13 Health Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea has been enjoyed by people in China and Japan for thousands of years. Over time it has become widely known in the West.

A lot of people nowadays have heard that green tea benefits overall health, but not a lot know why exactly. And, believe me, after I've learned all the health benefits of green tea, I get a completely different feeling every time I drink it. I not only enjoy the taste of it but I also get the moral satisfaction knowing that I am doing something right and extremely healthy for my body. I want you to have exactly the same feeling I have, so here are the benefits that you get while sipping a delicious cup of tea.

Green tea contains anti-oxidants that:

1. Help to prevent cancer.

There is some strong evidence that green tea included in your every day diet can reduce bladder, colon, esophageal, pancreas, rectum, and stomach cancer up to 60%. An antioxidant known as "epigallocatechin gallate" (EGCG for short) is at least 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times more effective than vitamin E at protecting cells from harmful influence.

The amazing thing about EGCG is that it not only inhibits the growth of new cancer cells it also kills some of the existing cancer sells without harming the healthy ones.

2. Lowers "bad" cholesterol (known as LDL) and improves the ratio of "good" cholesterol (known as HDL). It explains why tea-drinkers can eat almost twice the foods containing cholesterol as those who don't drink green tea, but still have an equal cholesterol count.

3. Stops the unnatural formation of blood clots which if not taken care of will cause thrombosis. It takes on added importance if you consider that thrombosis is one of the main causes of strokes and heart attacks.

4. Reduces high blood pressure by repressing angiotensin II which causes constriction of the blood vessels causing high blood pressure.

5. Lowers blood sugar (polyphenols and polysaccharides are the two main antioxidants are especially effective in lowering blood sugar). That helps prevent and relieve type-two diabetes.

6. Protects liver against toxins like alcohol and chemicals in cigarette smoke.

7. Promotes oral health by suppressing the process of plaque formation and destroys the bacteria that forms plaque. It also destroys bacteria that causes bad breath, so after eating something sweet I suggest you drink a cup of green tea.

8. Destroys free radicals that cause aging.

9. Boosts your immune system function (because of its high concentration of polyphenols and flaveboids).

10. Possesses antibacterial and antiviral properties. Recent studies show that green tea inhibits the spread of disease, speeds up recovery from cold and flu. It also kills seven strains of food poisoning bacteria including clostridium, botulus and staphylococcus (which makes it a good treatment for diarrhea).

11. Helps your body to maintain healthy fluid balance and relieve fatigue and stress often caused by dehydration.

12. Blocks main receptors that produce allergic reactions.

13. Stimulates metabolism, the calorie burning process and is wildly being used as an important part of a healthy diet.

It is important to know that black tea, even though it comes from the same plant as a green tea, will not give you the same benefits. Black tea during fermentation process loses most of its medical benefits.

The best way to preserve all the disease-fighting nutritions is to drink your tea freshly brewed. All the decaffeinated, ready-to-drink bottled or instant teas will give you very little natural health compounds. It is better to let your tea steep for about 4-5 minutes before drinking it.

I hope that after reading this article you will include a cup of green tea in your daily ratio. After all it is a rare case when something that good for our health can be also that delicious.

20 Ways to Reduce Blood Pressure Naturally

Do You know someone who suffers from high blood pressure? Maybe You? Then this is good news!

Are you aware that there are simple and inexpensive ways to control blood pressure with food and supplements you already have in your kitchen?

Intelligent health conscious people like You can naturally understand these strategies to help maintain lower blood pressure levels.

Because when you understand and follow through with these steps, you will feel more energy and enjoy the benefits of lower blood pressure.

In my 10 years of studying nutrition and over 5 years of helping others solve their health problems, I have found that the experts agree that these steps are some of the most effective in lowering blood pressure naturally.

1. CoQ10 supplements – CoEnzyme Q10 or CoQ10 For short is a powerful anti-oxidant which is in every cell in your body. Your body uses CoQ10 to derive Energy.

In a double-blind placebo controlled study published in The Journal of Human Hypertension, The group which took CoQ10 for just 8 weeks showed a significant reduction of blood pressure.

Also in a University of Texas study, people taking oral CoQ10 after just one month experienced significant lowering of blood pressure and 51% of participants were able to discontinue blood pressure medication.

As a side note, blood pressure medication prevents the body from not only manufacturing its own CoQ10, but also your body’s ability to absorb CoQ10. recommended dose: 100-200 mg gel caps each day to help lower blood pressure.

2. Vitamins, Herbs and Anti-oxidants

The following are Doctor recommended daily amounts.

Vitamin C - 1000 mg

Garlic - 2 cloves

Hawthorn berry - 500 mg

Omega 3 fatty acid fish oil Gel caps - 1000 mg

Vitamin b6 in a natural multivitamin

Magnesium - 500 mg

Astragalus root 500mg

3. Food Sources:

In a Greek study that examined the effects of the Mediterranean diet on 20,000 people proved that olive Oil, Fruits and Vegetables were significantly associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Celery - 4 sticks a day, relaxes the smooth muscles in the blood vessels.

Fresh cold water fish which is high in Omega-3 fatty Acids.

Salt - let’s understand the real reason why salt is important to your blood pressure.

We’ve all heard that you need to cut down on sodium in your diet, although this is not bad advice, it misses the point. High sodium intake alone does not increase blood pressure, it is an excess of sodium to potassium ratio.

The ideal ratio is five times as much potassium as sodium in Your diet. You’ll get the best results by eating three servings A day of potassium rich foods such as:

Bananas – 1 large

Avocados – 1 cup

Beans – ½ cup

Squash – 1 cup

Tomatoes – ½ cup

Low levels of magnesium can also contribute to high Blood pressure, so here are some Magnesium rich foods:

Almonds – 1/3 cup

Tofu – ½ cup

Cashews – 1 cup

Raisin bran – 1/3 cup

And finally lets talk about what level of blood pressure is considered high. Right now the threshold pushed by mainstream medicine is 115/75 – 120/80 which WAS considered borderline LOW just 5 years ago.

This is because the standard for “high- blood pressure, just like the standard for cholesterol is repeatedly lowered to put more people on medication. Your individual risk factors and age play a big role in determining what is a good blood pressure level for YOU.

So don’t just accept a one size fits all number when it comes to your blood pressure. Ask questions and discuss your health with a nutritionally educated Doctor to find what is best for you.

So what about YOU? Are You going to let the silent killer Sneak up on you? Or are You going to take action that will make this highly unlikely?

When You safe-guard Yourself with these proven techniques which You can easily incorporate into your life, then You will reap the healthy benefits.

Used in combination these natural, safe and proven techniques work wonders to keep your blood pressure down and allow you to experience a higher level of health without the unwanted side effects.

So take action now and get started today to do one thing from each of the three points above. Each day incorporate the food and supplements listed and You are well on Your way to lower blood pressure. These are proven, safe and inexpensive steps so You can enjoy the benefits now.

Vitamin E: Nourishing Dry Skin Care

Among all the nutrients, vitamin E is one of the most important for ensuring that your skin is healthy. It can be added to the diet by eating more seeds and nuts, healthful oils, and certain vegetables, like bean sprouts and sweet potatoes. It helps protect against heart problems, keeping the arteries clear. In skin care, though, it's helpful to apply the vitamin right at the site of the dry skin as well as adding it to the diet. This can be done in a variety of ways. You can find vitamin E skin care creams even in the dollar aisle of the store. The thing to remember about the less expensive products is that they probably do not contain the strength of vitamin E you need. They probably also are made of cheap synthetic ingredients instead of high quality organic oils and other healing components.vitamin E is one of the most importan

Vitamin E for Skin Around Eyes:

The skin around your eyes often needs moisturizing. This is because the area under the eyes does not have glands for secreting oil. Vitamin E is a wonderful ingredient in any eye cream as it restores and nourishes the delicate skin around the eyes. Using an eye cream or oil that contains vitamin E can help fight the tiny wrinkles that so often appear in this sensitive spot. It does this by stablizing and firming the cell membranes of your skin. You may need to use a vitamin E product for awhile before you see the desired results. In fact, it may take months. In addition, the cream may contain other ingredients that cause your skin to break out. If your skin seems to be sensitive to a product, discontinue its use and find another that is gentler.

What are Antioxidants?

Vitamin E is an anti-oxidant, which means it neutralizes the destructive free radicals. It also protects skin from damage caused by environmental pollution. Talk of free radicals and anti-oxidants can seem confusing. The main thing to remember is that antioxidants protect skin and other parts of our body. They protect us from the effects of the air pollution that is so widespread in our cities. The damage from free radicals doesn't just happen to our skin. It happens throughout our bodies. This is why it's so important to get enough vitamin E in the diet.

The Importance of the Skin:

People don't think of the skin as an organ like the heart or lungs. It is, though, and it's one of the largest and most important. It protects the body from all the damaging forces on the outside, such as dirt, bacteria, and ultraviolet light. This makes the skin a vital part of the body. It is crucial to take the best care of it that we can. Vitamin E prevents scars from forming and stops infections. It promotes fast healing.

What are Tocopherols?

There are different types of vitamin E, which are called "tocopherols." Some feel the best natural form of vitamin E is called D-alpha-tocopherol. Others feel that since the different tocopherols each have their own strengths, it makes sense to use many of the tocopherols at once. A product that has the different forms of vitamin E combined is said to have "mixed tocopherols."

Types of Products Available:

Vitamin E skin products come in many forms. One innovative product is a stick similar to a lipstick. It's vitamin E rich formula can be applied directly to the skin around the eyes or to the lips for serious healing and moisturizing of dry skin. Vitamin E for the skin is also found combined with oils and natural butters of all types. Sometimes it is added to tea tree oil. As a word of caution, tea tree oil is healing in cases of fungus or other infections, but it is harsh and drying. It should be used sparingly if at all by those who have dry skin. Vitamin E can also be found in a wide variety of skin lotions and creams. For best results, look for a vitamin E product that includes other helpful ingredients, such as vitamin A, B-complex, and C.

Vitamin E is one of the most vital healing agents for dry skin. It has been proven over the years to be able to keep moisture in the skin. It is found in many natural vegetable oils. It's easy to use, however, straight from a capsule. To apply vitamin E oil directly to irritated skin, just puncture a hole in a vitamin E capsule. This is a great way to get vitamin E directly to a sore spot, such as an insect bite or other extremely itchy spot.

Jerrick Foo has been researching and developing all dry skin care the purpose of offering men and women safe, dry skin care tips. He have created Dry Skin Care Guide to share his 10 years of combined expertise with you.

Using the Swiss Ball for Improved Posture and Increased Strength

For individuals looking for better posture and increased flexibility and strength, nothing could be easier than training with a Swiss ball.

WHAT IS A SWISS BALL?

The Swiss ball, also called the Stability ball, Exercise ball, Flexibility ball or other names, is a large, inflated, rubber ball. The Swiss ball was originally created in Italy in the 1960's and provides instability or resistance which requires the user to rely on 'core' muscles to retain balance - thus improving strength and flexibility of those muscles.

A Swiss doctor studied its use in a clinical setting by incorporating the ball in rehabilitation therapy. While it is still used in physiotherapy it has also become known in the general fitness world as an adaptable and enjoyable addition to routines building strength, flexibility and proper posture.

WHO CAN USE THE SWISS BALL?

Because the Swiss ball is so easy to use and enjoyable, it is able to be used by almost everyone, young or old. However, because the Swiss ball is designed to create instability (thus forcing the body's own muscles to be employed) there is a need for caution. The elderly, injured, pregnant women or anyone otherwise subject to a lack of stability or increased risk of falling, should not use the Swiss ball without personal instruction and care.

When choosing a Swiss ball it is important to choose the size appropriate to your height as well as the intended use. Determine what technique you plan to use the Swiss ball for before purchasing your own ball.

HOW DO YOU USE A SWISS BALL?

If you are concerned about lower back pain or posture you can use the Swiss ball as an alternative to a regular chair. Sedentary workers find that certain muscles in the back become weak over time and are easily strained. Sitting on the Swiss ball will improve your 'core strength' by forcing the unused muscles to maintain balance.

There are many videos and books as well as group classes that teach routines targeting different muscle groups. The Swiss ball has been used in therapy as well as for professional athletes so you are sure to find a method suitable for your experience and needs.

While it is possible to use the Swiss ball on your own at home or the office (and is recommended as an easy way to fit in your workout) it is helpful to have professional instruction when learning to use the ball correctly. Having someone guide you into proper position will show you what the proper alignment feels like.

Performing warm up exercises is also recommendred before beginning a Swiss ball routine. Using the Swiss ball properly will increase the benefits you receive with regular use. No matter what your fitness level, try it out and see how much fun the Swiss ball can be!

Copyright 2005 MHG Consulting

Energy Drinks May Give Young Sports Teams An Edge, Study Says

Consuming energy drinks during team sports could help young people perform better, a study suggests.

Sports scientists found that 12-14 year olds can play for longer in team games when they drink an isotonic sports drink before and during games.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh measured the performance of 15 adolescents during exercise designed to simulate the physical demands of team games such as football, rugby and hockey.

They showed for the first time that sports drinks helped the young people continue high intensity, stop-start activity for up to 24 per cent longer - compared with players who drank a non-carbohydrate placebo solution.

The study was conducted because there is increasing evidence of young people consuming commercially available energy drinks during team games and researchers wanted to assess their impact. The findings are published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology.

The findings showed that drinking a 6 per cent carbohydrate-electrolyte solution improved endurance capacity but did not make young people run faster during intermittent exercise in team sports.

The solution - containing carbohydrate, sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium - enhances hydration, helps prevent dehydration and provides a supply of energy to the body, thereby contributing to improved endurance capacity.

The researchers say the findings help to identify the importance of regular hydration and energy intake with a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution during games to replace fluids and provide energy in adolescent games players.

Dr John Sproule, Head of the Institute of Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences of the University of Edinburgh's Moray House School of Education who led the research, said: "The importance of hydration to improve performance during exercise for adults is well known.

"This research helps us further understand how adolescents respond to hydration and energy supply during exercise.

"The consumption of a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution was found to significantly enhance endurance capacity during simulated games play, and this could contribute to improved performance in adolescents."

This is the first study to explore the effect of a 6 per cent carbohydrate-electrolyte solution, similar to the make-up of an isotonic sports drink, on the performance of young people in team games.

Source:
University of Edinburgh