Green tea detox uses the antioxidant properties of green tea to counteract free radical damage to cells, preventing permanent damage to healthy cells and DNA. It can be effective due to the EGCG levels in the tea leaves, and supplements may provide a more detoxifying effect. Caution should be exercised when beginning this detox.
A green tea detox involves consuming green tea to help remove toxins from the body. While the term detox is commonly associated with colon cleansing, this type may not increase bowel movements or affect waste elimination. Basically, typical green tea detox diets work at the cellular level to counteract free radical damage to cells.
Green tea is known as a strong antioxidant, which works to counteract free radical damage to cells. Free radicals are found in the body of every person. Environmental factors, such as air pollution, can also contribute to free radical levels. Other factors involved may include unhealthy eating habits, smoking, and alcohol use.
Free radicals take over healthy cells and reproduce rapidly. When cells are attacked by free radicals, they can no longer function to rejuvenate and heal the body. Green tea detox, with its antioxidant benefits, works to surround cells absorbed by free radicals and inhibit their reproduction.
On a cellular level, a green tea detox can prevent permanent damage to healthy cells and DNA. Free radicals will pair up with a healthy cell to gain an electron at any cost. Once paired, free radicals can cause energy loss, cell death, and can increase skin aging. Diseases that may be associated with free radical damage include Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and depression.
A green tea detox can be effective due to the EGCG levels in the tea leaves. EGCG, or epigallocatechin-3-gallate, is usually measured in milligrams, with totals usually printed on supplement labels or tea packets. A cup of green tea can contain between 20 and 35 mg of EGCG. This substance may be important due to its antioxidant qualities and effectiveness, which is believed to be 100 times stronger than vitamin C or vitamin E.
There are no official guidelines for this type of detox. Some proponents suggest consuming three to four cups of green tea per day, which adds up to 140 mg of EGCG to the diet. Clinical studies have been conducted, with positive results when participants consumed more than 600 mg of EGCG each day.
Consuming enough brewed green tea to detoxify the body and fight free radical damage can be difficult. Green tea supplements may contain higher concentrations of EGCG and therefore provide a more detoxifying effect. Supplements are also absorbed differently than natural green tea, so combining prepared green tea and supplements may be a more effective option.
Green tea supplements may include ingredients other than tea. These capsules may contain stimulants, natural laxatives, and other herbs to help eliminate toxins. While green tea is generally considered safe for everyone to consume, herbs that increase heart rate can cause harmful side effects if a heart condition or other disease is present. Laxatives can also have negative effects on the body, such as dehydration and dependency. For this reason, caution should be exercised when beginning this detox.
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