When tea mavens talk about tea, they mean black, green, white, or oolong teas, all of which are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Herbal brews, like chamomile and peppermint, are not technically considered tea. They're infusions of other plants with different nutritional characteristics. If you're not sure what kind you're drinking, check the ingredients for the word "tea."
What makes the four tea types different from each other is the way the leaves are prepared and how mature they are. Black tea is made from leaves that have been wilted (dried out) and then fully oxidized (meaning that chemicals in the leaves are modified through exposure to air). Green tea's leaves are wilted but not oxidized. Oolong tea is wilted and then only partially oxidized, and white tea is not wilted or oxidized at all.
All four types are high in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that seems to protect cells from the DNA damage that can cause cancer and other diseases. Most research has focused on black tea, which is what about 75% of the world drinks, and green tea, the most commonly consumed variety in China and Japan. Green tea contains an especially high amount of antioxidants—in particular, a type of polyphenol called a catechin.
A 2009 review of 51 green tea studies found that sipping three to five cups a day may lower the risks of ovarian, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers, but not breast or other cancers. As for black tea, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) deems it "possibly effective" for reducing the risk of ovarian cancer, and "possibly ineffective" for lowering the risk of stomach and colorectal cancers.
One to four cups of black or green tea a day has also been linked with a lower risk of Parkinson's disease, according to the NIH.
Drinking tea may be helpful in preventing or delaying certain risk factors of cardiovascular disease, and lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides. One Japanese study found that adults who drank five or more cups of green tea per day had a 26% reduction in death from heart attack or stroke compared with those who had one cup or less; the effect was greater in women than in men.
More research needs to be done on other potential benefits. One small study suggested that the catechins and caffeine in green tea may give dieters a small metabolic boost that could amount to burning a few dozen extra calories per day.
There's also evidence that drinking tea may help ward off osteoporosis and reduce the incidence of cavities, due to the fluoride it contains. And EGCG, that green-tea antioxidant, has been found to increase the number of important immune-boosting cells.
The vast majority of the research conducted has been observational, meaning scientists can't know if the medical boosts seen in tea drinkers are definitely a result of that habit, or some other factor that makes these people healthier. And many of the studies that have looked at specific compounds in tea have been conducted in labs or on animals, not on people. These chemicals act as antioxidants in a test tube, but they may not do the same in your body. That said, experts agree that a daily cup, or five, won't hurt you, and may well help fight disease. If you're trying to limit your caffeine intake, go for decaf—it has antioxidants too, though fewer than the caffeinated kind.
FitFlax with flax seed, chia seeds and FlaxVibrance with lignans are also a delicious choice to help boost your immune system. Enjoy the benefit of flax seed and the benefit of chia seeds with FitFlax.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Let's All Do The Pigeon
The Supported Pigeon is a hip opening yoga pose that can help those who spend too much time sitting behind the desk.
Typical exercise like walking, running and biking can help, but they don’t open your hips in the special way that the pigeon does.
There are a number of ways that you can start assuming this pose.
One is to start kneeling on your mat. Then, bring your left leg back so that it extends straight behind you with your left knee facing the mat. Now, place your right leg on the mat in front of you with the heel below your left groin.
Another is to start seated on your mat with your legs stretched out in front of you. Then, bend your left leg and bring your left heel in as close to your right groin as possible. Place your hands on the mat by your hips with your palms down on the mat. With the support of your hands, lift up and swing the right leg out, around and behind you. Extend and straighten the leg. The center of your right knee should face and touch your yoga mat.
Or, you can start with your legs extended behind, then bend the left leg and swing it in front of you positioning it so that the left heel is under the right groin area.
After assuming the initial pose using one of the approaches described above, use your arms and hands to help keep your balance. Straighten your arms and simultaneously elongate your spine. Because your pelvis is slightly lifted your own weight and gravity elongate your lower spine and helps to protect your lower back. Feel the connection with your spine through the extended back leg and the front bent leg. Adjust your balance with the arms pressing, keeping long and extended. Open the shoulders and chest and lift your sternum. Bring the foot away from your groin and up a bit forward toward the front of the mat so that your shin becomes parallel to the top of the mat.
Only go as far as comfortable. If you feel any pain, stop or find a way to make it less intense by moving out of it a little, by bringing your hands forward on the mat and pushing yourself upward with your arms.
You will gain stretch over time and repetition. Keep the hips level throughout your work in the pose. Continue to work on opening the hip joints by descending your pelvis toward the mat without either hip sinking lower than the other. If the stretch is too uncomfortable, place the hands more in front of you to make it easier. Likewise, move the hands behind you a bit to make the stretch deeper and more difficult.
Hold the pose for 5 to 10 full breaths. Relax into it.
The Supported Pigeon should bring ease into your everyday movements.
SmartToes Toe Stretchers and Straightener unique design are great for stretching your hamstrings, and provide overall relief for stressed out feet.
Typical exercise like walking, running and biking can help, but they don’t open your hips in the special way that the pigeon does.
There are a number of ways that you can start assuming this pose.
One is to start kneeling on your mat. Then, bring your left leg back so that it extends straight behind you with your left knee facing the mat. Now, place your right leg on the mat in front of you with the heel below your left groin.
Another is to start seated on your mat with your legs stretched out in front of you. Then, bend your left leg and bring your left heel in as close to your right groin as possible. Place your hands on the mat by your hips with your palms down on the mat. With the support of your hands, lift up and swing the right leg out, around and behind you. Extend and straighten the leg. The center of your right knee should face and touch your yoga mat.
Or, you can start with your legs extended behind, then bend the left leg and swing it in front of you positioning it so that the left heel is under the right groin area.
After assuming the initial pose using one of the approaches described above, use your arms and hands to help keep your balance. Straighten your arms and simultaneously elongate your spine. Because your pelvis is slightly lifted your own weight and gravity elongate your lower spine and helps to protect your lower back. Feel the connection with your spine through the extended back leg and the front bent leg. Adjust your balance with the arms pressing, keeping long and extended. Open the shoulders and chest and lift your sternum. Bring the foot away from your groin and up a bit forward toward the front of the mat so that your shin becomes parallel to the top of the mat.
Only go as far as comfortable. If you feel any pain, stop or find a way to make it less intense by moving out of it a little, by bringing your hands forward on the mat and pushing yourself upward with your arms.
You will gain stretch over time and repetition. Keep the hips level throughout your work in the pose. Continue to work on opening the hip joints by descending your pelvis toward the mat without either hip sinking lower than the other. If the stretch is too uncomfortable, place the hands more in front of you to make it easier. Likewise, move the hands behind you a bit to make the stretch deeper and more difficult.
Hold the pose for 5 to 10 full breaths. Relax into it.
The Supported Pigeon should bring ease into your everyday movements.
SmartToes Toe Stretchers and Straightener unique design are great for stretching your hamstrings, and provide overall relief for stressed out feet.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Pillow Talk
The right pillow should comfortably provide support for your head and neck. Here are some pillow tips:
Know what's inside. The most common fills for pillows are down feathers, synthetic/polyester fibers and foam. Natural goose down feather pillows are long-lasting and excellent in terms of comfort, but can be a bit pricey. A more cost-friendly option are synthetic/polyester fiber pillows, which are generally hypoallergenic, feel like down and are machine washable. For firmer support, spongy memory foam and Tempur-Pedic pillows are the way to go. Foam pillows retain heat, so if you're a hot sleeper, foam is not for you.
The higher the thread count in a pillow the more durable and plush it will feel. A fluffier a pillow provides better cushioning and is longer lasting. A fluffy pillow also means that fresh air is still able to travel through it. A deflated and flat pillow is not ideal for giving comfortable support. To test fluffiness, fold a pillow in half and see if it unfolds on its own or give it a big hug and see if it fluffs back up. If not, you might want to look for a new pillow.
If you sleep on your back, make sure you get a fluffier pillow that lifts your head and chin, which helps with breathing and snoring.
SmartToes Toe Stretchers and Straightener unique design are beneficial to stretching, as well as hammer toe. SmartToes also provide hammer toe treatment, bunion treatment and overall relief for stressed out feet.
SmartToes are available at Duane Reade.
Know what's inside. The most common fills for pillows are down feathers, synthetic/polyester fibers and foam. Natural goose down feather pillows are long-lasting and excellent in terms of comfort, but can be a bit pricey. A more cost-friendly option are synthetic/polyester fiber pillows, which are generally hypoallergenic, feel like down and are machine washable. For firmer support, spongy memory foam and Tempur-Pedic pillows are the way to go. Foam pillows retain heat, so if you're a hot sleeper, foam is not for you.
The higher the thread count in a pillow the more durable and plush it will feel. A fluffier a pillow provides better cushioning and is longer lasting. A fluffy pillow also means that fresh air is still able to travel through it. A deflated and flat pillow is not ideal for giving comfortable support. To test fluffiness, fold a pillow in half and see if it unfolds on its own or give it a big hug and see if it fluffs back up. If not, you might want to look for a new pillow.
If you sleep on your back, make sure you get a fluffier pillow that lifts your head and chin, which helps with breathing and snoring.
SmartToes Toe Stretchers and Straightener unique design are beneficial to stretching, as well as hammer toe. SmartToes also provide hammer toe treatment, bunion treatment and overall relief for stressed out feet.
SmartToes are available at Duane Reade.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Even More Immune Boosting Foods
Stay healthy this winter with these two immune boosting foods.
Garlic is a powerful infection fighter thanks to the sulfur-containing compounds in each clove. The anitmicrobial effects of the garlic compound allicin are well-documented, including a 2004 study in the British Journal of Biomedical Science. The medical literature consistently shows that allicin is also active against drug-resistant E.coli infections, fungal infections and parasites, and one clinical trial found that dietary garlic was useful in preventing colds. Allicin is only released when garlic cells are damaged (cutting, crushing, chewing) and is heat sensitive. Try adding some minced, raw garlic to a salad dressing.
Wheat germ is one of the richest vegetarian sources of zinc, an important mineral that is involved in nearly every aspect of immune system regulation. Zinc aids in the development of T-lymphocytes, a group of white blood cells that are central to fighting off infection. It also helps maintain healthy skin and mucus membranes, the body's first barriers to infection. Wheat germ has 17 milligrams of zinc per 100 gram serving, more than the government's recommended daily allowance, which is 11 mg for men and eight for women. Animal protein is the best form of zinc, particularly oysters, lobster, beef and pork shoulder. However, these sources also high in cholesterol and saturated fat, and are not an option for vegetarians, vegans and those who keep religious diets.
FitFlax with flax seed, chia seeds and FlaxVibrance with lignans are also a delicious choice to help boost your immune system. Enjoy the benefit of flax seed and the benefit of chia seeds with FitFlax and FlaxVibrance.
Garlic is a powerful infection fighter thanks to the sulfur-containing compounds in each clove. The anitmicrobial effects of the garlic compound allicin are well-documented, including a 2004 study in the British Journal of Biomedical Science. The medical literature consistently shows that allicin is also active against drug-resistant E.coli infections, fungal infections and parasites, and one clinical trial found that dietary garlic was useful in preventing colds. Allicin is only released when garlic cells are damaged (cutting, crushing, chewing) and is heat sensitive. Try adding some minced, raw garlic to a salad dressing.
Wheat germ is one of the richest vegetarian sources of zinc, an important mineral that is involved in nearly every aspect of immune system regulation. Zinc aids in the development of T-lymphocytes, a group of white blood cells that are central to fighting off infection. It also helps maintain healthy skin and mucus membranes, the body's first barriers to infection. Wheat germ has 17 milligrams of zinc per 100 gram serving, more than the government's recommended daily allowance, which is 11 mg for men and eight for women. Animal protein is the best form of zinc, particularly oysters, lobster, beef and pork shoulder. However, these sources also high in cholesterol and saturated fat, and are not an option for vegetarians, vegans and those who keep religious diets.
FitFlax with flax seed, chia seeds and FlaxVibrance with lignans are also a delicious choice to help boost your immune system. Enjoy the benefit of flax seed and the benefit of chia seeds with FitFlax and FlaxVibrance.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Even More Great Yoga Poses
Here are two more great yoga poses you can try at the home or office.
The Supported Seated Forward Bend stretches the hamstrings and inner thighs, and releases tension along the spine. It helps promotes focus, and stimulates the sixth chakra, which activates intuition and wisdom.
To do it, sit on a cushion on the floor with your legs extended on either side of a chair. Fold forward at the hips and rest your forehead and arms on the seat of the chair. Take deep, slow breaths through your nose and hold for 3 to 5 minutes.
The Supported Goddess pose releases tight hips, stretches the groin muscles, and connects you to the grounding energy of the root chakra, located at the base of your spine.
To do it, lie on your back with the bottoms of your feet touching and knees splayed to the sides resting on pillows or rolled blankets. Feel your spine on the floor. Place your palms on your belly or rest your arms out to the sides, palms up. Let your belly slowly rise and fall with each breath. Remain here for 3 to 5 minutes, or however long you like.
SmartToes Toe Stretchers and Straightener unique design are beneficial to stretching your hamstrings, as well as hammer toe. SmartToes also provide hammer toe treatment, bunion treatment and overall relief for stressed out feet.
SmartToes are available at Duane Reade.
The Supported Seated Forward Bend stretches the hamstrings and inner thighs, and releases tension along the spine. It helps promotes focus, and stimulates the sixth chakra, which activates intuition and wisdom.
To do it, sit on a cushion on the floor with your legs extended on either side of a chair. Fold forward at the hips and rest your forehead and arms on the seat of the chair. Take deep, slow breaths through your nose and hold for 3 to 5 minutes.
The Supported Goddess pose releases tight hips, stretches the groin muscles, and connects you to the grounding energy of the root chakra, located at the base of your spine.
To do it, lie on your back with the bottoms of your feet touching and knees splayed to the sides resting on pillows or rolled blankets. Feel your spine on the floor. Place your palms on your belly or rest your arms out to the sides, palms up. Let your belly slowly rise and fall with each breath. Remain here for 3 to 5 minutes, or however long you like.
SmartToes Toe Stretchers and Straightener unique design are beneficial to stretching your hamstrings, as well as hammer toe. SmartToes also provide hammer toe treatment, bunion treatment and overall relief for stressed out feet.
SmartToes are available at Duane Reade.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Immune Boosting Foods
Stay healthy this winter with these two immune boosting foods.
Raw kale is one of the best sources of vitamin C and has the added benefit of being low in sugar and high in fiber -- an overall healthy choice. Vitamin C is very sensitive to heat, breaking down the nutrient and making it less effective, so enjoying kale raw is best. Stick to thinly cut ribbons of the veggie, which packs a bigger punch than salad greens. Each 100 gram serving of raw kale includes about 120 mg of vitamin C, well over the recommended dietary amounts for men (90 mg) and women (75 mg). Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. It's a commonly used immune-boosting nutrient, though there is little clinical research that can explain how vitamin C helps boost immunity. Studies show that vitamin C won't help curtail a cold that's already in progress, observational data shows that people who have a vitamin C-rich diet tend to have shorter, more mild colds.
Brazil nuts are the richest source of selenium, a nutrient that helps prevent cellular damage from free radicals. That means selenium may help prevent chronic diseases like some cancers and heart disease, but also plays a role in protecting the immune system by helping to form infection-fighting T-cells. One study showed that the compound also helps regulate intestinal flora -- helping gut bacteria to defeat invading pathogens. Brazil nuts are so high in selenium that a single nut has nearly twice the recommended daily dose. Adults require 55 microgams per day, a Brazil nut has 95 mcgs, and a single ounce has 544 mcgs. Too much selenium can be bad for your health, so not all the time.
FitFlax with flax seed, chia seeds and FlaxVibrance with lignans are also a delicious choice to help boost your immune system, and high in fiber. Enjoy the benefit of flax seed and the benefit of chia seeds with FitFlax.
Raw kale is one of the best sources of vitamin C and has the added benefit of being low in sugar and high in fiber -- an overall healthy choice. Vitamin C is very sensitive to heat, breaking down the nutrient and making it less effective, so enjoying kale raw is best. Stick to thinly cut ribbons of the veggie, which packs a bigger punch than salad greens. Each 100 gram serving of raw kale includes about 120 mg of vitamin C, well over the recommended dietary amounts for men (90 mg) and women (75 mg). Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. It's a commonly used immune-boosting nutrient, though there is little clinical research that can explain how vitamin C helps boost immunity. Studies show that vitamin C won't help curtail a cold that's already in progress, observational data shows that people who have a vitamin C-rich diet tend to have shorter, more mild colds.
Brazil nuts are the richest source of selenium, a nutrient that helps prevent cellular damage from free radicals. That means selenium may help prevent chronic diseases like some cancers and heart disease, but also plays a role in protecting the immune system by helping to form infection-fighting T-cells. One study showed that the compound also helps regulate intestinal flora -- helping gut bacteria to defeat invading pathogens. Brazil nuts are so high in selenium that a single nut has nearly twice the recommended daily dose. Adults require 55 microgams per day, a Brazil nut has 95 mcgs, and a single ounce has 544 mcgs. Too much selenium can be bad for your health, so not all the time.
FitFlax with flax seed, chia seeds and FlaxVibrance with lignans are also a delicious choice to help boost your immune system, and high in fiber. Enjoy the benefit of flax seed and the benefit of chia seeds with FitFlax.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)