Green Tea for Arthritis - Can It Be the Ultimate Cure?

As we grow older, our chances of suffering from certain diseases increase accordingly. Rheumatoid arthritis is quite common - millions of people suffer from it. The condition affects the joints and causes inflammation, stiffness, swelling and pain. In severe cases when arthritis progresses quickly, joint destruction is also possible. This condition makes movement difficult, causing sufferers to reduce their physical activity significantly. There are various drugs offering relief, but none of them seems to have a complete and lasting effect. Hope comes from the discovery of the green tea benefits for arthritis.

A study, the results of which were published in 2007, has revealed that the most powerful of green tea antioxidants, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), can reduce joint inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties of the plant have been known for some time, but the scientists could not confirm that they can actually take effect on joint tissues.

In this study, the scientists treated specific joint cells with EGCG and, as a result, the treated cells produced very low levels of the inflammatory chemicals, which cause the swelling, pain and stiffness. All this means that arthritis sufferers can get relief thanks to green tea. Another conclusion of the study is even more positive. The researchers discovered that EGCG can actually break the chemical reaction, the products of which cause joint damage.

The findings of this and other similar studies have resulted in the inclusion of green tea plant extracts in various anti-inflammatory products designed for the treatment of arthritis. The scientists are hoping that after more research is made, they will be able to create new and more effective medications based on the catechins from the plant.

Drinking the brewed beverage and taking supplements is also beneficial for sufferers. This will certainly aid for getting relief. People who do not have arthritis should definitely consume green tea as well. Another study has discovered that mice that were given green tea were two times less likely to develop arthritis than ones that were not. This raises the hope of scientists that the condition can actually be prevented, solely through the consumption of this natural product. Another factor that supports their findings is that in Southeast Asian countries, where the drink is extremely popular, the case of rheumatoid arthritis are much less than in all other part of the world.

Overall, you should definitely consume green tea for arthritis prevention and relief. It is not known to have any side effects, as long as it is consumed in reasonable quantities.