Importantly, EGCG has been shown to dramatically reduce the brain damage caused by infections, and offers protection against vaccination-related brain damage. It also chelates iron, which is a major culprit in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Several studies have shown that EGCG inhibits the damage caused by beta-amyloid, a compound that accumulates in brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. This compound has been shown to reduce dramatically the inflammatory chemicals (cytokines) in the brain, reduce microglial activation (the source of brain inflammation) and lower levels of brain nitric oxide (the harmful type). One of the most active compounds in these teas is called epigallocatechin 3-gallate, or EGCG.
In addition, high intake of these teas has been shown to reduce risk of stroke and obesity, inhibit a variety of viruses, inhibit cancer growth and spread, and reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases. Many studies have shown that compounds found in high concentration in green and (especially) white tea can protect the brain against free radicals, lipid peroxidation products, excitotoxicity, and inflammation.
