Green Tea’s Sports-Nutrition Potential Explored

As noted in the May 2008 issue of Nutrition, green tea might have a positive impact on reducing oxidative stress in athletes, and could prove a valuable ingredient in sports-nutrition products.

The Brazilian researchers conducting the study analyzed the oxidative impact of green tea on subjects performing a basic exercise. One group was given 2 grams of green tea in water three times a day for a given period before exercise. The other group served as a control. Blood samples were taken before and after exercise for analysis.

Results showed that green tea reduced the postexercise oxidative impact in the subjects, leading the researchers to conclude that “consumption of green tea, a beverage rich in polyphenols, may offer protection against the oxidative damage caused by exercise, and dietary guidance for sports participants should be emphasized.”