Studies with animals have taken these observations to a much higher plane of understanding. Dr. Zhi Y. Wang and his colleagues from Rutgers University conducted an experiment to find out. The polyphenol catechin EGCG is undoubtedly the most biologically active component of green tea, and also is the predominant polyphenol. The majority of the animal studies performed with green tea have used brewing methods that are far more labor and time intensive than most individuals care to practice. Pesticide Residues .
Green tea is a crop that is often sprayed with a wide variety of pesticides.
Pesticides that are more water soluble, such as the organo-phosphorus derivatives Malathion and Demethoate, more easily migrate from the leaves into the tea liquid. Individuals hypersensitive to synthetic pesticide residues or those concerned about their ingestion, may elect buying green tea beverage or extract products that are organically-grown. As with any plant product, the effective dosage is a concern for the conscientious supplement user. The Japanese population studies suggesting a protective effect of green tea beverage consumption indicate 10-20 cups a day as a target intake. A feasible target intake would be a minimum of 250 mg. of EGCG daily.