Green Tea Flavonoids Protect Arteries

High quality green tea extracts are standardized for their powerful polyphenol flavonoids Plant compound that is associated with pigmentation. Flavonoids have been shown to modify allergens, viruses, inflammation, and various carcinogens. Found in green tea, citrus, berries, onions, parsley, red wine, dark chocolate, and others. known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).  An investigation into the molecular activity of this antioxidant compound found that green tea¹ is highly protective to the endothelial cells Single layer of cells that line the internal lining of blood vessels. They are involved with control of vascular tone and blood pressures along with exchange fo gas and metabolic products and extravasation of immune compounds. lining the inside of arteries. Green tea was able to inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol Low-density lipoprotein. It is a group of lipids and proteins that allow lipids like cholesterol, triglycerides, and fat soluble nutrients (Vitamin A, D, E , K, Q 10, carotenes) to be transported with the water-based bloodstream. , in turn blocking premature death of endothelial cells Single layer of cells that line the internal lining of blood vessels. They are involved with control of vascular tone and blood pressures along with exchange fo gas and metabolic products and extravasation of immune compounds.. Oxidation of LDL cholesterol Low-density lipoprotein. It is a group of lipids and proteins that allow lipids like cholesterol, triglycerides, and fat soluble nutrients (Vitamin A, D, E , K, Q 10, carotenes) to be transported with the water-based bloodstream. (meaning damage to the LDL molecule) is required for plaque formation. Since endothelial cells Single layer of cells that line the internal lining of blood vessels. They are involved with control of vascular tone and blood pressures along with exchange fo gas and metabolic products and extravasation of immune compounds. are the “weak link” in the health of arteries, this finding is significant.

It is always interesting that natural compounds like green tea, based on their presence in the diet for many thousands of years, know how to interact in complex metabolic systems to promote health.  If drugs could do what these natural substances do they would be blockbusters. Thankfully, mother nature has provided a wide array of natural compounds that significantly promote health.