EGCG Green Tea Extract 400mg 90 capsules - green tea with 80% catechines + 50% EGCG | NOW

One capsule of NOW^® Green Tea Extract with 200 mg EGCg possesses the phytonutrient content equal to about 2-3 cups of green tea. Green tea’s bioactive compounds include polyphenols and catechins, which are known to exhibit potent free radical neutralizing properties.
Its most abundant catechin, EGCg has been scientifically demonstrated to assist in maintaining healthy tissues in the face of normal metabolic stress and to support proper cell cycle regulation.

EGCG Green Tea Extract 400 is a very interesting product as in research it's main polyphenol EGCG seems to extend life in mice. The same polyphenol that increases fat burning and reduces C-Reactive Protein's (CRP's) that are a sign of inflammation. Studies with men undergoing a resistance training regimen the men consuming green tea had significantly lower CRP's in their blood stream than the control group. This contributes to the idea that with less CRP's in the bloodstream, less cortisol is released by the adrenals. Less cortisol means more muscle. At least in theory. You can try it yourself and see if this theory actually works.

EGCG Green Tea Extract 400 contains catechins, which are flavan monomers, the building blocks of OPCs. OPCs, OligoProanthoCyanidins, are polymers (or chains) of flavans. Catechins are generally more bioavailable and more potent antioxidants than proanthocyanidins.

key benefits
• protects capillaries and arteries
• supports healthy blood circulation
• supports fat loss
• improves cellular zinc uptake 

background reading

A benefits laden beverage
The tea plant (Camellia sinensis L.) is a small shrub with dark green, narrow, serrated leaves primarily grown in India, Sri Lanka, China, Indonesia and Japan. Green tea accounts for approximately one fifth of the world’s tea production. It is a non-fermented tea in which the fresh young leaves are lightly steamed or pan-heated and then dried.

Green tea produces powerful effects in the areas of vasodilation and cardiovascular health. The other traditional uses for green tea are as an intestinal astringent, diuretic, and central nervous system stimulant.
Although the green tea beverage does contain caffeine, even sensitive individuals usually find that drinking tea does not produce the excessive stimulation that the same amount of caffeine from coffee can induce. This may be because green tea also contains the amino acid theanine, which is known to facilitate relaxation.

Catechins and more
Catechins are compounds which are related chemically to the pigments which give fruits and vegetables many of their bright colors. These pigments are often powerful antioxidants.
Catechins, are colorless, water soluble and easily assimilated by the body. They are considered to be among the best of the antioxidants found in the plant kingdom for regular ingestion. In many experimental models, catechins have been shown to provide more antioxidant protection than do the antioxidant vitamins C and E. There is considerable evidence that catechins which are linked to gallic acid (that is, EGCG, EGC and ECG) are even more potent antioxidants.

Toxin reduction and cellular health
Most epidemiological and clinical studies have examined the qualities of green tea that protect cellular DNA. Green tea polyphenols may inhibit the formation of cell-damaging nitrosamines, especially when the tea is taken at mealtimes. Nitrosamines are compounds which are formed when nitrites bind to amino acids. Modern farming practices often increase the nitrite and nitrate load found in foods due to the use of chemical fertilizers. Likewise, modern food processing often adds nitrites to meat products as preservatives to maintain freshness and color. Both animal and human trials have demonstrated that green tea strongly inhibits the formation of nitrosamines. In addition, diets which are high in protein will tend to increase the formation of nitrosamines as a result of digestive actions upon protein, and therefore green tea is an important addition to such diets.

Green tea catechins are powerful antioxidants which also may increase the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzyme systems, such as the glutathione detoxifi cation system. The glutathione detoxification system is an important component in the process that transforms fat-soluble toxins to water-soluble compounds which then can be removed from the body. Activating the production of enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione- S-transferase, and catalase helps to eliminate the toxins from the body and bring into play natural defenses against cellular damage, including to DNA.

Increasing 24-hour energy expenditure
Clinical trials have found an increase in 24-hour energy expenditure with three doses per day of caffeine (50 mg) and 90 mg epigallocatechins from green tea. This level of intake of caffeine plus epigallocatechins leads to a “significant increase” (+4%) in energy expenditure.
Supplementing with 150 mg caffeine alone, however, does not lead to a significant increase in energy expenditure. In European trials, the individuals taking green tea extract used more fat calories than those taking the placebo.
A serving of 400 mg of EGCG Green Tea Extract supplies approximately 200mg epigallocatechins (as EGC and EGCG). Two servings per day would therefore match the epigallocatechin intake found to be useful in these studies when consumed with a moderate amount of caffeine. 

Green tea extract is not associated with any significant side effects or toxicity at the recommended level of intake. Some individuals with sensitive stomachs may react to the polyphenol content of green tea extract. This reaction can be avoided by taking the extract with food.

recommended use
optimal health
take 1 capsule per day with a meal once or twice a day or as advised by a qualified physician

fat loss
take 2-4 capsules with a meal twice a day or as advised by a qualified physician

contains per daily serving (1 capsule)
green tea leaf extract from Camellia sinensis 400mg †
80% total catechins
- - 50% EGCG (EpiGalloCatechinGallate) 200mg
- - naturally occurring caffeine 4mg
decaffeinated green tea leafCamellia sinensis 50mg

† = Recommended Daily Intake not established

ingredients
active ingredient (Camellia sinensis, green tea extract), v-capsule (hypromellose), filler (microcrystalline cellulose, vegetable stearic acid), anticoagulant (silicon dioxide)

storage
store in a cool, dry place
keep out of reach of young children

contra-indications
1 capsule provides approximately 40 mg of caffeine. If you have a medical condition (especially hypertension or cardiovascular abnormalities), are pregnant, lactating, trying to conceive, under the age of 18, or taking medications (especially hypertensive or cardiac), consult your healthcare professional before using this product.

allergy information
contains no familiar allergens (wheat, gluten, soy, lupin, nuts/tree nuts, celery, mustard, sesame seeds, dairy, egg, fish/shellfish or mollusks)

vegetarians/vegans
suitable for vegetarians and vegans