[Seminar Report] The Forefront of Wellness: Unveiling New Possibilities of Tea Polyphenols Through Evidence

The Wellness Research Institute held a media seminar on July 6th, titled "The Forefront of Wellness: Unveiling New Possibilities of Tea Polyphenols Through Evidence - Anti-aging, Anti-fatigue, and the Tea First Habit." The seminar introduced the latest research findings on tea polyphenols.

In recent years, while the domestic market for black tea has been expanding, the physiological functions of tea polyphenols, unique to black tea, are not yet fully understood. At this seminar, Professor Shoichi Yamagishi of the Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Showa University, a leading expert in diabetes, metabolic diseases, and AGEs (Advanced Glycation End products), and Professor Yasuyoshi Watanabe of the Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, a leading expert in fatigue research, were invited to give lectures on the potential role of tea polyphenols in maintaining health.

During the seminar, a new health habit called 'Tea First' was proposed, which shifts the concept of drinking black tea from 'after meals' to 'at the beginning of meals.' Latest research findings on tea polyphenols were introduced, including their effects on the absorption of carbohydrates and fats, and on glycation stress.

Lecture 1: "Recommendation for 'Tea First' - Countermeasures for Sugar and Fat with Tea Polyphenols"

Shoichi Yamagishi Ph.D. in Medicine / Physician / Professor, Department of Diabetes, Metabolism, and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Showa University

Controlling Postprandial Hyperglycemia is Key to Extending Healthy Lifespan

Professor Yamagishi introduced the latest findings in diabetes and metabolic disease research, explaining how rapid increases in postprandial blood glucose levels (blood glucose spikes) can promote oxidative stress and the production of AGEs (Advanced Glycation End products), potentially leading to an increased risk of lifestyle-related diseases and cardiovascular diseases. He also stated, "The damage caused by hyperglycemia cannot be measured by blood glucose levels alone; it is also important to consider it from the perspective of AGE accumulation," emphasizing the importance of postprandial blood glucose management in daily life.

Proposing a New Eating Habit: 'Tea First'

Professor Yamagishi introduced, "While black tea has a strong image as a beverage to be enjoyed after meals, drinking it at the beginning of or during meals may have beneficial effects on health."

It has been reported that tea polyphenols can moderate the activity of enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion, such as alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, and may also be involved in the digestion and absorption of fats. Therefore, he explained that drinking black tea at the beginning or during meals can moderate the absorption of ingested carbohydrates and fats, leading to expectations of reducing postprandial blood glucose spikes and lipid metabolism abnormalities.

Expected AGEs Inhibitory Effect of Tea Polyphenols

Furthermore, Professor Yamagishi introduced the possibility that tea polyphenols may inhibit the formation of MG-H1 (methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone), a type of AGE.

He concluded his lecture by stating, "In addition to suppressing postprandial hyperglycemia, reducing glycation stress is also important from the perspective of extending healthy lifespan." He expressed that tea polyphenols are expected to be further researched as a food ingredient to support the new lifestyle habit of 'Tea First.'

Lecture 2: "Summer Fatigue Countermeasures: Anti-fatigue Effects of Tea Polyphenols in Hot Environments"

Yasuyoshi Watanabe Ph.D. in Medicine / Physician / Specially Appointed Professor, Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University

Preparation for "Heat Fatigue," a Health Challenge in the Era of Extreme Heat, is Important

Professor Watanabe stated, "The extreme heat in recent years is not just mere heat; it is an environmental factor that places a significant burden on the body." He explained that in hot environments, physical and mental fatigue tend to accumulate due to the activation of thermoregulation functions.

He emphasized the need for understanding and countermeasures for heat fatigue, stating, "Fatigue should not be endured; it is an important biological defense signal from the body. In hot environments, it is increasingly important to appropriately reduce fatigue and prevent heatstroke and summer fatigue."

Possibilities Revealed Through Human Trials Conducted in Hot Environments

In the latter half of his lecture, Professor Watanabe introduced human trials conducted in hot environments.

The study evaluated the effects of pre-ingesting beverages containing tea polyphenols on the body in a hot environment, and comprehensively examined heart rate during exercise, post-exercise fatigue, and physiological indicators.

The results showed that the group that consumed tea polyphenols had their heart rate suppressed during exercise, and subjectively, drowsiness after exercise was suppressed, indicating a potential to reduce physical burden in hot environments. Furthermore, an improving trend in fatigue was observed in hot environments, suggesting its potential usefulness in maintaining physical condition during extreme heat.

Professor Watanabe concluded his lecture by stating, "These human trials suggest that tea polyphenols may be involved in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system. These findings broaden the possibilities of the new health habit 'Tea First,' and further research is expected from the perspective of preparing for fatigue caused by heat, in addition to countermeasures for sugar and fat."

About Tea Polyphenol Lab

"Tea polyphenols," including theaflavins and thearubigins unique to black tea, have unique structures and actions not found in polyphenols from other food sources, and are attracting significant attention as a research field.

This lab will disseminate information on the theme of "Health Benefits of Tea Polyphenols" in collaboration with experts in tea polyphenol research, as well as leading physicians and researchers from various specialized fields.

◆ Tea Polyphenol Lab Website:

https://wellnesslab-report.jp/pj/koucha-polyphenol/

About the Wellness Research Institute

As we enter an era of 100-year lifespans, societal interest in extending healthy life expectancy and living a fulfilling life is growing. The Wellness Research Institute will conduct research, gather, and disseminate information on health and wellness from its unique perspective. We will also provide consulting services to organizations and companies involved in foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and exercise that help improve people's health and QOL, thereby contributing to the development of the health and wellness industry that realizes people's health maintenance and improvement.

◆ Website: https://wellness-lab.org/