EGCG (Epigallocatechin-3-gallate) is green tea’s primary “active ingredient.” It is believed to have 100X the antioxidant activity of vitamin C and has wellness benefits that include:**
What is EGCG?
EGCG, also known as Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, is an antioxidant compound that is believed to be the most beneficial “active ingredient” found in what is considered to be the healthiest variety of tea: Green tea. The most popular beverage in the world, tea is consumed daily by millions worldwide for its taste, its relaxing ritual and its potential wellness benefits. Tea’s health promoting activities are tied to active compounds called polyphenol catechins. Of all tea varieties, it is green tea that supplies the most polyphenol antioxidant compounds. This is because other varieties, such as oolong and black tea, undergo fermentation processes that destroy some of their active ingredients, while unprocessed green tea preserves them.
Green tea’s polyphenol catechins are well-regarded for their antioxidant properties, which help to neutralize the age-accelerating, cell-damaging effects of unstable molecules called free radicals.** Of green tea’s six different catechins, the most well-known and widely researched is Epigallocatechin-3-gallate. Considered to be green tea’s beneficial and health-enhancing key ingredient, Epigallocatechin is an antioxidant that is believed to be 25X as active as vitamin E and 100X as active as vitamin C.**
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate is a popular ingredient in supplements designed to complement healthy diet and exercise regimens for assisting in weight management goals.** Research suggests that intake of tea catechins like epigallocatechin may help reach weight management goals by increasing the rate of thermogenesis, or heat-producing metabolic functions.** EGCG’s apparent nutritional support for healthy metabolic performance has been suggested to support a desirable body composition without the jitters and increased heart rate that may be associated with other thermogenic weight management supplements.**
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate’s antioxidant activity is also associated with natural support for overall cardiovascular wellness.** Studies suggest that Epigallocatechin may promote healthy circulation and blood vessel wellness by helping to support the biological pathways that regulate LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol”).** Its antioxidant activity also may help block free radicals from transforming LDL into the more dangerous “oxidized" form.**
As a potent antioxidant it holds anti-aging properties as well; some research has focused on Epigallocatechin-3-gallate’s potential to help with photoaging of the skin caused by the sun’s high-intensity UV rays.** Some early research suggests epigallocatechin may also support robust defenses by promoting production of the immune system’s T-cells while modulating healthy immune responses.** Green tea epigallocatechin is now being actively researched for its apparent ability to optimize overall immune performance, especially in relation to various health concerns.**
EGCG Supplements
Supplements are sourced from leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, a shrub that grows across Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The supplement is available in dried leaf, capsule or liquid extract form. High-quality supplements will be standardized to supply minimum guaranteed levels of Camellia sinensis’s active catechin antioxidants, including Epigallocatechin-3-gallate.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate Directions for Use
Seek advice from a health care provider before to adding any supplements to your regimen. There is no standard recommended amount; servings range from 500 mg to 1,200 mg per serving.
