what is egcg
What is egcg?
Epigallocatechin-3- gallate (EGCG), is a chemical compound of epigallocatechin and gallic acid, and is a type of catechin.
Catechins are flavonoids (a category of polyphenols). Catechins are excellent scavengers of oxidized cells.
EGCG is the most abundant catechin found in tea, among other plants, and is a powerful antioxidant that may have therapeutic properties for many disorders including cancer.
Green tea is processed by lightly steaming the fresh cut leaf, and the production of black tea involves allowing the leaves to oxidize. During oxidation, enzymes present in the tea convert polyphenols, which possess outstanding therapeutic action, to a different compound with different pharmacological effects.
With green tea, oxidation doesn't take place because the steaming process inactivates these enzymes. Green tea is very high in polyphenols with potent antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Oolong tea is partially oxidized.
The major polyphenols in green tea are flavonoids (i.e., catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and proanthocyanidins). Epigallocatechin gallate is considered the most important active component. The leaf bud and first leaves are richest in epigallocatechin gallate. The usual concentration of total polyphenols in dried green tea leaves is around 8% to 12%.
The catechins in green tea are responsible for the purported health benefits of the plant. Clinical studies suggest that green tea may have cancer chemo preventive, as well as anti-atherogenic properties.
The potential health benefits ascribed to green tea and EGCG include antioxidant effects, cancer
chemoprevention, improving cardiovascular health, enhancing weight loss, protecting the skin from the
damage caused by ionizing radiation, and others.
So, it makes good sense to drink green tea for its tremendous health benefits!
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