Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Wellness Wednesday: A CUP O’ TEA, ANOTHER REASON FOR GOING GREEN

By Janet Poston



In green tea, leaves are dried or slightly steamed but not fermented.  Green Tea is rich in Catechin Polyphenols (also known as Flavonoids), very powerful anti oxidants. The health benefits from green tea are primarily due to its anti-oxidizing properties.

. . . So, what are some health benefits of green tea?

•  Anti-Aging:  The anti oxidants in green tea neutralize free radicals present in the body.   (The free radicals are responsible for corrosion within the body).

•  Stimulating: Green tea is ideal for countering sleepiness, laziness, fatigue, and lack of energy and to improve blood circulation. 

•  Immunity Boosting: The Catechins present in green tea prevent bacteria and viruses from attaching to cell walls and infecting them.

•  Astringency:  Green tea triggers contractions in muscles and tissues and thereby helps to tones up muscles and skin.

•  Anti-Carcinogenic:  Free radicals are also responsible for causing certain types of cancer.  Drinking green tea can help reduce the chances of cancer.  Green tea is now being used clinically in prevention of cancer, particularly those pertaining to colon, rectum, pancreas and intestines.

•  Reducing Cholesterol: Green tea has been shown to be effective helping reducing cholesterol levels, probably due to its alkaline nature.

•  Cardiac & Arterial Health: Green tea helps prevent thickening of blood, thereby reducing chances of arterial sclerosis and strokes. 

•  Anti-Diabetic: The alkaline nature of green tea helps reduce the blood glucose level.  Plus, better health helps the pancreas function like it should. 

•  Weight Loss:  Green tea also helps in weight loss  by enhancing the rate of metabolism and thereby eliminating some stored fat in the body.

•  Stamina & Endurance Booster:  Green tea gives you an extra boost, and it effectively counters muscular pain due to over exercise of muscles.

•  Deintoxicating: Green tea is a great cure to get rid of hangovers and fatigue caused by consumption of alcoholic beverages and lack of sleep due to late night parties.



A favorite green tea of mine is Yogi organic Green Tea Kombucha.  The ingredients in the tea bag are:  organic green tea leaf, organic lemongrass, organic spearmint leaf, natural passion fruit flavor, natural plum flavor, organic kombucha (aiding in digestion).

Now instead of tossing your used tea bags in the trash, you can go green yet again:



Try using a cooled tea bag as an astringent.  Wipe away residue from your face or place cooled bags (from freezer or fridge) over your eyes as you take a 10 minute rest.  This will help . . .

Erin Go Braugh!

. . .  and Go GREEN!

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