A study by Dr. Samira Samarakoon of the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the University of Colombo and renowned nutritionist Dr. D.B.T. Wijeratne found that drinking green tea in combination with Centella asiatica has many health benefits. Gotu kola enhances the antioxidant, antiviral and immune-boosting properties of green tea.
Gotu kola is considered a longevity herb and is a staple of traditional Asian medicine, while green tea is one of the world’s most popular health drinks. The health benefits of green tea are well known and widely consumed by many due to its antioxidant properties, reducing obesity, preventing cancer, lowering blood pressure, and more. Similarly, the health benefits of kola are well known in the ancient medical practices of India, Japan, China, Indonesia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the South Pacific. Modern laboratory tests confirm that kola has antioxidant properties, is good for the liver, protects the skin, and improves cognition and memory. Dr. Samarakoon said that when drinking a mixture of green tea and cola, one can get all the health benefits of both.
He said that Coca-Cola should not contain more than 20 percent of the mixture due to less acceptability as a drink.
Dr. Vieratne said previous studies have confirmed that eating gotu kola has a positive effect on improving liver health, especially in the most common forms of primary liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, fatty liver and cirrhosis. Recent studies also show that cola can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke, myocardial infarction, and coronary heart disease. Pharmacological studies have shown that kola extract can regulate the activity of the central nervous system and improve cognitive functions of the brain.
Dr. Wijeratne points out that the health benefits of green tea are well known around the world. There is more scientific research on the health benefits of green tea than gotu kola. Green tea is rich in catechins, polyphenols, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful antioxidant that can kill cancer cells without damaging normal cells. This compound is also effective in lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, inhibiting abnormal blood clots, and reducing platelet aggregation. In addition, green tea extract has been found to be a promising source of natural antioxidants that are effectively used to enhance antioxidant properties, says Dr. Wijeratne.
According to him, obesity is the main cause of many diseases, including coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, non-insulin dependent diabetes, lung dysfunction, osteoarthritis and certain types of cancer. Tea catechins, especially EGCG, have anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects. Green tea is also being viewed as a natural herb that can increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation for weight loss, Dr. Wijeratne said, adding that the combination of the two herbs can provide many health benefits.