Longevity Tea
August 12, 2009 Written by JP
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Anti-aging products are big business these days. This isn’t a new trend, but it’s an understandable one. The fact is that, statistically, we’re living longer than ever. Unfortunately, we’re not necessarily living healthier. It’s nearly impossible to avoid the ubiquitous toxic elements present in the environment. In addition, most studies tell us that psychological angst and stress levels are on the rise. But, no need to despair. We simply need to understand which lifestyle choices promote longevity and focus on making them a bigger part of our daily routine. One practical way to do this is to regularly drink (or supplement with) green or white tea.
A recent Japanese study examined the relationship between green tea consumption and the risk of “all cause morality” in a group of over 14,000 senior citizens. Over the course of 6 years, it was determined that those who consumed the greatest amount of green tea were least likely to die from all causes and, in particular, as a result of cardiovascular disease or colorectal cancer (two common causes of death in this age category). That’s obviously great news, but what most of us strive for is to live better, not just longer. (1)
One the first signs of aging are changes to the skin’s health and appearance. This is, obviously, why there are literally thousands of creams, lotions and serums targeted at age spots and wrinkles alone. A new experiment from Kingston University in the UK is adding to the current level of knowledge about antioxidants and their potential role in keeping skin looking more youthful. There are two proteins that are key to a soft and wrinkle-free skin: collagen and elastin. As we age, these proteins increasingly break down, which results in negative consequences for much of the connective tissue in the body. Sites that are frequently affected include arteries, cartilage, gums, ligaments, lungs and skin.
23 different herb and plant extracts were tested to determine their ability to inhibit the enzymatic breakdown of collagen and elastin that normally occurs with aging. Of all of the plants tested, white tea was shown to be the most effective. (2) According to the authors of the research, it appears that even small amounts of white tea inhibited an inflammatory process that promotes damage to the proteins found in connective tissue. It’s interesting to note that white tea performed significantly better than green tea. White tea is a younger, less processed version of green tea which is higher in select “plantioxidants”. Here are some of the highlights of the research:
- White tea demonstrated an 89% reduction in “anti-elastase activity” and an 87% decline in “anti-collagenase activity”.
- Green tea measured in at 10% anti-elastase and 47% anti-collagenase interference.
- White tea also exhibited the highest antioxidant scores among the extracts tested.
There are additional questions that need to be answered with regard to tea consumption and skin health. For instance, a newly published study didn’t find much long term benefit in a group of women who supplemented with green tea extract over a 24 month period. This could be a question of inadequate dosage or perhaps the participants would have had better results if they had used white tea instead. It’s also possible that applying green tea topically may be a more direct and efficient route to promote healthier skin. (3,4)
Advancing age affects the skeletal structure of the body as well. A far too common example is found in older men and women who lose height or begin to slump over in senior years. There is a naturally occurring chemical in green tea that may help to forestall this process. New research presented in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry determined that epigallocatechin (EGC), an antioxidant (polyphenol) found in green tea, can help deter bone degeneration and encourage bone mineralization in a laboratory setting. Population studies on older women and trials conducted in animal models appear to support these most recent findings. (5,6,7,8,9,10)
Forgetfulness is yet another way in which age reveals itself. It may not be as obvious as the outwardly signs of maturity, but it’s at least as important. Several scientific papers published in the past few months suggest that tea ought to be the beverage of choice for those concerned about age-related cognitive decline. The mechanisms by which green tea extract (GTE) exert these positive effects are numerous:
- GTE prevents chemical changes in the brain that are provoked by psychological stress. Stress is known to impair normal memory recovery and reaction time. (11)
- GTE may be a powerful aid in the fight against Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). In laboratory tests, green tea disrupts the production and harmful activity of beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta). Abeta is a primary component of the brain plaques found in those with AD. (12,13)
- GTE may complement conventional and natural medications used to treat dementia. A new trial found that GTE enhanced the effects of a natural medicine, known as huperzine A (derived from club moss). Not only was there an increase in the therapeutic activity of huperzine A, but the benefits were also prolonged when green tea was added to the mix. (14)
- The memory enhancing properties of green tea may come partially from the neuroprotection that GTE-based antioxidants provide. A recent animal study found that GTE’s ability to shield the brain from oxidative damage could support better brain performance (spatial learning). (15)
In addition to the benefits I’ve already listed, it’s been reported that drinking plenty of green and white tea may also promote a healthier weight. That’s a struggle that rarely improves as people grow older. (16)
In closing, here’s a new tip about how to get the most out of the tea you drink: Eat antioxidant rich foods (like red onions) or take antioxidant supplements along with your tea. The July edition of the journal Phytotherapy Research suggests that doing so will help your body absorb and utilize more of the therapeutic substances in this healthy brew. I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling younger already! (17)
Be well!
JP
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Tags: Bone and Joint Health, Green Tea, Memory, Skin Care
Posted in Women's Health
August 13th, 2009 at 10:19 am
anti aging =avoid free radical
August 13th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Kris,
That’s certainly part of the equation. But not all antioxidants are equal and/or function in quite the same way.
Be well!
JP
August 13th, 2009 at 11:55 am
Hello JP. Since you are a big supporter of fish oil supplements, I want to know your opinion about new Fish Oil from New Chapter brand.
http://www.newchapter.com/product-categories/whole-fish-oil
http://www.newchapter.com/products/wholemega
I have bought this product in order to take 1 or 2 softgels daily with my EPA DHA concentrate. I like this WholeMega because of their Omega 7 and 9 but I disagree a lot with its critic to purified fish oils (pure marketing hype for me).
August 13th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
I hardly drink anymore especially in the summer.
Better start at it again
P.S. Something funny kinda happened here the anti-spam word was coffee! lol.
August 13th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
David,
I have mixed feelings about this manufacturer in general. I like some of their products such as Zyflamend. On the other hand, I sometimes don’t agree with how they present things in their product literature.
As an example: They point out the difference in color between their product and most other fish oils. But what’s the point in that? Nobody disputes that salmon contains the reddish carotenoid astaxanthin and other fish do not. Virtually all salmon oil supplements have that same reddish hue - with varying price tags to go along with it.
I think salmon is a wonderful food. I also wouldn’t quibble with the likelihood that this New Chapter product is probably a high quality and effective supplement. But is it better than many of the other fish oil supplements out there? Does it compare well with krill oil - which is much higher in astaxanthin? I don’t think that can be reasonably claimed at this time.
I’d like to know what your experience is like while taking the product however. I know it’s sometimes hard to know what exact effect any given supplement is providing. But, if you do detect anything special about it … I’d value hearing about it.
I don’t say any of this to discourage your use of this product or to slam New Chapter. I’m glad they’re out there doing their thing. I just have my particular take some of their products. (Sadly) It doesn’t mean I’m always right.
Be well!
JP
August 13th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
With all the health benefits (and far less acidity), green tea is such a great alternative to coffee. It still has a bit of caffeine for those who need the jump start in the morning too.
August 13th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
I think the same JP, anyway i think is a good product, but not better that my favourite I take years ago, Super Omega 3 from Life Extension (in part because of its antiinflamatory sesame lignans :D). Probably in future I will combine this with a krill oil, for me the most important in a fish oil is EPA and DHA content.
And a VERY BIG RECOMMENDATION:
“What drug companies wont tell you and your doctor doesnt know”, by Michael Murray (2009) (recommended by Dr Andrew Weil).
Its the best book I have read since time ago.
August 13th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
http://www.amazon.com/What-Companies-Doctor-Doesnt-Life/dp/1416549331/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1250215566&sr=1-1
August 13th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
Thanks, Dr. Axe. I think green and white tea are great. But I must say that many of the recent scientific reports on coffee are also quite impressive.
The last several years have yielded some very interesting (and mostly positive) studies for both coffee and tea. I love covering these topics and chocolate and red wine too. Fascinating and complicated issues, IMO.
Be well!
JP
August 13th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
David,
Thank you for the book suggestion. I like Dr. Murray quite a lot but I haven’t had the chance to read that book yet. I will put it on my “books to read” list! I appreciate the heads up!
Be well!
JP
August 13th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
I drank some green tea and still aged. Next time I’ll try white.
August 13th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Make sure to let your friends and family know. Otherwise, they just might be green with envy.
Be well!
JP
August 14th, 2009 at 3:04 am
dear JP,
nice article. i read on our german wikipage that foods with high qercetin are (in order from very high to low):
1. lovage spice
2. tea (camelia sinensis)
3. red onions
4. blueberries
5. green cabbage
6. grapes
7. apples
8. chive
9. broccoli
10.green beans
11.cherrys
12.other berries like blackberry, red and black currant
i prefer the apples and berries instead of onions ;-).
stay healthy!
August 14th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Hi JP,
Thank you for this new gem in your valuable chest!
My wife and me will implement the usage of the White tea extract.
I open a capsule and mix it with the water I carry to the gym.
Great help for the aging and baby boomers!
Paul
August 14th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Thanks for adding that list, Nina!
How do you feel about shallots? They’re perhaps the best food source!
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/138/5/885
Be well!
JP
August 14th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Thank you, Paul!
I’m so happy to know that the information was well received!
Be well!
JP
August 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
Hi JP,
oh well, i will try shallots, i hope my bowl will tolerate them more than “normal” onions
I recently discovered white tea, because i have a new dealer for organic teas and he has a lot of different sorts. they are really delicious. nice to read, that it will be good for my skin too.
Do you know anything about oolong tea, especially milky oolong tea?
stay healthy!
Nina
August 15th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Nina,
Even the healthiest of foods aren’t appropriate for everyone. Trust your instincts and experiment carefully.
Oolong tea is a healthy tea as well. In terms of processing, it falls somewhere in between green tea and black tea. White tea being the least processed of the bunch.
This link provides a table that explains the processing involved and the chemical changes it brings about:
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/f-w02/images/tea2.jpg
Be well!
JP
August 16th, 2009 at 4:17 am
Dear JP,
thank you and have a wondefull sunny weekend.
Nina
August 16th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
You too, Nina!
Be well!
JP
September 9th, 2009 at 6:03 am
Thank you so much for the information. I agree that anti-ageing products are on a high right now. But they heal only the external body cosmetically. The inner damage is constantly on. A green tea is indeed a natural tea. It is more preferable than any other teas. It has great herbal value.
September 9th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Thank you!
I also think very highly of green (and white) tea.
Let’s hope future research continues to give us good reason to drink it!
Be well!
JP