Summary
Osteoporosis is a bone thinning condition that threatens the lives of 44 million Americans (International Osteoporosis Foundation, IOF). Currently, 10 million Americans are suffering from the condition with 68% of them being women (IOF). Against the backdrop of these disturbing statistics, an article in the NaturalNews.com by Sherry Baker, recommends the use of Green Tea in place of prescription drugs to naturally prevent and Treat Osteoporosis.
The article presents statistics relating to the prevalence of osteoporosis by indicating that more than 34 million people have low bone density and are thus at high risk of suffering from osteoporosis. The article discredits prescription drugs against osteoporosis such as Boniva and Fosamax by indicating that most of them pose, serious and even fatal side effects, (Baker). The side effects could range from cancer to disintegration of jawbones, (Baker). In their place, the article suggests that chemicals contained in green tea could help in curing the condition by stimulating bone growth and slowing down the breakdown of the bone cells (Baker).
The researchers from Hong Kong exposed cultured bone-forming cells scientifically referred to as osteoblasts, to three different chemicals contained in green tea. Gallocatechin (GC), epigallocatechin (EGC) and gallocatechin gallate (GG). They found out that EGC increased the enzyme that promotes bone growth by 79% (Baker). In particular, the scientists found that high concentrations of EGC also increased bone mineralization and blocked the activity of osteoclasts- the cell responsible for weakening bones (Baker). These findings prove that indeed, green tea could strengthen bones and thereby prevent and cure osteoporosis. In addition, the article highlights other benefits of green tea such as prevention of heart diseases, prostate cancer, leukemia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Reaction to the article
The article by Baker was quite enlightening to me. The article offered me insight to a cheap, natural yet effective way of preventing osteoporosis. I learnt that osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures for people of all ages and especially among elderly people. I find the statistics on osteoporosis shocking and I would therefore recommend all people and especially women to read the article and adhere to its suggestions.
I agree with the author that green tea can prevent osteoporosis. I think that adherence to the suggestions in the article could go a long way in alleviating the fractures, pain, disability and the diminished quality of life suffered by victims of osteoporosis. Prior to reading the article, I had heard a lot about the medicinal values of green tea especially in the prevention of heart-related diseases but I had never heard about its use in prevention of bone-related diseases.
Reading the article opened me up to the revelation that green tea is an all rounded substance that prevents and cures several heath conditions. Moreover, I learnt that although osteoporosis affects mostly the elderly, it can also strike people in their youth or even younger. I rarely consume green tea but now I know that regular consumption of the beverage could make a significant difference if I was to be involved in a fall. However, the article did not give the recommended quantities and the particular species of green tea that can prevent osteoporosis. I find the article worthy reading because it presents links for people to not only learn the other benefits of using green tea, but also offers recommendations on how people can generally live healthier lives.
Works cited
Baker, Sherry. “Green Tea could Naturally Prevent and Treat Osteoporosis, Scientists Say.”
NaturalNews. 8 Oct. 2009. Web 7 Mar. 2012.
http://www.naturalnews.com/027194_tea_green.html#ixzz1oScHeedi
International Osteoporosis Foundation. “Facts and statistics about osteoporosis and its impact.”
2011. Web. 7 Mar. 2012. http://www.iofbonehealth.org/facts-and-statistics.html.
