Green Tea and Allergy Reactions
EGCG Anti-Histamine Benefit Revealed

If you are hypersensitive to caffeine or tannin, you may want to consider avoid drinking green tea.

But if your allergic reactions are caused by pollen, dust, pet dander and certain chemicals, drinking green tea may help.

A study conducted by Kyushi University in Japan found that green tea inhibits the production of chemicals involved in allergic reactions.

"Green tea appears to be a promising source for effective anti-allergenic agents," says Hirofumi Tachibana, "If you have allergies, you should consider drinking it."

For years, green tea has been known to be an effective remedy for allergy symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and watery eyes.

Previous studies involving rats have shown that green tea antioxidant EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) fights allergic reactions. Researchers are just beginning to understand how.

EGCG, the most abundant and biologically active of the antioxidants found in tea, is responsible for many health benefits. 

It now appears that EGCG blocks the body's production of chemicals histamine and immunoglobulin E (IgE), the two main culprits involved in triggering and sustaining allergic reactions.

Using human basophils, or blood cells that release histamine, the researchers show for the first time that a methylated form of EGCG can block the IgE receptor, which is a key receptor involved in an allergic response.

Methylated EGCG appears to elicit a stronger anti-allergenic response than normal EGCG, making it the strongest anti-allergen compound found in tea.

Although promising against allergies, no one knows how much green tea is needed to have a therapeutic effect or which green tea varieties work best. Researchers are currently looking for additional anti-allergenic compounds in the tea.

If you suffer from allergies, take some precautions.

• See a doctor for the best treatment options.
  
  
• Avoid substances that can cause the allergy: dust, pollen, certain foods and chemicals
  
  
• Exercise regularly. Eat a balanced diet.
  

The green tea and allergy study is published in the October 2002 edition of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

Green tea may fight allergies. Science Daily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/09/020919071413.htm

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