and circulatory health in multiple ways.
EGCG appears to improve how well the lining of blood vessels works. When blood vessels function at their best, the cardiovascular system flows properly, allowing all parts of your body to get the oxygen and nutrients they need. EGCG encourages healthy growth and formation of blood vessel cells, all while protecting the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels from homocysteine.
For those curious about homocysteine - high homocysteine levels can damage arteries, and increase the risk of blockages in blood vessels.
Another benefit of EGCG for heart health is its ability to lower bad cholesterol. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that can build up in the walls of arteries, a process called atherosclerosis. Plaques can build-up and restrict blood flow, cause inflammation, or even burst, triggering a blood clot. Ultimately, plaque increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Hence, it’s a good idea to lower your LDL cholesterol if it is high and EGCG can assist you with it.
High blood pressure, is called hypertension. It’s a major risk factor for heart disease. This occurs when the cardiovascular system is working harder than it should, putting extra stress on it.
EGCG is Linked to Cancer Prevention
According to the research, scientists believe that EGCG may trigger a process in the mitochondria of cancer cells that leads to early cell death. EGCG causes the formation of reactive oxygen species in cancer cells, which damages the mitochondria, and the mitochondria responds by making more reactive oxygen species. As mitochondria damage continues, the cancer cell further lowers its defenses, making it susceptible to early cancer death.
EGCG's cancer-fighting properties are linked to the prevention of different types of cancer due to the fact that it can inhibit tumor incidence and multiplicity in different organs such as the lungs, liver, stomach, and colon.
Researchers suggest that EGCG can also play an important role in chemo-preventive treatments and can even lower the risk of several types of cancer such as prostate and lung cancer.
EGCG Supports Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
The management of blood sugar is a top priority for those with diabetes. Keeping blood sugar at normal levels helps improve your energy and mood. It also prevents serious health conditions from developing, like kidney disease, vision loss, and heart disease.
In multiple studies EGCG shows promise in helping to regulate blood sugar levels which means that EGCG could potentially contribute to the prevention and even treatment of diabetes.
EGCG Promotes a Healthy Metabolism and Aids in Weight Loss
One of the most discussed and best-researched benefits of EGCG is its ability to aid in weight loss.
Your metabolism controls the process of converting food into energy to fuel your body. A balanced metabolism helps you feel energized and maintain a healthy weight. It turns out you can support a healthy metabolism with EGCG. Multiple studies found that this supplement can increase metabolism, so you burn energy more efficiently. This can help you feel energized for longer periods throughout the day while also burning off excess body fat.
EGCG decreases inflammation which leads to less pain. For many people, less pain means more movement and more opportunities to burn calories, which is one way this supplement organically helps with weight loss.
EGCG also stabilizes blood sugar. When your blood sugar crashes, you look for the quickest burst of energy to overcome it - usually something sweet or full of carbs. When your blood sugar is stable, you’re more inclined to make healthy food choices which increases your body's ability to loose weight.
EGCG boosts your brain function. When your brain is functioning at full capacity, you’re better able to make positive choices for your body – including what you eat and how much you exercise. Having the right mood can help you take the steps you need to overcome weight issues.
EGCG Improves Brain Function and Promotes Neurological Health
Another attractive EGCG benefit is its link to brain health. Multiple studies found a close relationship between EGCG and reduced risk of age-related brain decline and increased neurological cell function. This helps maintain clear memory, concentration, and thinking as you age.
Well known EGCG's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may be able to reduce oxidation and cell death within the brain, and speed regeneration and healing of crucial neural cells.
In addition, EGCG may even help reduce the aging body’s production of beta amyloid protein and the phosphorylation of tau protein, both known to contribute to the plaques and tangles associated with Alzheimer’s.
We are happy to announce that Intravenous (IV) EGCG was recently added to our drip menu.
Here at Rejuvii, we take pleasure in offering individualized service, which includes listening to your objectives and goals and tailoring a drip plan to meet them.
Please take a look at our drips menu and choose the perfect IV infusion for you or give us a call at 224-372-3747 and ask for a consultation.
