For men, living long enough means you are going to have problems with your prostate. While the prostate is typically a small, walnut-sized gland in young males, it undergoes two phases of growth later on in life which often result in urinary problems. The first phase of growth occurs during puberty and usually doubles the size of the gland, while the second phase of growth begins at around 25 and continues for the rest of your life leading to benign prostatic enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). More than 50 percent of men have BPH by the age of 60 and experience urinary difficulties. Although prescription medications are commonly used to treat BPH, herbal supplements may provide much needed relief during the initial stages of the condition. One such herbal solution is green tea.
Green Tea Ingredients
Green tea is not only the second most popular beverage across the globe, but also a pleasant alternative to soft drinks and coffee. It contains potent polyphenols, catechins with anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant properties. The active ingredients in green tea include gallic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and epigallocatechin (EGC), among other polyphenols. The polyphenol known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is effective in reducing the overproduction of cells common in BPH and in preventing the onset of prostatic enlargement. Other specific polyphenols found in green tea can treat the symptoms and eradicate various causes of BPH, making green tea invaluable for managing the condition alongside lifestyle changes, medications and other interventions.
Can Green Tea Cure BPH?
Green tea contains antioxidants that reduce the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone that promotes the growth of the prostate. A reduction in the levels of DHT lowers the risk of developing an enlarged prostate. The catechins in green tea regulate the secretion of DHT and PSA, promoting normal prostate size and volume and reducing the risk of BPH. Likewise, the catechins in green tea have demonstrated efficacy in relieving urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, nighttime urination and problems with urinary flow. Improved urine flow, relief of annoying urinary symptoms and reduced prostatic inflammation lead to a higher quality of life. Besides, the catechins in green tea can kill certain viruses and bacteria, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections that may occur in men with enlarged prostate.
Factors Affecting the Efficacy of Green Tea
The strength and effectiveness of green tea depend on the amount of the tea consumed. Studies have shown that men who take large quantities of green tea regularly enjoy more prostate health benefits from the tea than those who take the tea occasionally or in small amounts. The amount of catechins in green tea also depends on where the plants are grown, how the tea leaves are harvested and how the leaves are processed. For instance, Japanese green teas usually have greater quantities of catechins than Chinese teas, with slight differences within specific groups. Remember that the power of green tea comes from the fact that its leaves are not oxidized and are able to retain essential substances such as the catechins that promote both general health and prostate health.
Consult with your doctor before using green tea to improve your prostatic health. Remember that taking herbal supplements without guidance from a qualified health professional may cause problems in your body. At St Pete Urology, we are committed to safe and effective treatment of BPH and other urological issues. We have assembled a team of highly trained and experienced surgeons to help us deliver leading-edge urological care for the best possible outcomes. Our comprehensive, multidisciplinary and patient-centered approach and a dedication to adopting new medical technologies as soon as they are available guarantee state-of-the-art treatment for all our patients. For more information on diagnosis and treatment of BPH, visit the “St Pete Urology” site.
