G*R*E*E*N*space*T*E*A!

It has long been understood that green tea provides a sense of relief. Now scientists are beginning to understand how. The catechin EGCG, the major polyphenol in green tea, helps to  inhibit the activity of an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase. This enzyme breaks down one of the chemicals in your brain that helps send signals from nerve cell to nerve cell. Without this chemical, signals are not relayed efficiently and other crippling symptoms can occur. More EGCG means less enzyme, which means better communication between cells. The result is both a sense of relief and a possible treatment for Parkinson’s Disease!

Zhang L, et al. Green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate enhances the inhibitory effect of huperzine A on acetylcholinesterase by increasing the affinity with serum albumin. Nutr Neurosci. 2009 Aug;12(4):142-8.