By Alana Ward Hurst, MS, RDN, CPT / February 9, 2023 / 3 minutes of reading
Issues with body inflammation
Body inflammation and chronic inflammatory disease has the potential of being debilitating as it leads to the breakdown of tissue which can further result in organ failure.
Metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative disease and gastrointestinal disease are all considered chronic inflammatory diseases. These diseases are heavily researched to find which complementary and natural therapy treatments are suitable, with green tea being among the most commonly used.
The Chinese and Japanese cultures having been using green tea has been used for thousands of years to treat many ailments because of its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (5). So the main question is, is green tea good for inflammation?
Components of green tea
Green tea is known to contain high levels of polyphenols, minerals, vitamin B, vitamin C, dopamine, and more.
Polyphenols are the star of the show when treating inflammation because it has a strong protective property against oxidation and free radicals, which are known to cause inflammation in the body.
Polyphenols actually give a plant its color and helps it plant defend against diseases and stressors from the environment. Similarly in humans, the specific polyphenol EGCG has been found to be the most effective and therapeutic when fighting inflammation in the body (8).
How do polyphenols help inflammation?
Polyphenols from green tea are successfully being used to treat bowel diseases such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis in order to lessen symptoms and studies have shown the intake of EGCG has lowered inflammatory markers (8).
EGCG has also been recorded to protect neuronal cells and aid those with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Green tea improves cognitive function in majority of studies. In studies where cognitive function did not improve, a decrease in inflammation was noted (8).
Green tea has been found to aid individual's with Parkinson's disease since it contains dopamine but may not be as effective for those with Alzheimer's disease (9).
How to consume green tea
Green tea leaves can be steamed, pan fried, or dried and taken by steeping leaves in hot water or taken in tablet form.
Green tea 4g tablets may be taken once to twice per day or if taken as a liquid tea, it is recommended three to five cups may be consumed per day (6).
It is important to note that due to green teas caffeine levels, equal parts of plain water should also be consumed to ensure adequate hydration.
Possible side effects of green tea
Most individuals experience no side effects with the intake of up to 800mg per day, but above such dosages, some risks may occur (6).
Individuals should consume green tea with caution as it contains caffeine and tannins, which decreases iron absorption. Therefore pregnant women and those with irregular heartbeats should proceed with caution, limit intake, and seek medical advice from their physician.
Diuresis and dehydration may occur and individuals with stomach ulcers should also avoid overconsumption of green tea due to rick of increased gastric acid production (6).
Though rare, liver problems have been reported in some consumers of green tea extract pills and therefore, if present with impaired liver function or liver disease, a physician should be consulted prior to oral intake (5).
Is green tea good for inflammation?
Based on the research presented, it does appear that green tea may in fact be beneficial for individuals with inflammation or chronic inflammatory diseases, but as with all foods and supplements, caution should be taken and a physician should be consulted to ensure green tea consumption is safe for you.
Green tea has shown to reduce oxidation and have anti-inflammatory properties, but continual research is necessary in order to address additional factors such as absorption, metabolism, and bioavailability, but is nonetheless can be see as being good for inflammation (7, 2).
Other treatments for inflammation
Green tea is not the only diet addition that can be used for inflammation. Other options include:
turmeric (or curcumin)
fatty fish
berries
mushrooms
other leafy greens
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