1) What is Ujicha?

Ujicha is green tea extract powder enriched with extra polyphenol catechins (EGCG) and has 100% daily value of Vitamin C in it. Its polyphenol catechins (EGCG) content is 6 – 35 times more than other ordinary tea (Oolong tea & Black tea). Ujicha is available in 2 flavours i.e. original and lemon flavour.

2) Green tea facts

Green tea is the most widely consumed drink in the world after water. It is also one of the most popular herbal infusions in existence. Approximately 2.5 million tons of green tea are grown and produced worldwide on an annual basis. Written records date the use of the plant as a beverage since the tenth century B.C. in China and it is thought to be close to 5,000 years old. Green tea originates from China and has become associated with many cultures in Asia from Japan to the Middle East. Recently, it has become more widespread in the West. Uji from the region of Kyoto, is one of the top green tea producing area in Japan. Compared to green tea produced from China and other countries, Japanese green tea is distinguished by its pre-process method. Fresh tea leaves are briefly steamed right after they’re picked to deactivate the enzymes that would otherwise encourage oxidization. This unique process accounts for the fact that Japanese green tea preserves almost every good-for-your-health property in the fresh leaves.
 
 

3) What makes green tea superior than other ordinary tea?

Green, black and oolong teas are all derived from the Camellia sinensis evergreen plant. The difference comes from how the plant is processed. Common processing terms are withering, rolling, enzymatic oxidation/fermentation and drying/firing. Green tea is the most natural and “true” tea since it is made from unfermented/unoxidized leaves. Thus, green tea contains higher concentration of powerful antioxidants polyphenol catechins (EGCG) than oolong tea and black tea. Both oolong and black tea have undergone semi-fermentation and full fermentation process respectively. They are therefore, lower in nutrient content; while nutrients (polyphenol catechins, EGCG) found naturally in green tea are maintained and preserved..
 
 

4) What are polyphenol catechins?

Catechins are active and natural occurring compounds that belong to a family of antioxidants and appear predominantly in green tea (Camellia sinensis). Catechins have powerful antioxidant activity, vitamin like activity and disease-fighting properties. There are 5 types of catechins available in green tea: gallocatechin (GC), epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG compound is the most potent catechin, which deliver the greatest health benefits to our bodies.
 

 5) Healthier with Ujicha!

Ujicha is far more nutritious and healthier than other beverages like carbonated/soft drink, sweetened juices and energized drinks. Ujicha is definitely the smarter choice!
a)  Ujicha Contents

• Flavonoids – Polyphenol catechins (Especially EGCG – 72mg added for the extra benefits)

• 100% daily value of Vitamin C

• Vitamins A, E, K and B Complex

• Amino Acids

• Minerals

• Low in calories

• Low in sugar

• No preservative

• No colouring

(i) Why Vitamin C is added into Ujicha?
Other than the standard benefits of taking vitamin C, the addition of Vitamin C in Ujicha  is to increase the absorption of antioxidants from the tea up to 13-fold, as suggested in new research published in the Molecular Nutrition and Food Research – 14/11/2007.

ii) Why Ujicha is the smarter choice?
Our green tea contains more polyphenol catechins (EGCG) than that found in other brands especially when compared with those brewed from tea bags. Besides, we are using top Japanese green tea, Matcha, from the famous green tea plantation of Uji in our formulation.
Matcha green tea is approximately 10 to 15 times stronger than regular “steeped” green tea due to the fact that it consists of the entire tea leaf and ground to fine powder.

b) Health Benefits of Catechins (EGCG) In Ujicha

• Protect the cardiovascular system (Heart diseases & stroke)

Catechin with its powerful antioxidant effect fights free radicals that encourage arterial buildup. Numerous studies have shown that green tea consumption can both lower the LDL (bad) cholesterol and help promote the increased production of HDL (good) cholesterol. Lowering LDL cholesterol is beneficial, because it reduces the risk of both heart attack and stroke. Increased HDL aids in the removal of plaque build up in the arteries. Consuming our delicious green tea daily is the healthier way to reap the maximum benefits for your cardiovascular health.

• Control blood sugar level (Diabetes)

Research has shown catechins compound in green tea improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity of individuals with diabetes. The EGCG works on the genetic level, causing a reduction in the number of messenger RNAs that direct liver cells to produce the enzymes involved in the creation of glucose (sugar). Thus, visceral fat deposits are significantly decreased.

• Improve blood pressure (Hypertension)

Catechins present in green tea suppresses production of angiotensin II which leads to high blood pressure. Catechins also clear the arteries and help smoother blood flow through them. Hence the chances of hypertension are greatly reduced.

• Prevent and inhibit cancer growth

EGCG inhibit cancer by blocking the formation of cancer-causing compounds and suppressing the activation of carcinogens. It also inhibits cancer cells from growing. It binds to a specific enzyme called dihydrofolate reductase in the body. EGCG helps in killing cancerous cells and stops its progression without attacking normal cells.

• Improve digestive system

Green tea extract has demonstrated to enhance the growth of several strains of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus species, which helps in preventing the proliferation of unfriendly bacteria from overgrowing in the human intestinal microflora, a condition that can lead to the development of a host of degenerative diseases including cancer.

• Boost immune system

A compound found in green tea called Theanine (Amino acid) can boost the ability of 'gamma delta T cells' to fight infections. A 'gamma delta T cell' is a type of white blood cell, which is the bodies main first line of defence. By strengthening the white blood cells, Theanine is basically better equipping the infantry of the body to fight against hostile forces.

• Anti-inflammation

The EGCG compound has the capability to block the activity of these two potent molecules, IL-6 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which can trigger inflammation via the active production of proteins and enzymes that infiltrate the joints of persons with rheumatoid arthritis. It works in much the same way as anti-inflammatory drugs. Hence, help to prevent cartilage degradation and bone density erosion.
 
 

6) The synergistic effects of other essential constituents found naturally in green tea on human health

a) Caffeine in green tea
Caffeine can actually be beneficial when taken in tea as it works slightly differently from the caffeine in coffee. The good news is caffeine in tea can stimulate the circulation and metabolism via the central nervous system. As more oxygen is pumped to the brain, mental powers are heightened, reactions speed up and muscle function improves.

b) Tannin in green tea
Tannin is a natural component of tea. When released, tannin makes tea taste bitter or astringent. Tannin is released from steeped tea leaves after 2-4 minutes. The tannin in green tea works alongside with the caffeine that has a relaxing and stabilizing effect.  This means the caffeine is absorbed more slowly and prevent that "caffeine shock" which used to happen during coffee or soda drink consumption.

c) Amino acids in green tea
Green tea contains L-theanine which directly stimulates the production of alpha brain waves, which promotes a state of relaxed awareness and has a calming effect on the body.