While ancient Chinese and Japanese medicine believed green tea consumption could cure disease and heal wounds, recent scientific studies are beginning to establish the potential health benefits of drinking green tea, especially in weight loss, heart health, and cancer prevention.
A study recently published in the Journal of Periodontology uncovered yet another benefit of green tea consumption. Researchers found that routine intake of green tea may also help promote healthy teeth and gums.
The study analyzed the periodontal health of 940 men, aged 49 to 59, and found that those who regularly drank green tea had superior periodontal health than subjects that consumed less green tea.
Researchers observed that for every one cup of green tea consumed per day, there was a decrease in all three indicators of periodontal health, signifying a lower instance of periodontal disease in those subjects who regularly drank green tea.
Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth, and has been associated with the progression of other diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Green tea's ability to help reduce symptoms of periodontal disease may be due to the presence of antioxidants called catechins. Previous research has demonstrated catechins' ability to reduce inflammation in the body.
The indicators of periodontal disease measured in this study suggest the existence of an inflammatory response to periodontal bacteria in the mouth. By interfering with the body's inflammatory response to periodontal bacteria, green tea may actually help promote periodontal health, and ward off further disease.
All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.