Green Tea for Allergies

The Anti Allergenic Properties of Green Tea

Just like millions of others around the world, I suffer from chronic eczema and inflammation and have done since birth. I have spent years trying to adapt my lifestyle to become healthier and happier.

When I was little, I was always smothered in steroid creams and wrapped in bandages because my skin would get infected. I started to tackle my allergies in my mid to late 20s. I’m now 36 so it has been a long slow learning process.

I haven’t had to use prescription medications for a few years now and I believe it is because I have begun to heal my problem skin from within.

I have researched the science behind how tea can aid in the treatment of allergies and inflammatory conditions and here is what I have found out…

What Type of Tea is Good for Allergies?

I have been drinking green tea for years to aid in relieving my allergy symptoms and I have found the science to back up my claims. Research suggests that there is a compound in green tea that can block key cell receptors that cause allergy responses. This compound is known as methylated epigallocatechin gallate. These studies show that the anti-allergenic properties found in green tea can work against a whole host of allergens including pollen, dust, and chemicals.

EGCG is an antioxidant found in tea. It is found in higher concentrations of green tea. Levels are usually lower in black teas as these teas are more processed, the leaves are fully processed and have been fully oxidized resulting in a darker brew with a much bolder flavor and texture to that of green tea.

Does Green Tea Reduce Histamine?

These studies show that methylated EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) can block the production of histamine and immunoglobulin E.

Immunoglobulin E is produced by the body as a response to an allergen. This type of antibody attaches itself to the antigen and then histamine is released. All this happens when the body detects something that it thinks is harmful. To learn more click here.

What is EGCG?

EGCG stands for epigallocatechin gallate and it’s a powerful antioxidant found in tea that can help reduce inflammation in the body by helping to remove the free radicals that cause oxidative stress in the body.

What’s the difference between methylated EGCG and regular EGCG?

Research shows that methylated EGCG produces a stronger anti-allergenic response compared to regular EGCG.

All types of tea contain varying amounts of EGCG, however, it is just particular Japanese green teas that contain methylated EGCG. These methylated catechins aren’t usually present in processed teas such as oolong and black teas.

It is recommended that green tea is infused in slightly cooled boiled water for 3-5 minutes to enhance the natural delicate sweet flavor, however, by steeping green tea in boiling water for 10 minutes, the level of EGCG is released will be increased. But the taste will become somewhat unpleasant and bitter if this brewing method is used.

Which Green Tea Contains the Most EGCG?

Drinking matcha green tea is also an option to increase the level of EGCG per serving. Matcha green tea is a Japanese ground tea that is enjoyed by consuming the whole leaf which will increase the amount of the anti-oxidant goodness present per cup.

As well as the anti-allergenic properties of the catcheins found in tea, there are also studies to show that tea has anti-aging properties, anti-carcinogenic properties and can also help prevent neurodegeneration.

What Happens in an Allergic Response?

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is produced by the body as a response to an allergen. This type of antibody attaches itself to the antigen and then histamine is released. All this happens when the body detects something that it thinks is harmful.

Allergies result from a sensitive immune system. The body mistakenly detects an unharmful substance for a harmful one, which in turn produces an unpleasant (and sometimes fatal) response.

When histamine is released, inflammation occurs causing symptoms such as itching, coughing, sneezing, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea.

Are Allergies Related to Gut Health?

We have known for thousands of years that we are what we eat. But science has only just begun to show a direct connection between our overall health and our gut health. Some refer to our gut as our ‘second brain’.

Studies show that the gut microbiome is directly linked to the immune system and mental health too.

The gut microbiome is the hundreds of species of microorganisms living in the digestive system. These microorganisms are a mixture of healthy and harmful bacteria.

Signs of an unhealthy balance of gut microbiome are; upset stomach, eating too much sugar and having sugar cravings, tiredness, and fatigue, intolerances to food, autoimmune conditions, and skin conditions.

Reports show that in order to maintain a healthy gut microbiome, it is important to lower stress, drink more fluids, take a probiotic and eat more fermented foods.

How Often Should you Drink Kombucha for Gut Health?

For years I have been drinking kombucha. I started for the health benefits and now I love the taste of my daily glass of kombucha. I’ve always been a bit of a science nerd and so I began to homebrew my own kombucha.

Kombucha is packed full of probiotics that support the digestive system. Studies show that the bacteria in kombucha are similar to the healthy bacteria found in the gut. There is a direct link between our digestive system and our immune system.

Also, studies show that inflammation in our bodies can cause depression. The anti-inflammatory probiotics found in kombucha can help boost our mental health as well as support our digestive health.

Green Tea vs Matcha Green Tea

How Matcha is Made

Matcha is a green tea made in Japan. Traditionally, matcha is used in a spiritual tea ceremony.

The way that this special type of tea is grown, is by placing a shade over the Camellia sinensis plant for around 4 weeks. The new shoots which have been grown under the shade are then hand plucked before being minimally and carefully processed.

The shade helps increase chlorophyll and amino acids which in turn creates new shoots. These shoots are less astringent in taste and bright green in color. All very important in producing the finest matcha.

To make the matcha powder, the leaf is ground very slowly to ensure that no heat is made during the grinding process. The leaf needs to retain its striking green freshness.

How Green Tea is Made

Unlike matcha green tea, green tea is cultivated under the sun and is not usually grown under the shade.

Just like matcha green tea, regular green tea is not oxidized as black and oolong teas are. Some oxidization will naturally occur in the first drying stage. After this stage, the next stage is called ‘killing the green’

Killing the green is a process whereby the leaves are heated to stop oxidization so that the leaves retain the green freshness that is prominent in green tea.

After this stage, the leaves are rolled or shaped and then dried out further so that no moisture is left.

Matcha Green Tea or Regular Green Tea?

The color of matcha green tea is a very vibrant green whereas green tea is more subtly green and dull.

Both matcha green tea and green tea contain natural micronutrients, antioxidants, and other health-boosting properties. Overall, due to the high concentration of drinking matcha, it will provide more natural healthy goodness compared to that of regular green tea.

However, matcha green tea can be an acquired taste, it is far more earthy, grassy and bold compared to the light delicate taste, and texture of regular green tea.

So in conclusion, the choice between these two different teas is purely down to personal preference.

What is the Best way to Make Green Tea?

Use 1 heaped teaspoon of loose leaf tea per 8fl oz cup of water. The recommended temperature for green tea is 80*C/175*F. You will see bubbles start to appear before the water reaches boiling point, this is the ideal time to take the kettle off the boil. Let steep for 3-5 minutes. Add sugar or honey if desired.

Note that there are some exceptions to this rule, some smoked or roasted green teas such as Genmaicha will require a higher brewing temperature to allow the roasted flavor and aroma to be apparent.?

How do you Prepare Matcha Tea?

Matcha tea is traditionally enjoyed as a drink made by a special bamboo whisk. Use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of matcha powder and add a dash of hot water, Using a whisk or milk frother, mix the matcha and water into a paste. Top up with hot or cold water, sweetener and milk if desired.

If you don’t have the right matcha-making equipment, don’t let that stop you from enjoying all the benefits of matcha.

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