Green tea is becoming increasingly popular as a drink in the UK and throughout the ‘West’. More and more people are also taking green tea supplements due to the numerous reports of the health benefits attributed to this drink. Previously I have written about green tea with respect to antioxidants, heart disease, cancer and ageing. Today I wanted to look at some new evidence (1) that certain chemical compounds within green tea may help to improve bone health.
The study(1) was a preliminary laboratory-based cell study and further work would be necessary before firm conclusions or recommendations can be drawn from the results, however it gives interesting evidence nonetheless. I have mentioned before that green tea contains bioactive plant chemicals, polyphenols, known as catechins. The common polyphenols which are often listed on green tea supplements include those that were researched in this study, namely epigallocatechin, gallocatechin, and gallocatechin gallate. These polyphenols have antioxidant properties in the body which probably account for many of their health benefits.
The laboratory study(1) found that tea catechins had positive effects on bone metabolism – they stimulated bone cell formation and helped to slow its breakdown. Epigallocatechin appeared to be particularly helpful in boosting bone growth and bone mineralisation (which helps to strengthen bones). This was the first study to pinpoint which chemicals in green tea are important in the possible improvement of bone health. Importantly the researchers also noted that the catechins did not appear to cause any toxic effects in the bone cells.
Last month I wrote about the link between onions and bone health and have also written about carotenoids and bone strength as well as the importance of fruits and vegetables for bones. The link between all these factors, including green tea, seems to be antioxidants. As I said on Monday the best way to get dietary antioxidants is through eating a variety of fruits and vegetables daily. Supplements cannot be seen as an alternative to a good diet but can be used as a support if you feel that you regularly struggle to include a minimum of five portions of vegetables and fruits into your daily diet. More evidence is continually being published regarding the importance of flavonoids and antioxidants for health.
I would like to end this post by pointing out that antioxidant flavonoids/polyphenols are also found in cocoa as I have previously discussed! This is why good quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids or above) can be enjoyed in small quantities guilt-free! There are many studies which now extol the benefits of cocoa for health. As I finish writing this piece I am allowing a square of my favourite 85% cocoa solids dark chocolate to melt on my tongue!
(1)Ko, CH et al. 2009. Effects of Tea Catechins, Epigallocatechin, Gallocatechin, and Gallocatechin Gallate, on Bone Metabolism. J. Agric. Food Chem. 57 (16): 7293–7297
Written by Ani Kowal
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