HOW EPIGALLOCATECHIN GALLATE (EGCG) WORKS-min

HOW EPIGALLOCATECHIN GALLATE (EGCG) WORKS

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Epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG) is a special compound present in plants. It positively affects human health in many ways. If you’re familiar with green tea and its benefits, you may wonder where this drink gets its powerful abilities from. Well, if you didn’t know, EGCG is the reason behindgreen tea’s fame.

EGCG reduces the risks of inflammation, promotes weight loss and helps to maintainproper weight, and offers protection against heart illnesses and brain conditions.Here is all the information that’ll help you understand how epigallocatechingallate works.

How does EGCG work?

Epigallocatechin gallate is a member of catechin and is naturally found in plants. Its major usefulness is seen in its role ininhibiting the effects of free radicals in the body. Its antioxidant properties protectindividuals from cellular damage that often leads to a negative impact on the body. Excessive levels of free radicals can seriously harm the cells. Providing your body with high amounts of antioxidants will help your body stay protected from radical damage. EGCG, being a type of catechin, will help along way in ensuring you have enough antioxidants in the body. You can get this compound from plants or through supplements that are available in extract form.

Foods containing EGCG

Green tea is highly effective because of the large amounts of EGCG. You can also get EGCG content from other foods. You can get sufficient levels of this compound by consuming hot drinks like white, black, and oolong tea. Some fruits can also do you some good, for example,avocados, strawberries, kiwis, cherries, pears, apples, and peaches. You may also have to look for nuts like hazelnuts, pecans, and pistachios. Dark chocolate, red wine, and legumes are also great sources of this compound.

What are the other types of catechins?

ECGC is not the only effective component of catechin; they are eight in total. Some other catechins that exist include;

  • EC-(Epicatechin)
  • ECG-(Epicatechingallate)
  • EGC-(Epigallocatechin)
  • GC-(gallocatechin)
  • CG-(Catechingalalte)
  • GCG-(Gallocatechingallate)
  • C-(Catechin)

What are the benefits of ECGC?

Offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

ECGC owns its popularity to its antioxidant effects. Its abilities also liesin its strength to reduce stress and inflammation. It achieves this by reducing oxidative stress. Stress and inflammation are risk factors for chronic diseases like cancer, heart illnesses, and cancer. Taking enough of ECGC will protect you from such health conditions.

Promotes ahealthy heart

High blood pressure, blocked blood vessels, and bad cholesterol is linked to poor heart health. With only250 mg of EGCG,you’ll reduce bad cholesterol by 4.5%, and you’ll experience much more health benefits. You have more than enough reasons to introduce EGCG in your diet.

Promote weight loss

Losing weight is a tough journey. If you’ve tried many ways to reduce body fat but only got disappointed with failed results, we have an effective alternative for you. Start using EGCG and observe the impressive results you’ll get.

Supports good brain health

Brain health has become a great concern for many individuals due to the unhealthy lifestyle, poor diet, and life anxieties. Taking EGCG will cause a significant improvement in your brain’s performance. This compound will boost yourneurological abilities and protect you from brain diseases.

How the application of EGCG benefits specific tissues

Oral disease treatment

The utilization of EGCG in oral treatment mainly uses its anti-inflammatory effects and ability to inhibitbone absorption. Tooth bacterial infection causes inflammation and bone resorption in the interior area of the mouth. EGCG will reduce these harmful responses and helps with the healing of the affected area. More so, EGCG has been associated with successful dental implant surgeries. Due to its anti collagenase effects,it improves collagen membrane leading to enrichedcell adhesion and bone regeneration.

Cancer treatment

Anti-cancer effects of EGCG are extended to the clinical setting. It’s known to reduce the side effects of cancer drugs. Still, the effectiveness of this clinical application depends on the individual’s immune and the dose used.

Protecting Nervous system

Neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington’s disease(HD), Parkinson’s Disease(PD), and Alzheimer’s Disease(AD)are not new in the medical field. Experimental studies proveEGCG’s strength in antioxidant effects prevents neural damage and protects the nerves.

Vascular system protection

Endothelial cells play critical roles in physiological processes such as regulating vascular tension and permeability. Improper functioning of these cells increases the risks of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. EGCG serves as a protector of the cardiovascular system through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions. It activates endothelial cells to function properly, and this protects the vascular system from diseases.

What’s the right dosage of EGCG?

According to some experts,a safe intake of EGCG is 338mg in a day for adults.Even so, some researchersemphasize that green tea catechins, including EGCG, should be consumed moderately. These compounds tend to have both positive and negative effects on the body. High levels can have bad impacts, such as damaging the liver.

What are the side effects of EGCG?

While EGCG is beneficial in many ways, it’s not entirely risk-free. It may have unpleasant side effects such as anemia, dizziness, low blood sugar levels and can even lead to liver and kidney failure. According to experts, these bad outcome is not caused by EGCG itself but the toxicity present in the supplements. Still, you should be mindful of the amount you consume anytime you’re using this supplement.

EGCG may have a bad interaction with the metabolism of folate, which is responsible for the growth and development of the fetus. Pregnant women should not use them to avoid birth defects. Breastfeeding women may also have to keep off from these supplements until there is a go-ahead from researchers.

Too much calcium is excreted through urine when EGCG is in high amounts. As a result,your bones may get weak, and if you don’t make up for the loss of this mineralby taking calcium supplements, you may get osteoporosis. Also, it may cause irritability, sleep issues, and expose you to anxiety disorders if taken in extreme amounts. You may also have to be cautious with EGCG interference with some medication. It’s safe if you consult your doctor before using these supplements.

Conclusion

Epigallocatechin gallate is the main catechin found in green tea. Most benefits and praises that make green tea gain popularity in many homes is because of EGCG. Its anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti collagenase, and antifibrosis effects make EGCG an important compound. However, it would be best if you don’t take extreme amounts to avoid unpleasant side effects.

Credits

We would like to thank the below contributors who have helped us to write this article:

Ametvist

Marie Salbuvik

Dietician
MS, Lund University, Sweden

Nutrition plays an important role in human life. Eating habits are one of the factors that affect our health. There is often a misconception among people that nutritionists force a very restrictive diet, but that is not true. In fact, I don't ban any products, but I point out dietary mistakes and help change them by giving tips and new recipes that I've tried myself. I advise my patients not to resist change and to be purposeful. Only with willpower and determination can a good result be achieved in any area of life, including changing eating habits. When I don't work, I love to go climbing. On a Friday evening, you are most likely to find me on my couch, cuddling with my dog and watching some Netflix.

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