The health benefits of green tea have long been a source of study and research. So far, research has shown that green tea is healthier than most alternative teas. Antioxidants found in green tea are claimed to be at least 100 times more effective than vitamin C in protecting cells and DNA from damage by oxidating agents, and the tea has been shown to reduce blood pressure and lower blood sugar while boosting the immune system in the process. Antioxidants in green tea are also instrumental in fighting against cancers and can increase metabolism, which can encourage your body to lose weight and burn more calories.
Now, some researchers have gone as far as to say that drinking green tea can help prevent spinal cord damage, a claim that is still under professional scrutiny. The study was published in the journal Neural Regeneration Research by Chinese researchers and claims that drinking green tea can protect the brain during spinal cord injury.
Researchers base this amazing claim on the fact that the tea is loaded with strong antioxidants called polyphenols. They protect the neurons in the spinal cord against oxidative stress induced by free radicals in the body. The theory was tested on lab rats, and results showed that the oxidative stress and the neuronal apoptosis were severely reduced in those rats that were given green tea.
More research is needed to determine if the effects of green tea have practical applications for humans suffering from spinal cord injuries.
Spinal Cord Injury—A Serious Problem
Oxidative stress exposure is often an important factor in secondary injury in spinal cord damage. The accumulation of oxidation products leads to harmful effects as such lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and protein oxidation. Primary injuries refer to the mechanical damage sustained by the spinal cord during an accident, and secondary injuries are the series of pathological changes which range from oxidative stress to the release of inflammatory factors. Secondary injuries may cause more long-term damage than primary injuries, depending on the nature of the trauma to the spinal cord.
Spinal cord injuries are one of the most common devastating injuries in the United States and are often caused by car accidents or sports injuries. According to the National Institute of Health, approximately 1,000 new spinal cord injuries are diagnosed each month in the United States, and millions of Americans are living with the long-term effects of spinal cord damage.
If you have suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact Barber and Associates, LLC in Anchorage immediately. The attorneys at Barber and Associates, LLC are ready to work with you to ensure that your rights are protected.