Many studies link high salt consumption with heart disease and high blood pressure. Results from studies done by teams of scientist from Yale University in the U.S. and the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany indicate that junk food diets, containing high amounts of refined or, processed salt may also be one of the major contributors to an increase in autoimmune diseases. The United States is mentioned to be particularly guilty of dumping this kind of bad salt on its citizens. U.S. fast foods are often more than twice as salt-laden as those served in other countries. The Canadian Medical Association Journal discovered from an international team of researchers sent out to compare the salt content in 2,124 food items sold by the America's leading fast food restaurants like Burger King, Domino's Pizza, Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonalds, and Pizza Hut and even Subways, and discovered that U.S. fast foods in general contained more than twice the amount of salt than restaurants in other countries.
The U.S. government has tended to ignore efforts to reduce refined salt levels, unlike other countries whose public health campaigns have been more active in this area. Consequently, big fast-food companies have been free to go salt crazy said one of the study authors and blood pressure specialist at the University of Calgary, Norm Campbell M.D. Many low-fat foods advertised for their healthy attributes and good taste actually rely on salt, and lots of it for flavor. One packet of KFC's Marzetti Light Dressing claims to have only 15 calories and 0.5 grams of fat. However, it also has 510 mg of sodium or 1.5 times as much as one Original Recipe Chicken drumstick. Bread ranks number 1 in the U.S. as a source of consumption for refined salt. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, just one 6-inch Roasted Garlic loaf from Subway, without meat, cheese or anything else has 1,260 mg of sodium, equivalent to 14 strips of bacon. Enriched wheat bread also is linked to increased incidences of the autoimmune disorder Celiac disease.
A research team from Yale University studied the role of T helper cells in the body. These T cells activate and help other cells to fight dangerous pathogens such as bacteria or viruses and battle infections. Prior research showed that the subset of these T helper cells, known as Th17 cells are responsible for the development of autoimmune diseases. In a recent study, scientists found that when these cells were exposed to a table salt solution they acted more aggressively. For example, when mice were fed a diet high in refined salts, there was a dramatic increase in the number of Th17 cells in their nervous system, those cells that promote inflammation. Inflammation of course is a bi-product of autoimmune disorders. One other doctor involved in the study, a Professor David Hafler of Yale University said that nature did not design the immune system to attack its host body, so he surmised that an external factor was playing a part. Hafler concluded that "western diets all have high salt content and that has led to increase in hypertension and perhaps autoimmune disease as well."
All salts are not bad for us however. Actually salt is critical to our health and is the most readily available nonmetallic mineral in the world. When a salt is filled with dozens of minerals such as in rose-colored crystals of Himalayan rock salt or the grey texture of Celtic salt, our bodies actually benefit tremendously from this. "These mineral salts are identical to the elements of which our bodies have been built and were originally found in the primal ocean from where life originated" says Dr/ Barbara Hendel, researcher and co-author of Water & Salt, The Essence of Life. "We have salty tears and salty perspiration. The chemical and mineral composition of our blood and body fluids are similar to sea water. From the beginning of life, as unborn babies, we are encased in a sack of salty fluid." Only the refined, processed and bleached salts lacking in minerals, not salt content, may be the blame for health problems such as autoimmune disease. Mineral salts help us to be healthier because they give our bodies the variety of mineral ions needed to balance its functions, remain healthy and heal itself. Mineral salts with healing properties have been recognized in Central Europe, specifically in Poland. In a town called Wieliczka, where a hospital has actually been carved into a salt mountain. Autoimmune patients suffering from asthma, lung diseases and allergies have found relief in breathing the salt laden air in 90 per cent of all cases. David McCarron of Oregon Health Sciences University agrees with Dr. Hendel saying that salt has always been part of the human diet, but what has changed is the mineral content of our food. People are filling themselves up on processed food and fizzy drinks instead of eating food high in minerals like nuts, fruits and vegetables.
Jim Gonsler is a health and wellness consultant whose mission is to help autoimmune disease sufferers (like himself), who experience digestive disorders like Crohn's disease, or Arthritis induced inflammation of the joints find relief and regain the high quality of life they once had.
Thursday 30 May 2013
How To Reduce Wrinkles Around The Mouth And Wrinkles Around Your Eyes?
Whenever you meet someone, your face is the very first thing they see. In fact, most people pay no attention at all to other areas of your body when they first meet you. As such, it is not really surprising that most people are so concerned about their facial appearance.
Acne sufferers have a never ending battle because once they manage to get rid of one unsightly pimple, the next one appears. Fortunately for them, acne can be totally eliminated by a few basic lifestyle changes. If a healthy diet is adopted, and chemical based skin care products are avoided, most people can rid themselves of acne.
The bad news for us older folk is that lines and wrinkles are far more difficult to get rid of. This is especially true when it comes to wrinkles around the mouth or eyes. Most of the products which can supposedly reduce fine lines and wrinkles end up failing miserably when you actually put them to the test.
All those celebrities you see who have such perfect complexions do not look that way because of one or other big name anti wrinkle cream. Their perfect complexions are a result of highly skilled makeup artists or highly skilled cosmetic surgeons.
Most brand name wrinkle creams contain an alarming number of chemicals, many of which have been linked to serious health risks. Several of them can certainly reduce wrinkles around the mouth and eyes, but the results are always short lived. Once the effects of the chemicals wear off, the lines and wrinkles return.
If you don't favor cosmetic procedures like laser treatments, and would rather rely on creams or lotions, then you definitely want to find and use products that contain only 100% natural ingredients. Below is a very short list of some ingredients which have been shown to be effective at reducing fine lines and wrinkles:
* Natural Vitamin E - Scientifically recognized as a powerful antioxidant, and studies have shown it can help to prevent age spots and can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
* Nano-Lipobelle H EQ10 - This is a modified version of the much spoken about EQ10. With this newer "nano-emulsion" formula, the active ingredients are able to penetrate the skin a lot deeper than before, and in so doing, they are able to help stimulate natural collagen and elastin production.
* Avocado Oil - Avocado oil has been scientifically proven to stimulate collagen production, and what makes it a good choice is its excellent compatibility with oils that occur naturally in human skin.
* Grape Seed Oil - This is another natural ingredient which has shown extremely promising results in terms of reducing facial lines, and particularly those which are present on thin delicate skin, such as the skin around a person's eyes.
* Shea Butter - The benefits of Shea Butter are well documented, and it is considered by many to be the world's greatest natural skin moisturizer. It is readily absorbed by the skin, and as a result, you are not left with a greasy or oily film on your skin after applying it.
As is to be expected, there are many other natural ingredients which can help you to keep you skin looking vibrant and youthful. Everyone has their own personal favorites, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. The most important thing of all is that you keep chemical based creams away from your skin.
Tuesday 28 May 2013
5 Ways To Reduce Joint Pain Without The Use Of Medication
Tip #1: Ice Packs Will Certainly Come In Handy!
Arthritis is known to cause both pain and inflammation - this is where ice packs step in and help you reduce the inflammation. By icing your joints (or by soaking them in very cold water for several minutes), you will reduce the swelling and you will temporarily relief the pain as well.
Tip #2: Lose Several Pounds
This is by far one of the most important aspects you need to take care of if you suffer from arthritis. Extra weight not only increases the chances for dangerous diseases as you age, but it also puts unnecessary pressure on your joints, thus making them hurt even more.
Having said that, it is important to try and reach a normal weight for your height - in order to do that, you must firstly calculate your body mass index (BMI). You can do that using an online calculator. When you start losing weight, you will look better and feel better!
Tip #3: A Healthier Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle involves a balanced nutrition and regular exercises. If you have any vice such as smoking or drinking alcohol, then it is highly recommended to quit, as chemicals are the last thing you need in your body with all the inflammation and pain caused by arthritis. Your blood needs as much oxygen as it can get, and smoking prevents the oxygen from reaching the blood and the vital organs.
On the other hand, you can also keep the pain and swelling under control using superfoods that have anti-inflammation properties. Increase your intake of lean meats, fruits and vegetables and try to do more exercises. Swimming and walking are two of the best exercises for joint pain, as they support your bones and joints and they strengthen your muscles.
Strengthening your muscles and ensuring their proper functioning is vital, as weakened muscles can increase the risk of joint deterioration in the future.
Tip #4: Massage
Massage has been used for thousands of years due to its wealth of health benefits. It is also used today to improve blood circulation, especially to support peripheral blood flow.
Professional therapists deal with arthritis sufferers on a constant basis, therefore they certainly know some techniques that alleviate the pain in a natural and efficient way. Besides, the results should be long-lasting, too!
Tip #5: Increase Your Calcium Intake
Calcium is essential for the health of your bones, so make sure that your daily calcium intake for joint support and bones is of 1000mg. If your body lacks calcium, it will start to get it from your bones, which will leave your joints without any support whatsoever - this is particularly dangerous for those who have been suffering from arthritis for several years.
To summarize, these are 5 natural ways that will help you control joint pain and inflammation without using NSAIDs or any other potentially dangerous drugs.
Top Ten Tips for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
We live in a world filled with chemicals. Those who are sensitive to these chemicals are the "canary in the coal mines". You are the forerunners in warning others of the trouble we are in, the challenges the earth is facing.
Here are ten things you can do if you or your loved ones suffer from this sensitivity.
1) Limit your exposure to anything that is a toxin. These may be items you are aware of and others you are not. Question everything you eat, every product you use in your home, your clothing, your bedding as they are all loaded with chemicals.
2) Reduce your body burden by eating and living clean. The less toxins you take in, the less of a body burden you will carry.
3) Always have a window open a small crack in your bedroom, winter or summer.
4) Have a high quality air purifier in your room. Whole house purifiers are great too!
5) You can also wear a mini air purifier around your neck if you are extremely sick. This protects you, to some degree, when you go out in public.
6) Undertake a detox and body cleansing program to clean the body. Liver cleansing will greatly assist your body's internal cleansing abilities.
7) Get as much exercise and fresh air as you can. Walk or run in forests and by rivers to get clean air in your lungs. A body filled with oxygen is a body with less illness.
8) Sleep well. Do all you can to insure a good nights sleep. Eat early and create a calm an hour before sleep, to wind down and prepare for a restful night. Sleep without a full belly will heal and repair.
9) Make and drink green juices. Green juices flood the body with healing nutrients and are liquid sunshine. Drinking at least 32 ounces of green juice a day and healing will occur.
10) Be sure you are eliminating properly, defined as eliminating every time you eat or at least two times a day.
I am a Certified Holistic Health and Lifestyle Coach who supports women in creating a life they love, filled with passion and purpose, letting their light shine.
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Secret Detox Drink-Transform Your Kitchen-Episode #36
This secret detox drink will help your body burn fat, lose weight, and reverse diabetes.
Thursday 16 May 2013
Exercise for Multiple Sclerosis
The French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot was the first person to recognize multiple sclerosis as a distinct disease in 1868. Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease in which the fatty myelin sheaths around the axons in nerves of the brain and spinal cord are damaged, leading to demyelination (damage to the myelin sheath) and scarring which leads to a broad variety of other signs and symptoms.
Communication between nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to is affected in people with MS. Nerve cells communicate by sending electrical signals called action potentials down long fibers called axons, which are contained within a protective, insulating substance called myelin. In MS, the body's own immune system recognises myelin as a threat then attacks and damages it. When myelin is lost, the axons can no longer effectively conduct signals properly. This is what causes the symptoms of MS.
Multiple sclerosis can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms are similar to other medical problems. Medical organisations have created diagnostic criteria to ease and standardise the diagnostic process. These criteria are especially effective within the first stages of the disease. The Schumacher and Poser criteria were both popular but now the McDonald criteria is more commonly used.
Clinical data alone may be sufficient for a diagnosis of MS if an individual has suffered separate episodes of neurologic symptoms characteristic of MS like changes in sensation such as loss of sensitivity or tingling, prickling or numbness. The most commonly used diagnostic tools are neuroimaging and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and spine also show areas of demyelination and the nervous system of a person with MS responds less actively to stimulation of the optic nerve and sensory nerves due to demyelination of such pathways. These brain responses can be examined using visual and sensory evoked potentials.
Although MS isn't considered hereditary a number of genetic variations have been shown to increase the risk of developing the disease. The chances of inheriting MS is higher in relatives of a person with the disease than in the general population, especially in the case of siblings, parents, and children.
As well as the obvious benefits of exercise, the benefits to healthy individuals, the benefits of exercise for people with MS include:
Improves muscle strength and tone to help maintain mobility and reduce muscle weakness
Helps to keep people with more severe MS stay mobile
Helps with weight management
Can help with some symptoms of MS
There is no single exercise that "cures" MS. Exercise is best thought of as merely a supplement or a preventative measure that aids your current therapy. Choosing what type of exercise you do depends on YOU! What do you enjoy doing? What sports do you like? Do you prefer to train with someone or go solo? Do you need help or instructions to start an exercise program? All these questions can help in choosing the right form of exercise for you and ensure your exercise programme is adhered to. Here's a few ideas to get you going:
Walking and aerobics have been shown to improve balance
Yoga, T'ai Chi and stretching helps with muscle stiffness and spasms
Pelvic floor exercises help with bladder and bowel problems
Aerobic exercise has been shown to help improve the symptoms of depression
The Health Fitness Project is a free database for health professionals and fitness enthusiasts, continually growing and full of scientifically based fitness advice put in to words that EVERYONE can understand.
Wednesday 15 May 2013
The Benefits of Exercise For Hormonal Health, Immune System and Joint Related Issues
We all know that exercise is important; there are many benefits of exercise like - cardiovascular health and overall stress management. But exercise is more than maintaining cardiovascular health. Studies on exercise have indicated that engaging in moderate exercise, meaning a brisk walk, 3x a week for 20 minute intervals, is beneficial for supporting hormonal balance, immune system function, cognitive ability and breathing disorders in addition to the many benefits seen for cardiovascular health. In fact, if one looked at the studies surrounding exercise, it becomes apparent that exercise may be the best preventative strategy for living a long and healthy life. Let's take a look at what a moderate exercise program can do for the human body.
Hormonal Health
Moderate 30 minute exercise programs have been shown to improve hot flashes and night sweats as well as elevate mood, decrease irritability, decrease headaches and improve sleeping patterns in menopausal women for a 24 hour time period following the exercise bout. Exercise programs have also been shown to improve stress levels and increase coping ability and these benefits seem to extend to tai chi and yoga based exercise programs and not only cardiovascular or strength based programs. Exercise also shows benefit in maintaining bone density and decreasing fracture rate for this group of women and promotes healthy cholesterol profiles, body composition and blood pressure management for those going through the menopausal process.
Immune System Function
Exercise is highly beneficial for immune system health and moderate exercise has been shown to stimulate immune cell production, elevate temperature to assist in the removal of bacterial agents, increase excretion of carcinogens and encourage early detection of viral infections. Exercise also modulates the stress response and controls inflammation in immune based episodes and appears to decrease both the duration as well as the severity of influenza (Flu) infections. Exercise also appears to decrease the prevalence of infections for those participating in moderate exercise and increases antibody response in response to vaccinations.
Memory and Cognitive Function
While there is a lack of research in this area, studies do indicate that moderate exercise programs reduce the risk of dementia for some individuals and that individuals with the lowest levels of exercise participation may be twice as likely to develop dementia conditions compared to those with higher levels of exercise participation. Research also indicates that exercise, in conjunction with a healthy diet, moderate alcohol intake and smoking cessation, may provide the greatest protection against the development of dementia.
COPD and Breathing Disorders
Research indicates that individuals with asthma can exercise safely providing that they are properly medicated, avoid triggers for allergic attacks and follow proper exercise protocols. For individuals with exercise-induced asthma, providing that proper prophylactic treatment protocols (ie. preventative asthma medications) are followed, these people should be able to engage in exercise programs safely. The benefits of exercise in COPD patients include increased physical capacity, decreased anxiety, greater independence in daily activities, and reduced fatigue. In studies on COPD and exercise it was found that exercise is an important component in pulmonary rehabilitation and that light to moderate physical activity is beneficial for improving the quality of life. Research also showed that COPD patients who engage in a progressive exercise program increased functional capacity from 0-80% after only 6 weeks of training.
And of course, the benefits of exercise for Cardiovascular Disease
Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death for women despite the emphasis put on the prevention of osteoporosis and breast cancer. Cardiovascular disease is the broad name given to disorders that affect the heart and circulatory system as a whole and includes angina, heart attack, high blood pressure, arterial blockages, congestive heart failure, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. Studies indicate that women are twice as likely to die within a year of a heart attack and twice as likely to die from coronary intervention methods such as grafts and angioplasty. The research indicates that exercise programs are safe and effective for increasing strength and endurance in individuals with cardiovascular disease and while cardiovascular disease is still thought of a condition that affects mostly men, more women die each year of coronary heart disease than from any other condition. For those individuals with cardiovascular disease, exercise programs encourage cardiac muscle tone and increase the hearts ability to utilize oxygen which decreases fatigue when doing normal activity. Other benefits of exercise for this group of individuals include the following:
decreases body weight and fat percentage
decreases blood lipid levels like triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels while increasing HDL cholesterol levels
Improves insulin resistance
Improves blood clotting ability
Improves blood pressure control
The Integrative Health Centre is a professional naturopathic clinic in Calgary committed to providing comprehensive health care. It provides exercise programs that support hormonal balance, immune system function, cognitive ability and breathing disorders etc.
Tuesday 14 May 2013
Thursday 9 May 2013
27 EASY WAYS TO SLEEP BETTER TONIGHT
The average person spends more than one third of his/her life asleep. But don’t be fooled — just because the body is sleeping doesn’t mean it’s slacking off. During sleep, the body repairs itself so that when the alarm clock goes off, our bodies are renewed and refreshed. Tossing and turning all night can affect judgment, productivity, and the ability to retain information the next day. Over time, it can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and — of course — a chronic bad attitude. (Did someone wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?) So whether or not you're a morning person, check out our list on how to sleep better tonight — and thank us in the morning.
Disclaimer: While factors like stress or big life changes can bring on a few sleepless nights, prolonged trouble sleeping could be a sign of another issue like depression or a sleep disorder like sleep apnea. If these are worries, schedule a doctor’s visit to get things checked out. A medical professional might suggest a hormone test or another kind of evaluation to make sure everything’s okay.
1. Establish a bedtime routine. This lets the body know it’s time to unwind from the day’s stress and chill. Figure out a schedule and stick to it every night of the week — even weekends!
2. Journal. Thinking about or doing stressful activities can cause the body to release stress hormones, leading to alertness. But writing out stressful thoughts in a journal can help us avoid restlessness once we hit the sheets. Studies suggest certain types of journaling allow us to focus on the positive instead of the negative aspects of our day [1].
3. Munch on magnesium. Research suggests magnesium plays a key role in our ability to sleep through the night [2]. Try chowing on magnesium-rich foods such as pumpkin seeds, spinach, and swiss chard [3]. Or pop a ZMA supplement, another form of magnesium, about half an hour before bedtime.
4. Try a cup of chamomile tea. This herbal drink can reduce anxiety that might make it more difficult to fall asleep [4].
5. Exercise regularly. Studies suggest some aerobic exercise can reduce anxiety and improve quality of sleep in people who suffer from insomnia [5].
6. Work out earlier in the day. While exercise can help improve sleep quality, it’s important to schedule workouts that end at least two hours before hitting the hay so that post-workout adrenaline boost doesn’t keep you up.
7. Take a power nap during the day. Ten to 30 minutes in the mid-afternoon is best to ensure a good night’s sleep. Any longer and we risk falling into deeper stages of sleep, which can leave us feeling groggy when we wake up.
8. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep. While many of us don’t get nearly that much, sleep deprivation has been linked to high cortisol levels (aka more stress) [6]. Recent research also suggests not sleeping enough is linked to insulin resistance, a condition in which the body can’t process insulin efficiently and a risk factor for diabetes [7].
9. Bedroom activities only, please. Reserve the bed for bedtime-only activities so the mind associates the bedroom with relaxation. Sleep and sex, yes. Work and bills, not so much [8].
10. Create a comfortable environment. Whether that means picking the perfect mattress, splurging on 800-thread-count sheets, getting heavy-duty curtains to block out light, or keeping a fan in the room for background noise, make sure it’s comfy before climbing into bed. Share a bed? Work with your partner to make any changes necessary so everyone sleeps well.
11. Keep the bedroom slightly cool. Between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. A room with extreme temperatures leads to more frequent awakenings and lighter sleep.
12. Take a hot shower or bath before bed. This can help the mind relax, while the rise and fall of body temperature induces sleepiness.
13. Set a daily wakeup time. Just like it’s best to go to bed at the same time every day, it’s a good idea to keep a consistent wakeup time — even on the weekends. Irregular bedtime and wake-up hours can lead to poor sleep patterns [9].
14. Make up for lost sleep. Stayed up too late the past few nights? Tack on an extra hour tonight to repay sleep debt and get back on track.
15. Keep caffeine fixes to mornings and early afternoons. Drinking it too late in the evening can lead to an unwelcome bedtime boost. For some people, the effects of caffeine can last the whole work day — up to 10 hours after that last venti macchiato.
16. Don’t toss and turn. Can’t fall asleep? If you’ve been lying in bed awake for more than 20 minutes, get out of bed and try a relaxing activity like reading or listening to mellow music. Thinking about not sleeping will bring on even more anxiousness — it’s a vicious cycle.
17. Check the medicine cabinet. Certain medications might be interfering with sleep. Think a prescription is the culprit to a sleepless night? Talk to a doctor about potential side effects and how to deal with them.
18. Leave Fluffy on the floor. Sleeping with pets can interfere with sleep. Snuggle before bedtime and then let them get comfortable elsewhere.
19. Face the alarm clock away. Watching the time tick by can actually cause more stress and make it harder to fall asleep. Plus, artificial light from electronic gadgets can mess up our circadian rhythm, making our bodies think it’s time to stay up and party.
20. Get techy. Check out the variety of smartphone apps and other gadgets designed to help usher in a better night’s sleep. Tracking sleep over a long period of time can also help us pinpoint what’s helping — and hurting — our snooze time.
21. Listen to soothing music. It can improve both sleep quality and duration [10]. Try classical, folk, or slow-paced contemporary styles for some soothing sounds.
22. Sniff some lavender. This scent can actually be an antidote to insomnia. Try burning lavender-scented candles or essential oils to ease into sleep [11].
23. Try progressive muscle relaxation. Starting with the feet, tense the muscles. Hold for a count of five and then relax. Do this for every muscle group in the body, working up from the feet to the top of the head [12]. A nightly meditation practice that involves focusing on the breath can also help prepare the body for sleep.
24. Dim the lights. Bright lighting, in particular the “blue light” emitted by most electronic devices, might contribute to sleep disturbances. Tech-savvy insomniacs might want to check out the special glasses designed to block blue light and help us snooze through the night [13].
25. Get some fresh air. Exposure to daylight helps regulate the body’s internal clock and with it, sleep timing. Getting some sunlight also keeps daytime fatigue at bay, leading to more sleepiness at bedtime.
26. Establish an “electronic curfew.” The artificial lights from computers, TVs, and cell phones might make it more difficult for the body to understand when it’s time to wind down. And one study suggests limiting TV at bedtime can reduce sleep debt [14].
27. Drink something warm. While a glass of warm milk might not be medically proven to bring on sleep, the relaxation that comes with sipping on a mug of a “comfort drink” like warm milk, hot chocolate, or tea can make those eyelids a bit heavier.
Special thanks to Dr. Eugene Babenko for his contributions to this article.
Tuesday 7 May 2013
Sunday 5 May 2013
Green Tea - The Miraculous Drink
Green tea is a beverage inherited from our ancient forefathers, one found to have many benefits. In fact, you could say green tea is a miraculous drink. Originating in ancient China, almost 4000 years ago, it is made, like many other Chinese teas, of the leaves from Camellia sinensis. But unlike other teas, green tea is manufactured differently and that is what retains its beneficial properties.
Today, because of its nutritional and healing powers, it is famous the world over. Herbalists suggest everyone drink at least two cups a day, or take it as an all natural supplement. The benefits are enormous. It is known to reduce cholesterol, help in the loss of weight, but best of all it reduces the chances of getting cancer, and eliminates cancer cells when they already exist.
Anti-Cancer Properties
Results of an epidemiology study made in 1994 by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, show that drinking this tea reduces the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by almost 60%. The results also suggest that green tea ingredients hamper the growth of cancer cells.
It is rich in catechin polyphenols and specially (EGCG), a strong antioxidant. The antioxidants in green tea, eliminate free radicals that can damage DNA and this results in cancer growth. However, aside from being an anti-cancer nutrient, this tea can be beneficial in weight loss. It reduces the cholesterol levels, offers energy and calms the nerves. Additionally, green tea prevents tooth decay and kills bacteria.
Weight Loss Benefits
If someone wants to reduce his or her waist, adding green tea into the diet plan improves results. Recent research shows that this special tea extract increases the rate of the body's calorie burning activity and decreases the fat in the blood, cholesterol and controls appetite. Tea supporters claim that it burns body fat too and leads to enhanced muscle endurance. It is a natural energy booster and increases the metabolism.
Offers Hydrating Benefits
This tea offers hydration benefits too. Much like water does. It helps patients with diabetes control their sugar levels and it helps anyone stabilize glucose levels slowing the rise of blood sugar. Again the EGCG, powerful antioxidant, combats harmful toxins with free radicals thus slowing down the aging process and increasing longevity. Added to this, the Polyphenols and Flavonoids contained in the tea make the immune system stronger and more resistant to diseases.
Prevents Baldness
Ingredients also seem to have positive effect on those that undergo the frustration of baldness. Recent research shows recent that the anti-inflammatory properties in the tea can promote hair growth. The regular consumption of green tea increases the levels of sex Hormones too. SHBG regulates the hormones in the body by restraining the tissue and cells that use testosterone. Because Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is held responsible for hair loss, the tea reduces and restricts the production of DHT, thereby preventing further loss.
A Great Pick-Me-Up
If you are a night owl, workaholic or just need to stay energized for any particular reason, this beverage can help too. The properties are known to keep you alert. So whether school work, work or other things keep you awake, this is going to be your drink!
Caution
There is some evidence that suggests that consuming excessive volumes of this beverage may cause liver toxicity and oxidative stress. For this reason, this oriental tea is not suitable for those suffering with severe hypertension problems. In some people green tea is known to o cause heartburn and chest pain, but the risks are minimal. As with everything, excesses are not a good thing. Still, drinking green tea is quite healthy, but only if it is consumed in reasonable amount.
As Good As Resveratrol
Experts also believe that the tea is the solution to the French Paradox (the French have diets that are rich in fats, yet have a longer longevity due to the resveratrol and polyphenol contained in wine). It may be twice as powerful as resveratrol which explains why the Japanese have significantly low rates of heart disease.
Bottom Line
The secret of this ancient tea is the catechin polyphenols, especially the epigallocatechin gallate or (EGCG). This is a powerful anti-oxidant that inhibits the growth of cancer cells, but also kills those that are already growing. It is also effective at lowering LDL and inhibiting the formation of blood clots. The latter is important as thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) cases heart attacks and stroke.
What makes this different from other Chinese teas, is the way it is processed. The leaves are steamed which prevents the EGCG properties from being oxidized. By contrast, other teas made from the Camellia sinensis plant are fermented, so the ingredients are not as effective at fighting off disease.
While there is no significant proof that green tea is effective at helping weight loss many people do swear by it. At any rate, its other beneficial properties help reduce some of the negative symptoms of dieting (loss of energy, motivation, faintness and dizziness), allowing you to complete a diet successfully.
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