Green Tea May Help Reduce Inflammation, Prevent Osteoporosis

Pamela Egan Practical Practitioner

 

By: Pamela Egan, FNP-C CDE

 


 

Green Tea May Help Reduce Inflammation

 

By: Pamela Egan, NP

Menopausal Women Have One More Option For Natural Osteoporosis Prevention

MAY 12, 2011 – Is green tea as good as they say it is? Researchers at the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center are convinced that green tea provides health benefits and enhanced quality of life for menopausal women.

Green TeaGreen tea is comprised of compounds called polyphenols that have an antioxidant effect on the body which reverses inflammation and oxidative stress. It has historically been consumed in the Orient but is now consumed internationally.

Numerous observational studies have shown that people who drink green tea polyphenols (GTP) on a regular basis have lower incidence of chronic degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. The findings have been followed up with animal studies propsoing that the method behind this correlation may have to do with lowering chronic levels of inflammation.

Dr. Chawan-Li Shen, an associate with the Institute, has spent several decades looking at how and why some Eastern lifestyles might benefit Westerners as well. In her animal studies, she looked at middle aged, female rats whose ovaries had been removed. Looking at their bone structure and green tea’s effects in protecting against the breakdown of the bone’s micro-architecture, she made the comparison to osteoporosis in menopausal females. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health/National center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Dr. Shen’s current research is focused on the consumption of green tea along with tai chi and their potential for reducing osteoporosis. Tai chi is an intense aerobic fitness exercise grounded in mind-body philosophy, somewhat similar to karate. It is well known that weight bearing exercises help to build bone and prevent osteoporosis.

The results confirmed an increased effect in muscle strength, enhanced markers for bone health, significant beneficial effects in quality of life with regards to emotional and mental health and the reduction of oxidative stress the main precursor to inflammation. Hence, green tea and tai chi can prevent other inflammatory diseases as well.

The conclusion of the study confirmed that there is a positive effect of modest green tea consumption on bone remodeling in the menopausal women prone to osteoporosis.

Pamela Egan, NP, ABAAHP Diplomat American Board of Anti-Aging Health Practitioner Board Certified Adult & Family Nurse Practitioner Clincal Specialist Gerontology/Mental Health) Certified Diabetes Educator Egan Wellness Clinic/ Anti-Aging & Skin Care Spa 1116 West 21st Ave. Covington, LA 70433 985-892-3031 www.pamelaegan.com

Related: The Health Benefits of Tea

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