Green Tea Weight Loss Info.

Is Green Tea Good for You?

Is green tea good for you? The answer is an emphatic yes! Green tea is one of the healthiest beverages around. In fact the health benefits of green tea are so potent and numerous that this drink claims its rightful title as a ‘super food’ – or should that be ‘super drink’! So what does green tea do for us? How long do you have!

Heart Health
Drinking green tea everyday does wonders for the health of our hearts and our whole cardiovascular system. Large population studies that analyse the diets of thousands of people over many years have consistently found that the incidence of heart disease is significantly less in those who drink green tea daily compared to those who don’t drink green tea!

It is through several different mechanisms that green tea provides this benefit for heart health. First, the antioxidants found abundantly in green tea, called catechins (which are responsible for most of the health benefits associated with green tea consumption), have potent antioxidant properties that protect LDL cholesterol in our blood stream from oxidative damage. This is very important for the health of our major arteries, because LDL cholesterol that falls victim to oxidative damage will stick to the artery walls, developing into a plaque. This plaque build is atherosclerosis, a health condition that chokes blood supplies to the heart, and is the #1 cause of heart disease!

Other scientific evidence shows us that green tea helps to keep the blood thin, reducing clotting and the risk of heart attacks. Drinking green tea also helps to reduce high blood pressure. Now that is one heart healthy drink!

Cancer Prevention
Cancer prevention is another key health benefit of drinking green tea regularly. Studies with animals, test tubes studies, and large prospective studies all provide strong evidence for the anti-cancer effects of green tea. Those who drink green tea daily are, statistically, at less risk of developing many kinds of cancers, such as breast, colon, stomach and liver cancer. The Japanese, who drink more green tea per person than any other nation, are considerably less likely to develop cancer than those in the USA and the West.

Several studies show that the antioxidant effects of catechins include anti-tumour activity, especially at the DNA level. Catechins can actually protect DNA from oxidative damage that can turn cells cancerous.

Anti-inflammatory Effects
Yes, and the benefits of green tea just keep on rolling in. Several studies have found that the catechins in green tea produce anti-inflammatory effects for joint pain and allergic responses. One of the major causes of inflammation and pain in the joints is arachidonic acid, a naturally occurring chemical made by the body. However, diet plays a strong role in how much arachidonic acid is made in the body. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, decrease the production of arachidonic acid and promote the creation of anti-inflammatory chemicals instead. In contrast, foods high in saturated fat have the opposite effect and influence the production of arachidonic acid. People with joint pain, such as arthritis, find that they can reduce their joint pain naturally by cutting back on foods high in saturated fat and opting for foods high in Omega-3 (fatty fish and leafy greens) instead.

Those suffering with joint pain will also be happy to hear that green tea catechins have an inhibitory effect upon arachidonic acid production, too. If you are suffering with any kind of joint pain, you may find that drinking a few cups of green tea each day may ease the painful symptoms. A great alternative is to take green tea extract supplements that contain the equivalent antioxidant catechin power as drinking 3 to 12 cups of green tea each day!

Allergic responses are another type of inflammatory disorder. In reaction to an allergen, the body will release histamine into the body. It is histamine that causes many of the symptoms of an allergic response, including milder symptoms like headaches and inflammation of the nasal passageways, and the more extreme symptoms such as lung inflammation that can cause breathing difficulties and asthma attacks.

New evidence is showing that green tea catechins deliver an inhibitory effect upon histamine production, possibly helping to reduce the amount of histamine released, lessening symptoms. This suggests that green tea could be a great help to those with asthma, allergies, and other kinds of histamine based inflammatory responses.



References:
J Agric Food Chem. 2010 Sep 22;58(18):10016-9.
Anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects of cysteine metabolites of the green tea polyphenol, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate. – Lambert JD, Sang S, Hong J, Yang CS.

Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2010 Sep;29(3):435-45.
Cancer and metastasis: prevention and treatment by green tea. – Khan N, Mukhtar H.

J Physiol Biochem. 2010 Sep;66(3):265-70. Epub 2010 Jul 22.
Targeting of histamine producing cells by EGCG: a green dart against inflammation? – Melgarejo E, Medina MA, S

Store Your Green Tea Properly for Best Health Benefits

Some individuals consume green tea because of the broad amount of research that suggests that this herbal drink can offer benefits for health. Over the past few years, food companies have created new methods for selling green teas, like in natural powder form that is handy for people to make use of while busy.

Nonetheless, individuals might not know that the benefits of their green tea items might be reduced dependant upon the circumstances in which the products are kept.

Recent research publicized in the Journal of Food and Agricultural Chemistry demonstrated that the green tea catechins start to degrade when the items are stored in humid, warm environments. At these temperature ranges, substances might start reacting with one another quicker because of elevated molecular activity, causing substantial chemical deterioration.

“People consume green tea for its benefits for health, such as green tea weight loss, so they would want catechins to be present. The powdered instant drinks have become popular for buyers, and it is crucial to understand how storage influences nutrition of your goods,” stated lead scientist Lisa Mauer.

Green Tea may be a Natural Non-toxic Alternative to Auto-immune Drugs

Recent research publicized in the Journal of Immunology Letters indicates that a particular manner in which a substance present in green tea provide benefits for health, including protection from autoimmune diseases such as cancers, Lou Gehrig’s disease and juvenile diabetes.

The scientists explained there are numerous kinds of specialised cells that are a factor in immunity. For those who have autoimmune diseases, some cells start to assault others which are vital for great health, leaving dangerous cells to reproduce and disperse themselves through out a person’s body.

Nonetheless, regulating T cells help to stop this from happening and maintain an equilibrium of the different cell types.

The results of the study demonstrated that the EGCG polyphenols present in green tea stimulate a greater production of regulating T cells, therefore reducing the chance of autoimmune diseases.

The researchers observed that whilst there are medications created to deliver this function, there has been worries regarding the toxicity of these drugs.

“This seems to be an all natural, plant-derived substance that can impact the amount of regulating T cells, and in the act improve immune system function,” said lead scientist Emily Ho.

Green Tea and Coumadin

Coumadin is a blood-thinning prescription drug administered by doctors to people who have thick blood. Anyone prescribed with this drug will be informed by their doctor to avoid consuming foods that are high in vitamin K since this vitamin is responsible for thickening the blood naturally as a way to heal wounds. Too much vitamin K in the diet can counteract the blood-thinning effects of Coumadin.

Green Tea and Coumadin

The issue of taking green tea while using Coumadin has been raised because green tea leaves contain high levels of vitamin K. However, this should not scare Coumadin users away from drinking green tea and receiving its many and well documented benefits for health. Even though the actually leaves contain lots of vitamin K, only minimal amount of this vitamin actually make it into the brew. Vitamin K is a fat soluble nutrient, not water soluble. The Journal of the American Dietetic Association reported in 1995 that 3.5 fluid ounces of green tea contains just 0.03 mcg of vitamin K. Such a small amount is practically negligible.

Coumadin and Green Tea Extract

Taking green tea extract is a different story to drinking the tea since we are now dealing with solids. Even so, we are talking about an extract, and not eating the whole leaf. It is primarily the polyphenol antioxidants that are extracted, but other nutrients will be present also. The problem is that it is hard to find out solid information about how much vitamin K is actually in green tea extracts, and the amount will vary between the extraction methods of one company compared with another. So, it is probably advisable to avoid mixing Coumadin and green tea extract unless the product you are using clearly states the amount of vitamin K that it contains. Always better to be safe!

EGCG Ultra

One great option for green tea extract is a supplement called EGCG Ultra by Dr. Ronald Hoffman. It is one of the highest quality green tea extract supplements available and contains no vitamin K and no caffeine. Additionally, this product does not contain any starch, yeast, corn, egg, wheat, soy, dairy, salt, sugar, artificial coloring, flavorings or preservatives. Learn more about this product here.

An Overview of Herbal Tea and Its Benefits

Herbal tea has been around for quite a while now. Historians have uncovered documents and proofs that herbal teas have been prepared and imbibed since ancient Egypt and China. The leaves of the tea bush, which is scientifically called Camellia sinensis, are the main ingredients of the herbal tea. Just about every culture in the world has their own unique brew and mixes of herbal teas which is normally a combination of fresh or dried fruits, herbs, and flowers boiled in water.

The kinds and mixes of herbal teas are as diverse as the cultures that produce them. Herbs with medicinal benefits are scattered throughout the globe. For each culture that has its own version and brew of herbal teas, a different herb is being used. This makes the benefits of herbal teas diverse as well. Herbal teas are all natural without any chemicals thus there are often no side effects when people drink natural herbal teas.

There is benefit in alternative medicine and herbal teas are a strong testament to that. No matter how science and medicine ignore alternative medicine, it has been proven all over the world. There are a great number of people that believe more in alternative medicine because of the healing they experienced. Herbal teas more specifically have been proven by many people who have claimed healing from gastrointestinal diseases, aches, colds, cough and more.

Herbal teas have been proven to have many health benefits. The burdock herbal tea has primarily benefited people in terms of their blood circulation. It is also said that patients with liver problems have reported to have suddenly have had improvements in their conditions.

One of the most popular herbal teas is chamomile. There are many people that enjoy the flavor of chamomile tea and find it easier to drink. People that have problems with acid reflux are said to have experienced improvements in their condition after drinking the said tea. At the first sign of cold, drink chamomile tea right away so that it won’t progress. It also helps anxiety and calms the nerves.

Damiana drinkers have told of its many benefits. It is said to aid people with depression because its diuretic functions. Dandelion tea on the other hand has great benefits that relieve cough and sore throat because they are strong expectorants. People experiencing stomach cramps ought to drink fennel tea. It also helps underweight people gain extra pounds by increasing their appetite.

Ginger is well known world-wide as a spice and ginger tea is well known too for the many health benefits it provides to its drinkers. It is known to suppress cold and flu symptoms, stopping them in their tracks. It also helps with nausea, stomach cramps, and it greatly improves overall blood circulation. This makes people become more energetic.

Arguably the most popular of the herbal teas is green tea. It has actually been commercialized and made into bottled drinks. The green tea benefits are as popular as the drinks themselves because they cover a wide range of health concerns. Aside from overall body circulation, green tea is known to help fight the flu virus. Diabetes has found an enemy too in green teas as it helps lower blood sugar. In addition to this, it aids in lowering cholesterol levels in the blood.

Herbal teas are here to stay. Because of the many benefits that people experience when they drink herbal teas, there is nothing but a bright future for herbal teas and its market. People with generally failing health can opt to include herbal teas in their day to day diet to supplement their food intake. 

Ben works for Hambleden Herbs, a supplier of herbal teas and other organic herbs and spices.

Teas to Cure Pregnancy Ailments

For many, tea is simply a pleasant drink. Others use tea as a way to lose weight. But various herbal teas can also serve as fertility tonics, and help cure pregnancy signs like morning sickness. Where should you start if you would like to use teas to encourage a healthy pregnancy and to make those ailments go away?

Red raspberry leaf tea

Red raspberry leaf or RRL tea is a favorite among pregnant women in their third trimester, because it contains fragrine, which tones pelvic muscles and the uterus, and herbalists recommend it to women to help them have an easier birth. You will also find vitamins A, B complex, C, and E in red raspberry leaf tea, as well as minerals like potassium. The tea is sometimes used as a fertility booster, and can serve as a morning sickness remedy and help maintain a healthy blood pressure.

Nettle leaf tea

Nettle leaf is a lesser known pregnancy tea, but it is just as potent as RRL tea, if not more so. Nettle leaves can be used in infusions and fresh in cooking, and their tea has a mild and pleasant taste. Nettles are full of vitamins (A, C, D and K) and minerals (iron, potassium, calcium, sulphur and phosphorus), which are all needed for a healthy pregnancy. Herbalists prescribe nettle leaf tea to couples who are thinking about how to get pregnant, as it increases fertility. During pregnancy, the tea aids kidney functioning, prevents varicosities including hemorrhoids, and helps the body recover from birth more easily. In addition, it helps prevent iron-deficiency anemia. Nettle leaf tea is, essentially, an all-in-one vitamin and mineral booster!

Morning sickness teas

Most expectant mothers suffer from pregnancy nausea and vomiting. Peppermint, lemon, fennel and anise tea are all morning sickness remedies that work like a dream for many women. For the best effect, it helps to drink the tea of your choice first thing in the morning, before you even get up.

Teas to prevent varicose veins
Varicosities are a big problem for many women during pregnancy. Besides nettle leaf tea, oatstraw tea or dried parsley tea can help maintain vein elasticity and prevent varicose veins or sooth existing ones.

Trying To Conceive is a website dedicated fertility, pregnancy, and babies.

The Alzheimer’s Disease Preventative Health Benefits of Green Tea

The therapeutic abilities of green tea has long been recognized and put to practice by the Chinese people for over five thousand years. Modern medicine in the West has been rather slow to accept the numerous health advantages related to drinking green tea, which it continues to do so with lots of super foods proven to reduce the potential risk of chronic diseases.

Scientists now have definitive clinical proof that green tea can safeguard the brain from developing Alzheimer`s disease and can also play a crucial role in defending our cells from becoming cancerous. Health-conscious people can benefit from the traditional Chinese custom of drinking green tea daily to protect their own health naturally.

Green tea consists of substances known as polyphenols, these are highly effective anti-oxidants that hunt down free radicals (unstable oxygen molecules) and minimize the chance of many degenerative illnesses from coming to be. Previously, researchers were not able to verify the precise impact of these polyphenols one digested, but there is now evidence that polyphenols become even more powerful when metabolized by digestive enzymes.

Clinical research carried out at Newcastle University and released in the Phytomedicine journal makes clear just how our bodies activate green tea anti-oxidants to offer better disease protection. Prime scientist Dr. Ed Okello discovered that when green tea is broken down by enzymes in the digestive tract, the anti-oxidants produced are even more powerful against the main triggers of Alzheimer’s disease development compared to the undigested form of green tea.”

The most typical kind of dementia is Alzheimer`s disease and is known as a gradual and irreparable ailment leading to diminished cognitive functionality. It’s broadly acknowledged that the disorder is the consequence of the damaging effects of the hydrogen peroxide free radical as well as a lack of ability to effectively clear out amyloid beta proteins that will develop into brain plaques.

Phytother Res. 2004 Aug;18(8):624-7.
In vitro anti-beta-secretase and dual anti-cholinesterase activities of Camellia sinensis L. (tea) relevant to treatment of dementia. – Okello EJ, Savelev SU, Perry EK.

Green Tea Tannins Protect Organs and Tissues

According to the results of a study released in the book “Free Radicals in Food”, the antioxidants in green tea called tannins may help to protect organs and tissues from oxidative damage. Tannins are common antioxidants found in vegetables, and especially fruits, wine and tea. Due to the very minimal levels of oxidation that the tea leaves used for making green tea are exposed to, green tea contains a lot more of these tannins than both oolong and black tea varieties, even though they are made from the leaves of the same plant. This is why we hear a lot about the benefits of green tea, but not so much about the benefits of oolong and black tea – green tea contains the most health-promoting antioxidants.

In this study, researchers Ken M Reidl, Stephane Carando, Helaine M Alessio, Mark McCarthy and Ann E Hagerman tested the effects of a specific tannin, found abundantly in green tea called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), upon the tissues of rats. After a 6.5 week long feeding trial the rats were examined for oxidative effects within their tissues after intensive exercise – oxidative effects are multiplied by exercise. It was found that the rats not given green tea displayed signs of oxidative damage within their liver and kidneys, while the liver and kidney tissues of those given green tea were protected.

Of course these results would have to be repeated in human trials to see if these positive effects transfer to human tissues and organs. Although the results of many other studies show that drinking green tea protects DNA and some tissues and can dramatically reduce our risk of developing cancer and heart disease, and increase our longevity.

Ref: Antioxidant Activity of Tannins and Tannin-Protein Complexes: Assessment In Vitro and In Vivo
Riedl, Ken M. ; Carando, Stephane ; Alessio, Helaine M. ; McCarthy, Mark ; Hagerman, Ann E.
Free Radicals in Food. March 4, 2002, 188-200