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Why Drink Green Tea

Why drink Green Tea

It is said that the ceremonial practice of drinking Chinese green tea can bring the wisdom and spirit of human beings to a higher path.

The legendary Shen nong, a Chinese scientist and doctor who lived 5,000 years ago, greatly influenced the Chinese to drink boiled water for hygiene purposes. One summer day, while resting near a bush, he noticed that some dried leaves from a bush fell into the boiling water and a brown substance was infused into the water. Shen nong, as a curious scientist, was interested in the new liquid, drank some, and found it very refreshing.

Camellia sinensis, a beautiful plant that produces the fragrant and healthy leaves, that go on to become Green tea.

Green tea is the healthiest beverage on the planet.

It is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that have powerful effects on the body.

This includes improved brain function, fat loss, a lower risk of cancer and many other incredible benefits.

Here are 10 health benefits of green tea that have been confirmed in human research studies.

Green Tea Contains Various Bio active Compounds That Can Improve Health

Green tea is more than just green liquid.

Many of the bio-active compounds in the tea leaves do make it into the final drink, which contains large amounts of important nutrients.

It is loaded with polyphenols like flavonoids and catechins, which function as powerful antioxidants.

These substances can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules from damage. These free radicals are known to play a role in aging and all sorts of diseases.

One of the more powerful compounds in green tea is the antioxidant Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), which has been studied to treat various diseases and may be one of the main reasons green tea has such powerful medicinal properties.

Green tea also has small amounts of minerals that are important for health.

Try to choose a higher quality brand of green tea, because some of the lower quality brands can contain excessive levels of fluoride.

That being said, even if you choose a lower quality brand, the benefits still far outweigh any risk.

Bottom Line: Green tea is loaded with bio active compounds that can have various beneficial effects on health.

Compounds in Green Tea Can Improve Brain Function and Make You Smarter

Green tea does more than just keep you awake, it can also make you smarter.

The key active ingredient is caffeine, which is a known stimulant.

It doesn’t contain as much as coffee, but enough to produce a response without causing the “jittery” effects associated with too much caffeine.

What caffeine does in the brain is to block an inhibitory neurotransmitter called Adenosine. This way, it actually increases the firing of neurons and the concentration of neurotransmitters like dopamine and nor-epinephrine.

Caffeine has been intensively studied before and consistently leads to improvements in various aspects of brain function, including improved mood, vigilance, reaction time and memory.

However… green tea contains more than just caffeine. It also has the amino acid L-theanine, which is able to cross the blood-brain barrier.

L-theanine increases the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which has anti-anxiety effects. It also increases dopamine and the production of alpha waves in the brain.

Studies show that caffeine and L-theanine can have synergistic effects. The combination of the two is particularly potent at improving brain function.

Because of the L-theanine and the smaller dose of caffeine, green tea can give you a much milder and different kind of “buzz” than coffee.

Many people report having more stable energy and being much more productive when they drink green tea, compared to coffee.

Bottom Line: Green tea contains less caffeine than coffee, but enough to produce an effect. It also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which can work synergistically with caffeine to improve brain function.

Green Tea Increases Fat Burning and Improves Physical Performance

If you look at the ingredients list for any fat burning supplement, chances are that green tea will be on there.

This is because green tea has been shown to increase fat burning and boost the metabolic rate, in human controlled trials.

In one study in 10 healthy men, green tea increased energy expenditure by 4%.

Another study showed that fat oxidation was increased by 17%, indicating that green tea may selectively increase the burning of fat.

However, I’d like to point out that some studies on green tea don’t show any increase in metabolism, so the effects may depend on the individual.

Caffeine itself has also been shown to improve physical performance by mobilizing fatty acids from the fat tissues and making them available for use as energy.

In two separate review studies, caffeine has been shown to increase physical performance by 11-12%, on average.

Bottom Line: Green tea has been shown to boost the metabolic rate and increase fat burning in the short term, although not all studies agree.

Antioxidants in Green Tea May Lower Your Risk of Various Types of Cancer

Cancer is caused by uncontrolled growth of cells. It is one of the world’s leading causes of death.

It is well known that oxidative damage contributes to the development of cancer and that antioxidants can have a protective effect.

Green tea is an excellent source of powerful antioxidants, so it makes perfect sense that it could reduce your risk of cancer, which it appears to do:

  • Breast cancer: A meta-analysis of observational studies found that women who drank the most green tea had a 22% lower risk of developing breast cancer, the most common cancer in women.
  • Prostate cancer: One study found that men drinking green tea had a 48% lower risk of developing prostate cancer, which is the most common cancer in men.

Colo-rectal cancer: A study of 69,710 Chinese women found that green tea drinkers had a 57% lower risk of colo-rectal cancer.

Multiple other observational studies show that green tea drinkers are significantly less likely to get various types of cancer.

It is important to keep in mind that it may be a bad idea to put milk in your tea, because it can reduce the antioxidant value.

Bottom Line: Green tea has powerful antioxidants that may protect against cancer. Multiple studies show that green tea drinkers have a lower risk of various types of cancer.

Green Tea May Protect Your Brain in Old Age, Lowering Your Risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

Not only can green tea improve brain function in the short term, it may also protect your brain in old age.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neuro-degenerative disease in humans and a leading cause of dementia.

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neuro-degenerative disease and involves the death of dopamine producing neurons in the brain.

Multiple studies show that the catechin compounds in green tea can have various protective effects on neurons in test tubes and animal models, potentially lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Bottom Line: The bio active compounds in green tea can have various protective effects on neurons and may reduce the risk of both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, the two most common neuro-degenerative disorders.

Green Tea Can Kill Bacteria, Which Improves Dental Health and Lowers Your Risk of Infection

The catechins in green tea have other biological effects as well.

Some studies show that they can kill bacteria and inhibit viruses like the influenza virus, potentially lowering your risk of infections.

Streptococcus mutans is the primary harmful bacteria in the mouth. It causes plaque formation and is a leading contributor to cavities and tooth decay.

Studies show that the catechins in green tea can inhibit the growth of streptococcus mutans. Green tea consumption is associated with improved dental health and a lower risk of caries.

Another awesome benefit of green tea… multiple studies show that it can reduce bad breath.

Bottom Line: The catechins in green tea may inhibit the growth of bacteria and some viruses. This can lower the risk of infections and lead to improvements in dental health, a lower risk of caries and reduced bad breath.

Green Tea May Lower Your Risk of Type II Diabetes

Type II diabetes is a disease that has reached epidemic proportions in the past few decades and now afflicts about 300 million people worldwide.

This disease involves having elevated blood sugar levels in the context of insulin resistance or an inability to produce insulin.

Studies show that green tea can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels.

One study in Japanese individuals found that those who drank the most green tea had a 42% lower risk of developing type II diabetes.

According to a review of 7 studies with a total of 286,701 individuals, green tea drinkers had an 18% lower risk of becoming diabetic.

Bottom Line: Some controlled trials show that green tea can cause mild reductions in blood sugar levels. It may also lower the risk of developing type II diabetes in the long term.

Green Tea May Reduce Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are the biggest causes of death in the world.

Studies show that green tea can improve some of the main risk factors for these diseases.

This includes total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Green tea also dramatically increases the antioxidant capability of the blood, which protects the LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation, which is one part of the pathway towards heart disease.

Given the beneficial effects on risk factors, it is not surprising to see that green tea drinkers have up to a 31% lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Bottom Line: Green tea has been shown to lower total and LDL cholesterol, as well as protect the LDL particles from oxidation. Observational studies show that green tea drinkers have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Green Tea Can Help You Lose Weight and Lower Your Risk of Becoming Obese

Given that green tea can boost the metabolic rate in the short term, it makes sense that it could help you lose weight.

Several studies show that green tea leads to decreases in body fat, especially in the abdominal area.

One of these studies was a randomized controlled trial in 240 men and women that went on for 12 weeks. In this study, the green tea group had significant decreases in body fat percentage, body weight, waist circumference and abdominal fat.

However, some studies don’t show a statistically significant increases in weight loss with green tea, so this needs to be taken with a grain of salt.

Bottom Line: Some studies show that green tea leads to increased weight loss. It is particularly effective at reducing the dangerous abdominal fat.

Green Tea May Decrease Your Risk of Dying and Help You Live Longer

Of course, we all have to die eventually. That is inevitable.

However, given that green tea drinkers are at a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, it makes sense that it could help you live longer.

In a study of 40,530 Japanese adults, those who drank the most green tea (5 or more cups per day) were significantly less likely to die during an 11 year period:

  • Death of all causes: 23% lower in women, 12% lower in men.
  • Death from heart disease: 31% lower in women, 22% lower in men.
  • Death from stroke: 42% lower in women, 35% lower in men.

Another study in 14,001 elderly Japanese individuals aged 65-84 years found that those who drank the most green tea were 76% less likely to die during the 6 year study period.

Take Home Message

If you want to feel better, lose weight and lower your risk of chronic diseases, then you might want to consider making green tea a regular part of your life.

James O'Sullivan - that's me, a people friendly practitioner and lecturer of Integrated Medicine, serving my patients, my students and the public with the positive benefits of both Conventional Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to diagnose or assess. The information provided is not to be considered a substitute for consultation with a qualified health care practitioner.
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Garlic Dragons Breath

Here’s an incredibly tasty and nutritious herbal vinegar recipe, to add “FIRE” to your next cup of tea or glass of warm water or your next salad. You can use it one spoon at a time to stay healthy and cold or flu free. I place 1 to 2 Tablespoons of it in my morning cuppa but you may also use it as a dressing on fresh greens or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, smashed to break up the healthy properties.
  • 1 lemon cut in half.
  • 4 Tbsp fresh ginger – peeled and chopped in chunks.
  • 4 Tbsp freshly grated horseradish root
  • Handful of parsley
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Honey
  • Cayenne powder
  • Serrano Pepper (Optional) or substitute Jalapeno pepper.

Directions:

  • Combine the onion, garlic, lemon, ginger, parsley, and horseradish in a wide mouth mason jar.
  • Add warmed apple cider vinegar to cover them. (warming the vinegar allows it to more actively draw the properties out of the herbs. Just warm, if it becomes too hot the good enzymes will be no longer active.)
  • Place on counter for 3 weeks, shaking it at times.
  • Strain, then discard the root veggies, herbs and fruit. Compost please!
  • Add honey and cayenne to taste!

The final creation will be a lively, hot, pungent, and yet sweet mixture.
Shaken occasionally, kept in a shady spot.

To use it:

  • 1 – 2 Tbsp at first sign of a cold, and repeat every 4 hours until feeling better
  • 1 Tbsp in water once or twice a week
  • Mix with a bit of olive oil and use as a salad dressing or In you Caesar!!

In Smiling Body Nutritional Therapy, the benefits of Dragons Breath help to strengthen Yang while warming the Lungs and Releases the exterior by inducing sweating, meaning that strengthen our Immunity. It benefits our resistance to the Common cold, Vomiting, Dysentery and Dyspepsia.

James O'Sullivan - that's me, a people friendly practitioner and lecturer of Integrated Medicine, serving my patients, my students and the public with the positive benefits of both Conventional Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to diagnose or assess. The information provided is not to be considered a substitute for consultation with a qualified health care practitioner.
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Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

This not so tasty beverage has a long history of household benefits including pickling produce, weed killer, cleaning coffee makers, polishing armour, and dressing salads. It’s also a traditional health remedy, found to treat everything from a salad dressing to skin disorders to sunburn to boost energy.

Today it is easily available in the various health food stores that dot our landscape. Here are some of the benefits of this versatile natural liquid.

Diabetes

The effect of vinegar on blood sugar levels is perhaps the best researched and the most promising of apple cider vinegar’s possible health benefits. Several studies have found that vinegar may help lower glucose levels. For instance, a 2007 study of 11 people with type 2 diabetes found that taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bed lowered glucose levels in the morning by 4%-6%.

High cholesterol

A 2006 study showed evidence that vinegar could lower cholesterol. However, the study was done in rats, so it’s too early to know how it might work in people.

Blood pressure and heart health

Another study in rats found that vinegar could lower high blood pressure. A large observational study also found that people who ate oil and vinegar dressing on salads five to six times a week had lower rates of heart disease than people who didn’t. However, it’s far from clear that the vinegar was the reason.

Cancer

A few laboratory studies have found that vinegar may be able to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Observational studies of people have been confusing. One found that eating vinegar was associated with a decreased risk of esophageal cancer. Another associated it with an increased risk of bladder cancer.

Healthy Weight

If you are attempting the ideal health weight, add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to 500 ml (16 ounces) of water. This concoction can be sipped throughout the day. Research shows some limited, yet significant, weight loss benefits from sustained daily intake of acetic acid (which is a main ingredient in Apple Cider Vinegar).

In a 2009 study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, it was found that subjects that consumed acetic acid for 12 weeks experienced significant declines in body weight, abdominal fat, waist circumference and triglycerides. Triglycerides contribute to the bad cholesterol that we want to avoid.

Balance your entire inner body system.

The body constantly strives to achieve a state of equilibrium. Apple cider vinegar helps the body maintain a healthy alkaline pH level. Research shows that higher acid levels (lower pH level) leads to a lack of energy and higher incidences of infection. Hence, my desire to sip some a few times a day for a natural boost of energy.

Natural Detox.

As part of balancing the body’s pH, apple cider vinegar creates an overall detoxification of the body. Research shows that it can help stimulate cardiovascular circulation and help detoxify the liver.

Regulate your lymphatic system.

Apple Cider Vinegar helps to break up mucous throughout the body and cleanse the lymph nodes. Believe it or not, research suggests that apple cider vinegar can help with allergies because of its ability to reduce mucous and sinus congestion. When reducing the effects of allergies, it can also help stave off sinus infections and their related symptoms, such as sore throats and headaches.

Candida.

This vinegar is rich in natural enzymes that can help rid your body of candida—yeasts that are attributed to thrush in humans. Candida also is blamed for creating symptoms of fatigue, poor memory, sugar cravings, and yeast infections.

Reduce heartburn.

Though it might seem like an oxymoron to treat stomach acid with an acid-containing vinegar, there is research suggesting that apple cider vinegar works by correcting low acid, hence reducing heartburn. Natural remedy experts say you should begin to feel relief very shortly after taking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar followed by a glass of water. Note that apple cider vinegar will not give relief if you have an ulcer.

Detox your home

Apple Cider Vinegar is made from apple juice and fermented to hard apple cider. It’s then fermented a second time to become apple cider vinegar. Apple Cider Vinegar can be used as a substitute to the often unnatural chemicals used in our homes daily.

A natural hair shine.

Rinsing your hair after shampooing with Apple Cider Vinegar will boost your hair’s body and shine. A practical and safe recipe would be to use an old well washed shampoo bottle and fill it with 1/2 a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar and a cup of cold water. Pour the solution through your hair after shampooing several times a week for impressive results. NB. try a little on your hair first to rule out any sensitivities you may have.

Regulate your skin pH.

Dilute Apple Cider Vinegar with two parts water, and spread the brew over your face with a cotton ball to replace your current toner. You can do this at night after washing, and in the morning before you apply your moisturiser. A dab of Apple Cider Vinegar can also be left on the skin overnight to fade age spots or acne scars.

You can also use it on warts. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar, then fasten the cotton ball over the wart with a plaster overnight. The skin may swell some as it reacts with the solution. However, the wart will fall off. Once it falls off, the treatment should be continued for a few more days, to make sure the wart doesn’t return.

Teeth stain remover

Rub teeth directly with Apple Cider Vinegar, and rinse with water.

Sunburn soothing rinse.

Add a cup of Apple Cider Vinegar to your bath, and soak for 10 minutes to eliminate discomfort from sunburn.

Natural Aftershave

Fill a bottle with equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, and shake before applying to the face.

Natural massage treatment.

Rubbing Apple Cider Vinegar on your hands and feet will give massage-like benefits and relief to tired hands and feet.

Keep pets free of fleas

One part vinegar and one part water can be sprayed on your pets fur and rubbed in generously to the skin. Saturate the entire coat, and continue every day for a few days to a week. Any flea infestation will surely be gone.

Natural room freshener.

Apple cider vinegar will clean your toilets and leave your bathroom smelling like apples! Just pour apple cider vinegar into the toilet, and allow it to sit overnight. It can also be used in dishwashers as a substitute for dish detergent. Mix 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup water, and you can use this solution to clean microwaves, kitchen surfaces, windows, glasses and mirrors, too.

As you can see, apple cider vinegar is a miracle product that cab be used in a multitude of ways. I highly recommend its use!

Risks

On the whole, the risks of taking occasional, small amounts of apple cider vinegar seem low. But using apple cider vinegar over the long term, or in larger amounts, could have risks. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic. The main ingredient of apple cider vinegar is acetic acid. As the name suggests, it’s quite harsh. Apple cider vinegar should always be diluted with water or juice before swallowed. Pure apple cider vinegar could damage the tooth enamel and the tissues in your throat and mouth. One study found a woman who got an apple cider vinegar supplement stuck in her throat suffered lasting damage to her esophagus. In addition, vinegar has been known to cause contact burns to the skin.

Long-term use of apple cider vinegar could cause low potassium levels and lower bone density. If you already have low potassium or osteoporosis, talk to your health care provider before using apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar could theoretically interact with diuretics, laxatives, and medicines for diabetes and heart disease.

If you have diabetes, check with your health care provider before using apple cider vinegar. Vinegar contains chromium, which can alter your insulin levels.

James O'Sullivan - that's me, a people friendly practitioner and lecturer of Integrated Medicine, serving my patients, my students and the public with the positive benefits of both Conventional Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to diagnose or assess. The information provided is not to be considered a substitute for consultation with a qualified health care practitioner.
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Gazpacho Frio Soup

When your just too hot to drink a hot soup. This cold soup is perfect to nourish Yin and Blood,  tomatoes turn juicy and sweet, and then we can’t get enough of them. We love tomatoes in this classic summer soup. Since tomatoes have varying amounts of sweetness and acidity, feel free to adjust the vinegar amount to taste.

Serves 3
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 900gm (16oz) tomatoes, quartered
  • 2 Persian cucumbers, peeled and chopped
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp. red wine or sherry vinegar
  • 350ml (1/2.C) water
  • 200ml (1/3 c.) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for garnish
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 slices country bread, cubed
  • 2 tbsp. thinly sliced basil

Directions:

Combine tomatoes, cucumbers, pepper, garlic, vinegar, and water in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth, then add olive oil and blend to combine. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and more vinegar if needed. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Add cubed bread and cook, stirring occasionally, until bread is golden and crisp. Remove from heat, season with salt, and let cool.

To serve, divide soup among bowls and top with basil, croutons, and a drizzle of olive oil.

According to traditional Chinese Nutritional therapy, the Tomato is Cold in nature while its taste can be sweet or sour. It nourishes Yin and Blood and has a special healing properties that Clear Heat and Eliminate Toxins.

James O'Sullivan - that's me, a people friendly practitioner and lecturer of Integrated Medicine, serving my patients, my students and the public with the positive benefits of both Conventional Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It's a wonderful life
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to diagnose or assess. The information provided is not to be considered a substitute for consultation with a qualified health care practitioner.
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Sweet Potato Detox Soup

Packed with vitamin A and fiber, this orange soup is the best choice for a detox dinner.

Prep Time 5 mins             Cook Time 25 mins          Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 2

Calories: 382kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup cooked red lentils
  • 1 sweet potato peeled and cut in cubes
  • 3 carrots peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1 parsnip peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1 onion peeled and cut in quarters
  • 3 garlic cloves crushed
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • Pinch of chili powder
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • 2 cups low sodium vegetable broth warm
  • 1/2 inch piece of ginger peeled and grated
  • 1 tsp coconut oil
  • Fresh parsley 1 teaspoon coconut milk, to garnish

Instructions

Heat the oven at 165°C/329°F.

Line a baking sheet with baking paper, add the sweet potato, carrots, parsnip, onion, and garlic, season with salt, chili, turmeric, and cumin, add the coconut oil and toss to combine.

Roast for 20 minutes then transfer into the blender.

Add the warm vegetable broth, grated ginger, and cooked red lentils into the blender and process to obtain a smooth cream.

Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

James O'Sullivan - that's me, a people friendly practitioner and lecturer of Integrated Medicine, serving my patients, my students and the public with the positive benefits of both Conventional Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It's a wonderful life
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to diagnose or assess. The information provided is not to be considered a substitute for consultation with a qualified health care practitioner.
Please share! Help the word get out. Pin the graphic too.