Fight Cancer With Epicatechin Gallate

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Epicatechin gallate (also known as ECG or epicatechin-3-gallate) is a powerful phytonutrient (a group of non-essential, plant based chemical compounds that have multiple health benefits in humans) which has been linked with cancer prevention. In this article I will be providing a full overview of this phytonutrient and discussing how it benefits your body, the recommended daily allowance (RDA), the best food sources and the potentially adverse effects of consuming too much.

1) DISCOVERY:

Dr Michiyo Tsujimura was the first person to discover ECG in 1929 along with the other flavan-3-ols. He made this discovery at the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research in Japan.

2) FUNCTION:

Like the majority of phytonutrients, epicatechin gallate is a powerful antioxidant which can protect the body's cells from damaging free radicals (harmful by-products that are released during oxygen related reactions). It can also protect the body's cells from ultraviolet (UV) damage. Finally, ECG can help your body fight multiple types of cancer (a disease which causes your cells to grow in a rapid, uncontrollable way) including breast cancer and skin cancer.

3) RDA:

Since ECG is not believed to be essential in humans no official RDA has been set. However, most sources suggest consuming up to 200 milligrams (mg) of this phytonutrient each day will allow you to enjoy the health benefits discussed above.

4) FOOD SOURCES:

Epicatechin gallate is mainly found in tea with black tea containing 7.24mg per 100 grams (g), green tea containing a significant 20.95mg per 100g and oolong tea containing 6.73mg per 100g. Black grapes are also a good source of this phytonutrient and contain 2.81mg per 100g.

5) OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS:

Eating high levels of ECG each day can actually reverse the cancer fighting effects of this phytonutrient and promote tumour growth. The exact amounts that cause tumour growth are not known but to avoid any complications it is suggested that you limit your consumption of this phytonutrient to 200mg a day.

6) EPICATECHIN GALLATE SUMMARY:

As you can see, epicatechin gallate is an important nutrient for fighting cancer. It is also not hard to get your daily fill of this phytonutrient as it can be sourced from 1 of the most popular hot beverages in the UK - tea. Not only do the various types of tea provide you with plentiful amounts of this phytonutrient but they are also rich in many other health boosting nutrients. So next time you are feeling a little thirsty and in need of refreshment, avoid the soft drinks and brew up instead.


About the Author:
Tom Parker owns Free Fitness Tips - a fantastic source of free, impartial fitness advice. You can learn more about epicatechin gallate and the other flavan-3-ols by visiting his website.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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