Green tea, which is already known for its cardiovascular health benefits and anticarcinogenic properties, could also help ease the inflammation and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Rheumatoid arthritis inflames cells called synovial fibroblasts, which form a lining of tissue surrounding the capsule of the joints. The result is long-term joint damage and chronic pain.

Researchers cultured these cells and exposed them to epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a component of green tea. The cells were then stimulated with a protein called cytokine interleukin-1 beta or IL-1B, which is known to play a role in causing joint degradation in rheumatoid arthritis.

An earlier study had already determined that fibroblasts treated with EGCG were better able to block IL-1B's ability to produce damaging proteins and enzymes. The latest research confirms that EGCG also blocks the activity of two molecules, IL-6 and cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), which play a role in breaking down bone. EGCG also blocked the production of prostaglandin E2, which can cause joint inflammation as well.

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

Just some more reasons to consider weaning yourself off that morning cup of coffee. I have really never drank coffee as I simply don't like the taste, but I am constantly surprised at how many people use this as a regular form of energy.

Caffeine, in fact, is the most commonly used drug. It is a legal drug, but a drug nonetheless, as it meets all the requirements. I remember this very clearly from one of my pharmacology professors at the University of Illinois in his lecture to our class over 30 years ago.

I don't know about you, but I am never thrilled when I have to rely on a drug to achieve a clinical benefit. It is always my first choice to strive for a safer alternative.

Fortunately, green tea seems to fit the bill, although you will likely have to wean off the caffeine addiction.

There seems to be no end to the health benefits of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). You can now add green tea to your arsenal of completely safe and natural weapons for fighting the pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

You'll also want to consider other safer, healthier solutions to fight this destructive condition, like my RA protocol. It's a modified version of Dr. Thomas Brown's groundbreaking regimen I've used to help many thousands of patients over the past two decades.

The trick about green tea: Be very careful which brand you choose, because many conventional brands contain unsafe amounts of health-harming fluoride that have been connected to osteosarcoma, the most common kind of bone cancer.

If you consume large amounts of green tea for health benefits, invest time in researching a brand that indeed is quite low in fluoride. Studies have shown, and experts testified, that the risk of consuming fluoride for dental decay protection far outweighs any possible benefit.

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