Osteoporosis is the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time, and is a major health problem in both elderly women and men. Much research has been conducted to determine the association between green tea consumption and the prevention of age related bone loss, decreasing the risk for osteoporotic fractures.
The active constituent in green tea, Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as effectiveness in cancer and arteriosclerosis. Research is now showing green tea consumption also has positive effects on the delicate balance between osteoclast (cells which break down bone) and osteoblast (cells which create bone) activity.
A study conducted by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center determined:
…tea and its bioactive components might decrease the risk of fracture by improving bone mineral density and supporting osteoblastic activities while suppressing osteoclastic activities.1
What about for your teeth? Periodontal disease involves inflammation and infection that destroys the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets, alveolar bone. A study conducted by Department of Periodontology, at the College of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea reports:
…EGCG significantly inhibited osteoclast formation. These findings suggest that EGCG may prevent the alveolar bone resorption that occurs in periodontal diseases by inhibiting the expression of MMP-9 in osteoblasts and the formation of osteoclasts.2
1 Nutr Res. 2009 Jul;29(7):437-56. Green tea and bone metabolism. Shen CL, Yeh JK, Cao JJ, Wang JS. Department of Pathology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430-9097, USA.
2 J Periodontal Res. 2004 Oct;39(5):300-7. Inhibitory effects of green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin gallate on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and on the formation of osteoclasts. Yun JH, Pang EK, Kim CS, Yoo YJ, Cho KS, Chai JK, Kim CK, Choi SH. Department of Periodontology, Research Institute for Periodontal Regeneration, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
Tags: Green Tea, Osteoporosis
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