| |
| |
|
Alternative Treatments Information Update |
|
|
|
Just The Tea FAQs: Health Benefits (Part I)
Hands up all those who can't get through the day without their shots of coffee... ah, that's most of us then! Call it an espresso, cappuccino or a regular coffee, if it's not decaffeinated then the caffeine will have our central nervous system jumping to its own coffee beat, that much we know. But, while the jury may still be out as to whether long-term coffee consumption is detrimental to our health, there is an altogether more wholesome alternative readily available in shops, cafes and restaurants near you - tea. A third lower in caffeine content than coffee, tea is the original health drink. Since before the birth of Christ the people of China have held an appreciation for tea's medicinal qualities, transforming tea growing (and tea drinking) into what can only be described as an art form. More than two thousand years later and Western science is now just starting to prove what the Chinese have known all along - that tea is good for us! The health benefits of tea But, regardless of which tea is chosen, each brew of leaves brings with it health protection that even Medicare would be proud of. From stronger teeth and bones to lowering the risk of contracting certain cancers, tea it seems really does have a positive impact upon the health of the people who drink it. So, why is tea so good for us? According to the latest research it is all down to a trio of health-giving properties that a cup of tea yields: - Polyphenols For humans, it is the sub-group of tea polyphenols known as the flavonoids that are the most important in terms of health. Flavonoids are natural antioxidants that cleanse the body of oxygen and nitrogen-based free radicals. These chemical critters, if left unchecked, can cause tissue damage in the human body, accelerating the aging process and opening the door to diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and cataracts. Flavonoids neutralize this threat by interacting with the unpaired electrons in free radicals, thus removing the danger. In tea, catechins (especially epigallocatechin gallate (ECCG) which can account for up to 50% of catechin content in Green Tea) and tannins are the flavonoids that really walk the walk. As antioxidants they are some 25 - 100 times more effective than vitamin C and vitamin E are, and research studies suggest that their anticarcinogenic properties may help reduce the risk of contracting skin cancer, stomach cancer, oral cancer and colon cancer. Recent work by a Japanese group at the Aichi Cancer Center have even concluded that catechins in Green Tea lower the risk of breast cancer recurrence in its early stages. The biggest result on cancer though has to be in the domain of lung cancer. One study reported that sipping just one cup of Black Tea each day could reduce the risk of lung cancer development by 50%. Amazingly, the health benefits of tea polyphenols do not stop here. Flavonoids offer protection against heart disease and stroke by inhibiting the oxidation of LDL cholesterol - the bad cholesterol that is a forerunner to athersclerosis and high blood pressure. In some animal studies tea flavonoids have also been demonstrated to reduce blood lipids and enhance blood vessel performance. Flavonoids too have antibacterial properties, scientists having proven that tea polyphenols equip us with a greater immunity to bacterial infections such as Salmonella. Even weight watchers have been rejoicing over the past few years since U.S. and Swiss research scientists announced that catechins in Green Tea might promote fat oxidation above and beyond what would normally be expected from caffeine. It has long been realized that tea when taken on its own contains no calories. Now though, tea it seems has found itself in a more central role on some diet regimes around the world! Fluoride Water Contrary to popular belief a cup of tea does contribute positively to our daily need to hydrate, providing that we drink tea in moderation at each sitting. The diuretic impact of tea is inextricably linked to caffeine intake, and it is only when we consume a 250mg-300mg dose of caffeine over a short space of time will it have a negative impact on our hydration level. Given that a regular cup of tea contains approximately 50mg of caffeine, we'd have to drink 5 or 6 cups at once for tea to be considered detrimental to our hydration needs. Getting back to nature Gary W. Griffin, Ph.D. is a researcher and an entrepreneur. He is also an avid tea drinker. This article is brought to you by Tea FAQS. If you're searching for information on tea, visit us at http://www.teafaqs.com
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Independent Research Proves Effectiveness of Magnotherapy Wristbands "Magnetic bracelets reduce the pain of osteoarthritis." Those are the findings of a scientifically peer reviewed clinical trial published in the British Medical Journal (Dec 17 04) The trial used specially designed 'Bioflow' magnets which use Central Reverse Polarity? made by Cornish company Ecoflow Plc. 4000 Year Old Secrets of Green Tea The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea for over 4,000 years. But recent studies are just starting to unlock these ancient secrets of green tea. Eucalyptus Pure Essential Oil Eucalyptus pure essential oil is obtained from the leaves and branches of the eucalyptus tree, also known as Eucalyptus Globulus. This tree originated in Australia, where the aborigines likely discovered its medicinal properties and started experimenting with the oil. Mud Baths at Your Home Spa- the Pros and Cons "If you truly love Nature, you will find beauty everywhere" -Vincent Van GoghMud baths are natural products you can use at your home spa.You are a spa goer and enjoy mud baths at health spas, beauty spas, day spas etc. Top 3 Reasons Why You Suffer From Pain In The Back Of The Knee Pain behind the knee is something many of us have or might experience if we play sports that involve bending at the knees, running, tennis, or any activity that puts strain on the area.Here are some things you need to keep in mind if you ever experience such pain behind the knee:1. Parasites: The Missing Diagnosis? Parasites, commonly thought of as only affecting those in developing countries, actually affect 1 in 6 people in North America and are the most common disease condition in the world. For many chronic conditions this can be the missing diagnosis. Gout Pain Relief With Cherry Power - How To Ease Pain By Eating Fruit We can all learn something new every day! And good doctors are constantly alert to learning from all of their patients. It takes a lot to surprise me after twenty years in medicine but - I hold my hand up - this is a new one!I had never heard of cherry juice or fresh cherries being used to treat gout or for gout pain relief until I heard it recently from a patient (who had been told it by his pharmacist, who had heard it from a relative etc etc). Herbal and Home Remedies that Prevent Memory Loss Even a single family member who is senile or afflicted with Alzheimer's is enough to make anyone dread the possibility. Since women have always lived longer than men, the Ancient Grandmothers have a thing or two to tell us about how to keep our memory sharp until the day we die (at 100+). The Basics of Hypnosis You've seen the stage acts where a hypnotist selects someone out of the audience and when he claps his hands, the unwilling participant struts around the stage clucking like a chicken. You've also seen movies where the hypnotist waves the pocket watch in front of the subject as he utters, "you're getting sleepy ? very sleepy. What are Some Benefits For Quitting Smoking? There are immediate benefits for quitting smoking. Within eight hours after you quit, the level of dangerous carbon monoxide gas in the blood returns to normal. Plastic Acupuncture? Plastic Acupuncture, abbreviated as (P.Ac) is not really a new development. The Effects of Diet on Infertiltiy Overwhelmed by studies, research and the constantly changing diet, nutrition and food recommendations? With so many conflicting opinions and studies it's a full time job trying to keep up with the do's and don'ts.Here are? not just five, but six. Test Your Indoor Air Quality! How safe is your Indoor Air?1) Does your home have carpeting?* Carpeting captures dust, dirt, chemicals and everything we track in from the outdoors. Carpeting also outgases formaldehydes and other chemicals used in processing. Green Tea: An Oriental Panacea Revived A medicinal beverage in Asia for almost 4000 years, green tea is creating a splash in Western society recently. The humble tea leaves belie a bittersweet taste, delicate texture and unique aroma that give rise to a wide array of health benefits. Traditional Chinese Medicine Traditional Chinese Medicine, over 2000 years old, is an ancient form of medicine. Consisting of acupuncture, moxibustion (moxibustion - using material made up of "moxa-wool," in a form of a cone or stick; moxibustion is used to treat and prevent disease by applying heat to pints or certain locations of the human body), herbal medicine, acupressure, cupping, therapeutic exercise and nutrition, traditional Chinese medicine is notated by its principle of internal balance and harmony, or "chi," (life force) regulation through energy channels. About Child Bedwetting Bedwetting also known as nocturnal Enuresis is a common problem that is encountered in children below 6 years. Many of the children bed wet since they have no control over the bladder. Living with Aromatherapy Places Suitable for Use of Aromatherapy Products: living room, bedroom, study room, kitchen, bathroom, office, conference room, KTV, hospital, car and other enclosed spaces.Aromatherapy When someone at home is down with influenza, light an aromatherapy diffuser to prevent mutual contagion. Alternative Medicine & Herbal Preparations Alternative medicine is gaining more attention every day. The idea that one can heal their body, prevent physical symptoms and even treat them - naturally - is very appealing. That Popeye Knew a Thing or Two! For a few weeks the lumps in my throat were driving me mad. To make them go away I was eating more, just to try to push them down!! Of course this is the time when all kinds of crazy things go through your mind, especially as a close friend had died recently from thyroid cancer. Diet Food Stinks! One big thing that can keep you from eating healthy is the idea of the food. People often think it sucks and doesn't taste good.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2010 |
