The Word of Wisdom is a health code followed by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, guiding physical well-being and substance use. Green Tea Extract (GTE) is a popular dietary supplement, raising questions about its compliance with this religious standard. Addressing whether GTE is prohibited requires examining the principles of the Word of Wisdom and the nature of the extract itself. This analysis will explore the context of the prohibition against tea and examine the scientific composition of GTE.
Understanding the Word of Wisdom’s Context
The Word of Wisdom originated as a revelation given in 1833, designed to promote physical health and spiritual strength. It counsels against the use of specific substances while encouraging a wholesome diet of grains, fruits, and vegetables. The revelation explicitly advises against tobacco, strong drinks, and “hot drinks.”
Early Church leaders clarified that “hot drinks” refers specifically to tea and coffee, regardless of serving temperature. This interpretation has been consistently upheld, establishing that any beverage brewed from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant—the source of black, oolong, and green tea—is contrary to the Word of Wisdom. The prohibition is not based solely on caffeine, as other caffeinated products are not explicitly forbidden.
Composition and Purpose of Green Tea Extract
Green Tea Extract (GTE) is a highly concentrated form of compounds derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. It is manufactured to isolate and standardize the plant’s beneficial components into a pill, capsule, or liquid form. The primary active ingredients in GTE are polyphenols, specifically powerful antioxidants called catechins.
The most notable catechin is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is the focus of GTE’s health claims. Supplements are commonly marketed to support weight management, provide antioxidant protection, and enhance metabolism. While brewed green tea contains 30–40 milligrams of caffeine, GTE supplements vary significantly. Crucially, GTE is intended to be swallowed as a supplement, not steeped and consumed as a beverage.
Analyzing the Tea Source Prohibition
The debate surrounding Green Tea Extract centers on whether the prohibition applies to the source material or the form of consumption. Since GTE is derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, the source of the prohibited beverage, some argue that any derivative should be avoided. This perspective emphasizes the letter of the law, viewing the plant itself as the forbidden item.
A counter-argument focuses on the form, noting that the original counsel was against “hot drinks,” which GTE is not. This highlights a distinction between consuming a prohibited substance as a beverage and using its derivatives in a supplemental form. The extract, like other non-beverage derivatives, falls into a gray area requiring interpretation of the law’s spirit.
The concentration of EGCG in GTE is far higher than what is obtained through drinking tea. This suggests the extract is used for its specific pharmacological properties rather than as a recreational drink.
Official Guidance on Extracts and Supplements
The Church has clearly stated that green tea and iced tea, as beverages, are contrary to the Word of Wisdom. However, official guidance regarding isolated extracts and supplements is more general. Church leaders counsel members to avoid anything destructive, habit-forming, or addictive, focusing on the broader principle of respecting the body.
The consumption of GTE is not an explicit violation of the Word of Wisdom, which primarily prohibits coffee, tea, alcohol, and tobacco. The use of extracts and supplements is generally left to the member’s personal judgment and conscience, especially when the purpose is health-related and not a circumvention of the spirit of the law. Since the extract is not consumed as the prohibited beverage, the decision ultimately rests with the individual. Members are encouraged to seek spiritual guidance and use common sense when evaluating whether a supplement aligns with the overall principles of the health code.