Scientists uncover important ways Green Tea's most important polyphenol, EGCG, aids weight loss - it prevents the accumulation of fat in maturing fat cells and causes fully mature fat cells to decrease in number

Green Tea polyphenols have been shown to promote loss of body fat and weight loss. In this study, EGCG, Green Tea's most active polyphenol was added to fat cells (mature adipocytes). EGCG directly caused fat cells to die (a decrease in fat cells is excellent for weight loss), but had no effect on other immature cells. Additionally, the greater the amount of EGCG added to maturing fat cells, the less ability these younger fat cells had to absorb fat and swell. This is why Green Tea's EGCG is so important in the adjunctive treatment of obesity. The study was performed at the University of Georgia, in Athens, Ga, and is published in the June 2005 issue of the journal Obesity Research.

CRP levels above 3 predict coronary heart disease in the elderly

In this study, 3971 people aged 65 or greater without cardiovascular disease at the start of the study, had their C-reactive protein measured. 26% of the subjects had a CRP greater than 3.0 mg/L. After 10 years there were 547 cases of coronary heart disease defined as heart attacks or coronary heart disease related deaths. After adjusting for other risk factors, those with a CRP greater than 3.0 over 10 years had a 45% increased risk of coronary events versus those with a CRP less than 1.0 mg/L. If they had other risk factors the risk of coronary heart disease related incidents jumped to 82% increased risk. The study is published in the June 27th issue of Circulation, a journal of the American Heart Association.

Commentary by Jerry Hickey, R.Ph.

CRP levels directly relate to available levels of total antioxidants. Antioxidant foods such as beans, fresh fruits, and vegetables help improve antioxidant levels. The nutrients Vitamin E especially in conjunction with Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin C, NAC, Beta-Carotene, and L-Lysine, all help improve CRP. Red Yeast Rice, and Plant Sterols (in conjunction with Soy protein and a good diet) also help. The polyphenols in Olive Leaf also have a good effect on CRP.