The American Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics support that around 67% of people who consume tea, choose green tea. Green tea is particularly prevalent in Japan where more than 50% (irrespective of gender) consume it daily. Refreshment and health benefits were the most common reasons for consumption. Let us discuss this.
Firstly though, green tea is fundamentally based on the leaves of a continuously pruned, small tree named Camellia sinensis; other parts such as the stem, are also valuable. The leaves provide the tea with a somewhat bitter taste. Interestingly, a particular study tried to unveil a relationship between certain genetic factors relating to the perception of bitter taste and consumption of tea, coffee and alcohol. Presumably, individuals with a stronger perception of PROP and quinine (chemicals responsible for bitter taste) but a lower perception of caffeine are more likely to be tea lovers rather than coffee lovers. Of course, the bitter taste of green tea can be alleviated with certain additives such as honey and lemon. Personally, honey and lemon in green tea are a must for me. As such, individuals may simply find green tea refreshing but are not aware or do not care of the benefits.
Unfortunately, a problem arises when simply enjoying green tea becomes consuming it purely for the benefits. In other words, the incentives to consume green tea prophylactically or with a specific health benefit in mind e.g. weight loss, can be troublesome. Scientifically sound evidence exists to support consumption of green tea; less reputable sources, but in my opinion, more accessible and digestible to the public, also support this. Even the NHS suggest green tea is great!
” Green tea may be a ‘brain booster’ ”
https://www.nhs.uk/news/food-and-diet/green-tea-may-be-a-brain-booster/
Now, global obesity levels have increased 3-fold since 1975 and weight gain is associated with reduced quality of life – both physiologically and psychologically. Of course, weight loss is no easy task and can be difficult due to a number of barriers such as motivation, time, environment, existing illnesses/disabilities etc. Green tea constituents can help with weight management, although recently Bae and Colleagues identified this management to require diallyl disulphide, a component of distilled garlic oil. Otherwise, doses much larger than those present in green tea are required.
At any rate, the constituents of green tea, presumably, responsible for the majority of the health benefits are available as green tea extracts (supplements) for purchase. Don’t enjoy the taste of green tea? Making tea is bothersome? Green tea extracts may be a very appealing option. I think the belief that smoking can aid in control of body weight, may share a common mindset behind it i.e. simple and effortless.
The point that I’d like to address can be explained by the assumptions of consumer preference theory. Certain preferences can simply be determined by – the more the better:
- A (green tea) contains a certain concentration of beneficial constituents (x and y).
- B (green tea extracts) contain a higher concentration of x and y.
- B is thus chosen over A.
What this means is, an individual aiming to lose weight may resort to green tea extracts as they contain more concentrated amount of the constituents, in hopes to speed up weight loss. To highlight this problem, whatever the incentive for consumption might be, France and Spain have suspended sales of weight-loss products containing green tea extracts. The reason for suspension – apparent liver damage (hepatotoxicity). On top of that, liver damage can be exacerbated during fasting, which may or may not be part of the weight loss strategy, but also the damage is more pronounced in individuals with high body mass index.
Having said this, the number of hepatotoxicity cases is very low compared to the number of consumers. Evidence behind beneficial effects considerably outweighs the adverse effects, in fact, the blog here considered rather extreme cases. Even so, it is something to be aware of.
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