FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

Q1: What are catechins?
A1: Catechins are polyphenol compounds that are predominantly found in tea. Catechin is a powerful and water-soluble antioxidant, which provides the astringent taste to tea. Oolong and black tea also have catechins, but it is found that green tea (unfermented tea) has higher amount of catechins, which is about 15-40% of the dry weight of green tea leaves. Oolong tea (partially fermented) has about 8-20% while black tea (fermented) has approximately 3-10% of catechins. Scientific research revealed that catechins (especially epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG) are the active compounds found naturally in green tea that has tremendous protective effects to human. These polyphenol catechins in green tea have been found to provide 25 – 100 times greater antioxidant protection than vitamins C and E.

Q2: How many types of catechins are there?
A2: There are five main types of catechins:• Gallocatechin (GC)• Epicatechin (EC)• Epigallocatechin (EGC)• Epicatechin Gallate (ECG)• Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)

Q3: What is the relative concentration of the five major tea catechins in green tea?
A3: The relative concentration of the five major tea catechins is EGCG > ECG > EC > EGC > GC

Q4: Among these 5 types of polyphenol catechins, which one is the most potent antioxidant group to human health?
A4: Although they're closely related chemically, the catechins have slightly different properties and potencies. Research revealed that EGCG is the most abundant and potent group to offer protective effects to human health.

Q5: Please explain how catechins are absorbed and metabolized in the system?
A5: After oral intake, most tea catechins undergo degradation in the intestine and then about 20-30% of those are degraded or a few of the intact catechins are absorbed into the body. The rest, which is the majority, seem to be excreted via faeces. After absorption, tea catechins are further metabolized in the liver and circulated throughout the whole body and finally being excreted via urine in approximately 24 hours. To boost the rate of absorption by as much as 13 fold (research done by Purdue University), Ujicha has been added with citrus acid / vitamin C.

Q6: How green tea extract is processed?
A6: To make green tea extract, the catechins (most often EGCG) are isolated and drawn out by using water or steam, then condensed before spray drying. Green tea extract contains greater amount of catechins than other forms of green tea.

Q7: What makes green tea superior than other regular tea?
A7: All teas - black, green and oolong are derived from the Camellia sinensis evergreen plant and contain polyphenols. The type of tea and the polyphenol content are determined by how the leaves are processed, how much fermentation or oxidation they go through. Green tea is the most natural and “true” tea since it is made from unfermented/unoxidized leaves. While both oolong and black tea has undergone semi-fermentation and full fermentation process respectively. Therefore, green tea contains higher concentration of powerful antioxidants polyphenol catechins (EGCG) than oolong tea and black tea. As far as the content of catechins shows, green tea is the most recommended for the health effects due to its higher amount of polyphenol catechins.

Q8: What are the differences between black tea and green tea?
A8: Green tea is dried for a shorter period and heated sooner than the black tea in order to prevent enzymatic oxidation and to retain its flavour and medicinal properties. Green tea has a smaller amount of caffeine as compared to black tea. Black tea owes its high caffeine content to the oxidation process it undergoes. High caffeine content may be responsible for irritability, insomnia, anxiety etc. Black tea in some cases has been seen to stain teeth, which does not occur with green tea. The most important difference is that green tea is richer in polyphenols, which has many positive health benefits. The brewing method applied to black tea brings down its polyphenol content.

Q9: What is the amount of calories in green tea?
A9: Green tea is devoid of calories. It is often drunk to lose weight. Green tea helps in shaping up because of its thermogenic component. Thermogenesis is a factor that helps to boost body temperature and hence burns excess calories. Theobromine and theophylline are also present in green tea. They help to boost up body metabolism and thereby reduce weight.

Q10: Does the green tea in tea bag form have health benefits?
A10: Tea bag uses a much lower grade of tea leaf and is often ground into an unrecognizable dust. Since tea bags usually have smaller leaves or pieces of leaves and result in more caffeine when brewed. Hence, the quality of green tea in tea bag form is lower.

Q11: Is unflavoured green tea healthier than flavoured green tea?
A11: No. Flavourings simply add taste and/or sweetness to tea. They don't affect the underlying health benefits of the green tea itself. However, combining citrus juice or vitamin C could increase the absorption of antioxidants from tea up to 13-fold according to a new research published in the Molecular Nutrition and Food Research.

Q12: What is the truth about caffeine in tea versus coffee and carbonated drinks?
A12: On a per pound basis, tea has more caffeine than does coffee. However, a pound of tea will yield about 200-250 cups while a pound of coffee will make between 30-40 cups, depending on how strong you like your tea or coffee. An average cup of green tea has about 15mg caffeine while a cup of coffee has about 100-135mg. Carbonated drinks has about 40-55mg caffeine while energy drinks like Red Bull has about 80mg.

Q13: Why is water temperature important?
A13: Water temperature is a critical factor in bringing out the best qualities of green tea. If the water temperature is too hot (Boiling temperature), the tea will be too bitter and much of its delicate aroma will be lost; if the water temperature is too cool, the full flavour contained in the leaves will not be extracted. Therefore, it is recommended to add ice only after the tea is dissolved properly in the warm water.

Q14: What are the general health benefits of green tea?
A14: Research suggests that the polyphenol catechins (especially EGCG) in green tea Prevents the growth of cancer cells [Reduce the risk of esophageal cancer by more than 60%. (National Cancer Institute in 1994)] Reduces LDL (low density lipoprotein) or bad cholesterol Reduce abnormal blood clot formation Prevent rheumatoid arthritis (Anti-inflammation) Prevent cardiovascular diseases Strengthens the immune system to fight pathogens

Q15: What role do tea polyphenol catechins play in preventing cancer?
A15: With the very potent anti-oxidative and binding action of EGCG to proteins (which explains the pungent taste), EGCG will fight against oxidative stress and will modulate carcinogenic compounds, which is from where certain cancerous conditions develop.

Q16: I have heard that the consumption of green tea can help prevent tooth decay. What in green tea helps with the prevention?
A16: Tea catechins were confirmed to prevent dental plaque formation by cariogenic bacterium. Catechin suppresses the formation of plaque by cariogenic bacteria and also kills the bacteria. It also kills other bacterium that causes bad breath. Green tea contains natural fluorine, which helps prevent cavities. It is better to drink tea while you are eating, particularly after the meal.

Q17: Does green tea help in weight loss?
A17: The green tea extract may play a role in the control of body composition via activation of thermogenesis or fat oxidation or both. First of all, green tea works by increasing energy expenditure. Green tea has thermogenic properties and promotes fat burning beyond that explained by its caffeine content per se.

Q18: What are the effects of green tea on pregnancy?
A18: Experts advise that green tea and pregnancy is an acceptable combination as long as the pregnant women limit their intake of green tea to no more than 4 cups daily. The positive news is the powerful antioxidants (EGCG) in green tea can help to increase immunity and to promote bone growth. A study reported that the major compound in green tea called EGCG that causes the inactivation of an enzyme called dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) in cancerous cell is important for folic acid utilization. Folic acid is essential in the prevention of neural tube defects in the first month after conception. However, EGCG-DHFR study is rather weak, so there hasn’t been enough conclusive evidence to prove that green tea indeed has adverse effects on folic acid.

Q19: What is the effect of green tea on hypertension?
A19: A study published in the January 2004 issue of the Journal of Nutrition found that persons consuming 1 liter (more than 4 cups) of green tea per day had significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The powerful antioxidants (EGCG) present in green tea clear the arteries and help blood flows through them. Hence the chances of hypertension are reduced considerably.

Q20: How does green tea help in people with kidney stones?
A20: A study published in the Journal of Urology in 2005 found that green tea inhibited the formation of the most common kind of kidney stones (those made of calcium oxalate) in laboratory animals. The researchers believe that it interferes with the calcification process through its antioxidant effects.

Q21: Does green tea undergo any chemical changes in term of acidity level when it is left to stand for overnight?
A21: Yes. When tea is left to stand at room temperature, the health-promoting catechins begin to decrease. Green tea is alkaline in nature, while black tea is on the low end of acidic. Green tea would become more acidic overnight, since the catechins become oxidized and transformed into theaflavins and thearubigens that are characteristic of black tea, which means it will become less alkaline and more acidic when left to stand for overnight.

Q22: What is the possible interaction between green tea and other substances?
A22: The tannins in tea can interfere with the absorption of non-heme iron (iron supplements) if taken at the same time. Milk added to green tea can reduce the binding capacity of tannins. (Milk is rarely added to green tea.)

Q23: Why some people keep awake at night after drinking green tea while some do not have this problem?
A23: Some people who are caffeine-sensitive may find that drinking green tea (especially in large amounts) keeps them awake at night; most people don't have this problem. That may be because green tea also contains theanine, a natural tranquilizer that counteracts the stimulating effects of caffeine.

Q24: Does green tea has calming or anti-stress properties?
A24: The calming effect after drinking green tea most likely comes from its theanine content. Theanine is an amino acid found primarily in green tea that has been shown to reduce mental and physical stress and promote feelings of relaxation due to the increase in alpha-brain wave activity (which is a "relaxed yet alert" state seek in yoga class).

Q25: What is the future outlook for green tea and its overall contribution to good health?
A25: Green tea has a very bright future. Green tea catechins could fight against diseases related to lifestyle and age and could fight against emerging life-threatening infectious diseases. By ingesting green tea, your good health can be assured.

Q26: Are the health benefits supported by scientific studies?
A26: Yes, the health benefits of green tea have been published in prestigious medical journals including the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Archives of Internal Medicine, the British Medical Journal and the Lancet. There are numerous studies and scientific researches performed by top-notch scientists at leading universities and research centers that show that green tea promotes good health in many ways. Prof. Dr Debasis Bagchi, Ph.D., F.A.C.N, CNS, MAICHE, Scientific Advisor to NatStar (M) Sdn Bhd has also written an in depth researched book about this acclaimed medicine for the 21st century entitled “Green Tea: Antioxidant Power To Fight Disease”. This book is available at NatStar (M) Sdn Bhd.

Q27: Why Ujicha is better than other green tea?
A27: Ujicha is better than other green tea because: Ujicha is green tea extract (Contain higher amount of polyphenol catechins) Ujicha is made of top Japanese green tea, Matcha Ujicha has 100% daily value of Vitamin C Low in calories Low in sugar No preservative No colouring