The beneficial effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the main extract from green tea, on the heart may be due in part to improvement in blood flow through the vessels, suggests a clinical trail from the US.

“EGCG acutely improves endothelial function in humans with coronary artery disease, and may account for a portion of the beneficial effects of flavonoid- rich food on endothelial function,” according to the researches quoted in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.
The researches, led by  Michael Widlansky from Boston University School of  Medicine in collaboration with researches from DSM Nutritional Products, state  that epidemiological studies have demonstrated the benefits  of  dietary flavonoid intake. These may be related to improved endothelial function.

Widlansky and co-workers recruited 42 subjects to take part in the double blind, placebo- controlled, cross over design study. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive   either and EGCG supplement or a placebo.

The results add to an ever-growing body of science linking consumption to a wide range of health  benefits, including lower risk of certain cancers, increases weight loss, improved heart health, and  protection against Alzheimer’s.

Green tea contains between 30% of water-extractable polyphenols, while black tea (green tea that has been oxidized by fermentation) contains between 3% and 10%.

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