http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_relea...u-gta060606.php

New Haven, Conn. – There is a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and cancer in Asia where people smoke heavily, which may be accounted for by high consumption of tea, particularly green tea, according to a review article published by a Yale School of Medicine researcher. "We do not yet have a full explanation for the 'Asian paradox,' which refers to the very low incidence of both heart disease and cancer in Asia, even though consumption of cigarettes is greater than in most other countries," said Bauer Sumpio, M.D., professor and Chief of Vascular Surgery in the Department of Surgery. "But we now have some theories."

Sumpio, the lead author of the review in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, said he and his colleagues reviewed more than 100 experimental and clinical studies about green tea in writing the article.

He said one theory is that the average 1.2 liters of green tea consumed daily by many people in Asia offers the anti-oxidant protective effects of the polyphenolic EGCG. EGCG may prevent LDL oxidation, which has been shown to play a key role in the pathophysiology of arteriosclerosis. EGCG also reduces the amount of platelet aggregation, regulates lipids, and promotes proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells, which are all factors in reducing cardiovascular disease, he said.

Sumpio said other reports show that EGCG prevents growth of certain tumors. Tea, according to studies, also can improve gastrointestinal function, alcohol metabolism, kidney, liver and pancreatic function, protect skin and eyes and alleviate arthritis. Tea has been used in managing and preventing allergies, diabetes, bacterial and viral infections, cavities, reduce or cure diseases with an inflammatory component and improve neurologic and psychological health.

"More studies are necessary to fully elucidate and better understand green tea's method of action, particularly at the cellular level," Sumpio said. "The evidence is strong that green tea consumption is a useful dietary habit to lower the risk for, as well as treat, a number of chronic diseases. Certainly, however, smoking cessation is the best way to prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer."

I like it iced, with lemon.

Weren't there also studies indicating that black tea had high antioxidant levels?

Its probably a combination of many things, for one theres not the level of obesity and obesity dose indeed contibute to stress on the body., Two there mane diet is veg and rice, and three ,we will put down as tea.

They tend to live very active lives as-well. Basically there just healthier over all.And in the farming regions they don't have the high volume of radiation we are bombarded with Dayle, our poor little body's have so much to cope with ,its just amazing they can maintain themselves at all.

I agree with Balance. It's likely a combination of things rather than one thing -- the tea. It's a whole different lifestyle in Asia. Less cars, more whole foods, more active lifestyle.

I agree with you guys as well, I doubt that drinking a couple litres of green tea would "cancel out" the effects of eating a diet of highly processed carbs while sitting in front of the TV for hours a day, and driving a car to any destination.

Another example of over-simplifying a complex equation to a single element. They probably do that because they can then isolate whatever element they have identified in a prelude to synthesize it, patent it and then market it.

Maybe that's why:
FDA did not comment on green tea extracts nor purified EGCG, an antioxidant found in the tea that is often studied for its anti-cancer effects in the lab. I hope black tea is good, I drink a lot of it.

I heard white tea has the most anti-oxidants

I drink green tea to help suppress appetite. I have a RAGING appetite and want to eat about twice the number of calories my body actually needs.