V. 日本茶的功效

The main substances of Japanese tea are catechin, amino acids, caffeine (alkaloid) and, especially, vitamins.

1. Catechin & Cancer Suppression
People who live in tea growing areas have lower death rates from cancer than the people in other areas. According to the research done by Professor Oguni from Shizuoka Prefectural Junior College, consuming 1g of catechin a day helps suppress cancer. The average amount of catechin in a cup of Japanese tea is about 0.1g. Thus, drinking 10 cups of Japanese tea a day can prevent cancer.

2. Vitamins and Catechin & Anti-Oxidization Effect
Japanese tea includes catechin, vitamin C, and vitamin E, which have anti-oxidization effect. Catechin together with vitamins, increases the anti-oxidization effect tremendously; it is effective in preventing peroxidation of fat, which is the main cause of aging. However, the protein in dairy product tends to combine with catechin, thus, it is recommended to avoid taking tea and dairy product together.

3. Catechin & Sterilizing and Detoxifying Effect
Catechin is effective for suppressing bacteria that interferes with protein. It prevents typhoid and dysentery bacteria from increasing and breaks down toxins. It is also effective for detoxifying nicotine. Another function is that catechin absorbs radioactivity and discharges it from the body. Thus drinking Japanese tea helps to isolate toxins and discharge them from the body. This also helps make our skin healthier.

4. Caffeine, Recovering from Tiredness and Accelerating Urination
Caffeine activates the mental function, brightens the mood, and enhances decision making by stimulating the brain center and activating metabolism. Caffeine also helps blood circulation by activating muscle function and also helps accelerate urination.

5. Polysaccharide & Diabetes
Polysaccharide contained in tealeaves helps lower blood sugar levels. After giving 500mg of tea for every 1kg of body weight to 10 lightly diabetic rats with a blood sugar level under 180, experiments show that after 7 hours, the blood sugar level decreased to 50. Japanese tea is highly recommended for diabetics and is a healthy everyday drink.

6. Catechin, Flavonoid, Cavity and Bad Breath
Catechin contained in tea suppresses the increase of bacteria and strengthens the mucous membranes. This helps protect mucous membranes around the gum and fluorine strengthens the surface of the teeth. In addition, flavonoid has a strong cleansing effect; it is effective in protecting the mouth from foul breath by washing away oiliness, food particles, and clamminess. Therefore, it is useful to drink tea after meals. Also flavonoid maintains the permeability of capillary vessels and strengthens blood vessel walls. It is effective in preventing bleeding gums and bruises.