Perhaps, what not too many people are aware of is the Teavigo Seal of Guarantee – the stamp that assures consumers of green tea extracts produced according to the highest standards with consistent quality, extensive safety program, and backed by scientific research.

"Today is a landmark day as far as DSM Nutritional Products in the Philippines is concerned because we are unveiling to the public our new Teavigo logo or Teavigo Seal of Guarantee," enthuses Corazon Garalde, DSM Philippines’ general manager.

Launched in 2004 worldwide, Teavigo is available in various consumer food and health products in 17 countries. And since its debut in the country a couple of years ago, there have been products that were successfully launched carrying its trademark. Among them are Activ EGCG Plus, Fitrum, and Nescafe Fit.

"These products are practically trailblazers for (the) food and supplement industry because (they have) created buzz regarding Teavigo product(s). Teavigo will soon be found in...more products...in the Philippines, and only the products that we deem worthy would have this logo."

EGCG: In the raw

DSM’s Asia-Pacific director Adrian Jacklowsky further explains the importance of Teavigo’s presence in the local market. "Teavigo is a natural product derived from green tea extract through proprietary technology from Switzerland-based company DSM Nutritional Products. It contains 94 percent Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the most active component of green tea, around three times more than the average green tea extract," says Jacklowsky.

Teavigo, which comes from the word "tea" and "vigor," is free from caffeine, pesticide, and herbicide residues. It is derived from green tea extract harvested in Shanghai, China through an exclusive technology.

In recent studies, green tea extract and its main constituent, EGCG, has been discovered to increase antioxidant activity in the removal of free radicals, enhance metabolism and fat oxidation, and improve oral health. EGCG also helps in maintaining healthy glucose levels.

Numerous benefits

An ancient remedy for a modern sense of wellbeing, green tea has been considered a healthy drink in Asia for centuries. Modern research demonstrates that the beneficial effects of green tea are largely due to its main catechin, EGCG.

"Medical research has shown that green tea and green tea extracts play a huge role in contributing to one’s health. Green tea helps prevent aging-related diseases such as cancer and heart diseases because of its strong antioxidant activity. More recently, studies show that it helps in weight management by increasing metabolism," Jacklowsky says.

A study conducted by Tsuchida et al. in 2002 indicates that green tea consumption favorably affects body weight, particularly body fat. It showed that subjects with an average habitual consumption of 434 ml of green tea a day had lower percentages of body fat, smaller waist circumferences, and decreased waist-to-hip rations.

Another study showed that in 35 normal to overweight male volunteers on a moderate diet, EGCG helped promote body weight and fat loss. Several long-term studies likewise showed that treatment with green tea catechins reduced body fat and body weight.

"EGCG exerts a ‘body shaping’ effect. Body composition changes in favor of decreased body fat and can therefore support a healthy lifestyle. This finding contributes to the observed body weight loss at EGCG consumption. The decrease in body fat is at least partly caused by a shift in nutrient oxidation specifically increased fat oxidation," Jacklowsky says.

In oral health, studies show that EGCG plays a pivotal role in the preservation of healthy teeth and gums by inhibiting bacteria from attaching to teeth (plaque), have anti-microbial activity against caries bacteria, prevent collagen destruction, and attack the main constituents of malodor.

"More and more studies have shown the benefits of EGCG in preventing disease and improving general health," says Geralde. In fact, she reveals that there is an ongoing study of Teavigo’s energy-boosting properties.

"It’s not yet conclusive, but preliminary studies have shown that EGCG can boost vitality and endurance," she adds.

Teavigo worldwide

Teavigo is widely used to fortify various food and beverage products here and abroad. But what about the product’s taste? Because it is completely water-soluble, Teavigo does not affect the color and taste of the product, unlike other tea extracts. Teavigo-fortified products are a safe, effective, and convenient way to gain access to the benefits of green tea.

"Teavigo is in highly purified off-white powder form that’s tasteless and odorless. It can readily be mixed in many food industry segments such as confectionery, cereals, daily products, and carbonated, still and near-water beverages," Jacklowsky says.

Finally, Geralde affirms, "Teavigo sets the standard for high-performance green tea extract. It offers excellent opportunities in beverages, solid foods, and dietary supplement and pharmaceuticals industry."