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Saturday, May 23, 2009

Tea Is just The Tonic

T here is a well known saying ... 'not for all the tea in China.' Now the world's tea production is spread over some 30 countries, it is about time to modify that old cliche! Not for all the tea in Argentina; doesn't have quite the same ring to it. Argentina currently stands as the largest exporter of tea to the United States of America, and Kenya is the largest producer and supplier in Africa when it comes to worldwide distribution. We must not forget though, that this whole tea drinking business began in China, many moons before anywhere else.

The reason such a beautiful beverage is so popular, (and with the only drink consumed more being water, I assure you it is very popular) is because of a need to sterilise water. Around 10,000 years BC, it was discovered that whilst brewing up a pot of water for purification, the leaves from the Camellia sinensis was a welcome addition. The health giving properties of the plant soon became apparent with a Taoist philosopher stating that its consumption was vital as an elixir for longevity. In the present day it has been said that the antioxidant properties of the plant once brewed is beneficial in cholesterol stability, lowering of blood pressure and strengthens the immune system.

Containing over 700 chemicals, Camellia sinensis is beneficial for a healthy gut and it's fluorine content helps protect teeth. Catechin, a crystalline antioxidant, is also present in tea and is said to be ant carcinogenic, reduce the risk of diabetes, stroke and heart failure. So, a pretty healthy option all round. The quality of the leaves is important, and this health information only applies to drinks brewed from the Camellia sinensis plant commonly known as white, green, oolong and black teas. Herbal varieties do not come from this plant, and so will have other health benefits. Common herbals include redbush, also known as Roobois, Nettle, Dandelion and Mate, a brew which is actually more popular than coffee in South America due to a reputation as a slimming aide.

When it comes to a difference between true teas, the secret lies in way the leaves are processed. White varieties undergo barely any processing at all. The reason this particular variety is called white is because the leaves are picked, or plucked when they are still young and tender with downy white hairs. Black varieties undergo the longest process. The process is about oxidation and fermentation; after being plucked and withered, the leaves are then rolled. This releases enzymes which then break down, or ferment, the leaf. The longer this process is left to go on, the darker the resulting leaf, a bit like an apple being exposed to air and going brown. To stop the process the leaves are heated and dried.

The varieties of Camellia sinensis are graded in this order: White, Green, Oolong and Black. All however come in a huge variety of tastes and types from different parts of the world. White varieties, once plucked are left to dry in the sun for a while and then packed ready for consumption. The Green variety undergoes a bit more processing after plucking, being rolled then heated. Oolong is a semi fermented variety, and considered the best type according to connoisseurs. The longest processed, the black variety is left to ferment until the leaves have turned a dark brown and then the heating and drying takes place. There is also a variety that is post fermented, and is generally a green tea that has been allowed to compost and is a rather uncommon variety, but still as beneficial for the health as all its non composted cousins.

(Christopher Fisher)


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Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Green Tea and Its Relation to Promoting Periodontal Health

S ince ancient times, green tea has been popular in Asian cultures like China and Japan. It's their beverage of choice because of its medicinal benefits. Its popularity has surged in the western hemisphere largely because of its proven ability to treat ailments such as headaches and depression. Dentist Burbank supports the scientific research regarding green tea and its health benefits. It has proven effective in fighting cancer, lowering high cholesterol levels, dealing with cardiovascular problems, ensuring immune infection, and preventing arthritis, among others. What makes green tea special is that it is rich in catechin polyphenols (epigallocathechin gallate or EGCG), which is an effective antioxidant. Green tea is known to prevent cancer and weight loss. It also inhibits abnormal formation of grumes.

Dental Burbank believes that the study published by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) about green tea consumption should be taken seriously. Given the close links between dental health and overall health, it has comprised found that green tea also helps promote healthy teeth and gums by fighting periodontal diseases. According to Dentists Burbank, there are lots of information regarding the study done before by Japanese researchers when they analyzed 940 men focusing on their periodontal health. They found out that people who drank green tea regularly obtain good periodontal health.

There were three indicators examined regarding periodontitises. When green tea was consumed during the study, it was discovered that the periodontal pocket depth, attachment loss of gum tissue and bleeding on probing of the gum tissues (three indicators) decreased its potential on having periodontitis. According to Cosmetic Irvine, the research has shown that the catechin, which is an antioxidant in green tea, helps promote good periodontal health. Catechin interferes in the body's inflammatory response to periodontal bacteria. Because of this type of antioxidant, there is less chance of getting chronic inflammatory disease (periodontal disease) that affects gums and bones that support the teeth. DDS Irvine agreed with what Dr. David Cochran, DDS, PhD, President of the AAP and Chair of the Department of Periodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, when he said: "That is why it is so important to find simple ways to boost periodontal health, such as regularly drinking green tea - something already known to possess certain health-related benefits."

Green tea helps promote periodontal health and prevents diseases closely associated with in periodontitises. This is because green tea interferes with our body's response to periodontal bacteria. There are, however, concerns regarding the harmful effects of drinking green tea because it also has caffeine. Although it contains caffeine, which sometimes lead to insomnia (the only negative side effect reported), the caffeine content in tea is relatively small. Coffee, on the other hand, has more caffeine in its content compared to tea. Tea, therefore, is safe to drink. This is a beverage that is easy to find. It gives many health benefits not only to our overall health but also to our dental health.
by: Zyra Robinson


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Green Tea Extract and Weight Loss

G reen tea has always been known to have several health benefits, but who knew that it dismissed weight loss as well?

A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition show that green tea extract can increase metabolism and fat oxidation of the body. Theoretically, scientists believe that the weight loss benefits of green tea extracts are due to their caffeine content but the results of the study show otherwise as they discovered that green tea extracts have weight loss benefits beyond that of caffeine.


In their study, the researchers administered alone the same amount of caffeine as that in green tea extracts but found that it did not make any significant changes in the body’s overall energy expenditure. This led them to conclude that green tea extracts have ingredients in them that actively interact with one another, promoting increased metabolism and fat oxidation that lead to weight loss.

Further findings indicated that a certain compound found in green tea extracts might be the ingredient that causes weight loss. These green tea extract compounds called Flavonoids may alter the way the body uses norepinephrine, a hormone that monitors how calories are burned. When flavonoids interact with other green tea extract ingredients, more calories are burned thus contributing to weight loss.

Another ingredient that actively contributes to the weight loss benefits of green tea extracts is the compound catechin polyphenols. These compounds also interact with other green tea extract ingredients called for to promote weight loss by fat burning and thermogenesis (a process of losing energy by daytime heat).

The nice thing about the weight loss benefit of green tea extracts is that it does not have any adverse side-effects. Unlike other herbal products like ephedra and prescription drugs for obesity, green tea extract does not increase the speed of heart rates or raise blood pressure. In this regard, green tea extract is an effective and safer alternative to other weight loss products which may cause harm to the user.

The study conducted by the University of Geneva on the weight loss benefit of green tea extract implicated that green tea extract can also help thyroid patients. According to dietitian Lynn Moss, M.S., R.D., green tea extract is a healthier choice for people with thyroid who perhaps too sensitive to stimulants. Green tea extract can promote weight loss by increasing metabolism without over stimulating the adrenal glands.

A common beverage all throughout Asia, green tea has recently gained popularity in the West. Further researches were conducted to identify other health benefits of green tea extracts aside from weight loss. It was found that certain green tea extract compounds can significantly reduce the risk of cardiopathy, cancer, and even ulcers.


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Sunday, May 17, 2009

Dual activity Green Tea Diet

I f you would like to jump-start your fat-burning ability, then Dual activity Green Tea Diet is the product for you!

Dual activity Green Tea Diet is a natural blend of powerful nutrients that when used with a diet plan, has a significant dual effect on your weight loss program. Dual Action Green Tea Diet lets you work off your fats even when you’re not at the gym!

Dual activity Green Tea Diet is a fast-acting dietary supplement, perfect when you’re on-the-go and cannot find enough time to go to the gym.

Dual Action Green Tea Diet contains a high amount of polyphenols that when active, causes thermogenesis to occur. Thermogenesis is the process where fats stored in the body are converted into heat energy for muscle use.

Dual activity Green Tea Diet is 100% pure green tea extract. Used throughout China over four thousand years ago, green tea in Dual Action Green Tea Diet has been known to possess great health and medicinal benefits. The green tea extract found in Dual Action Green Tea Diet has been used as herbal treatment for ailments like headaches and indigestions.

Dual activity Green Tea Diet provides you with a supercharge low-carb diet. Dual Action Green Tea Diet goes in a liquid gel form for easier absorption of nutrients. With Dual Action Green Tea Diet, you'll be able to absorb the beneficial nutrients up to 200% better than those found in dry tablets or capsules.

Dual activity Green Tea Diet helps you gain better control of your appetite. Because green tea in Dual Action Green Tea Diet contains antioxidants that act as natural appetite-suppressants, Dual Action Green Tea Diet provides you with the best way to overcome hunger pangs. Dual Action Green Tea Diet helps suppress your appetite, making you consume only the right amount of calories.

Aside from effectively suppressing your appetite, Dual activity Green Tea Diet helps increase your fat-burning ability. The high antioxidant content of Dual Action Green Tea Diet makes it an excellent thermogenic substance. Dual Action Green Tea Diet helps you reduce the presence of fats in your body by increasing your metabolism.

Dual Action Green Tea Diet makes you burn fat the fastest and safest way possible!
Because Dual activity Green Tea Diet contains less caffeine compared to other diet drinks, there is less risk for you to experience bad side-effects such as heart palpitations, increased heart rates, and hypertension. With Dual Action Green Tea Diet, you have the best out of a healthy diet.

Dual activity Green Tea Diet contains Chromium Picolinate which is essential for converting sugar into energy. This action of Dual Action Green Tea Diet helps you create lean muscles in your abs, pecs, and biceps. The Chromium Picolinate present in Dual Action Green Tea Diet also helps you build mass into your muscles. Greater muscle mass as a result of Dual Action Green Tea Diet lets you burn fat even when you’re sleeping.

Another powerful ingredient of Dual Action Green Tea Diet is Xenedrol which is actually a natural blend of foods. These foods found only in Dual activity Green Tea Diet were developed by doctors called for to help you lose fat while at as is time, curb your appetite.

Dual activity Green Tea Diet also includes the potent Advantra Z, a metabolizer. Unlike ephedra, Advantra Z in Dual Action Green Tea Diet helps you metabolize fats quickly without causing any shakes or jitters.


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Thursday, May 14, 2009

Green Tea Weight Loss

T he basic difference between green tea and black tea (the more commonly seen variety) is in the fermentation. Green tea leaves are preserved by various techniques such as steaming and baking right after being picked; whereas black tea leaves are exposed to the air for a length of time and then processed. This method gives green tea its unique color and also helps retain one vital resource - the polyphenol.

Wu long tea weight loss, Wulong Slimming tea

Research shows drinking two cups of Wu long tea every day not only helps shed stubborn pounds by boosting your metabolism, but also blocks the fattening effects of carbohydrates; promotes strong, healthy teeth; improves cognitive functioning and mental well-being; clarifies your skin, giving it a healthy, radiant glow and strengthens your immune system.

The many health benefits of green tea, all of which have been demonstrated in scientific studies, include:
  • Cancer protection.
  • Cholesterol reduction.
  • Blood pressure reduction.
  • Antibacterial and antiviral activity .
  • Protection against radiation.
  • Reduction of body fat.
  • Reduction of blood sugar.
  • Polyphenols, High Richest in Green Tea Beverage.

Antioxidant in Green Tea Benefits Weight Loss

Green tea epigallacatechin gallate (The compound known as EGCG ), a key element in polyphenol antioxidant contained in green tea, benefits weight loss by helping the body burn fat. A study in Switzerland found drinking the equivalent of 2-3 cups of green tea daily caused the participants to burn 80 extra calories each day, without increasing their heart rates and factoring out the tea’s caffeine content.

Other More Key Benefits of Green Tea Besides Weight Loss

Polyphenols are a group of naturally occurring plant chemicals with very high antioxidant potential. Antioxidants are substances that protect the body from free radicals, which are special molecules and fragments of molecules that can damage your body from a cellular level. Free radicals hurt the body by making you more vulnerable to degenerative diseases like cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants help by deactivating the free radicals and minimizing the amount of damage they have done or will do.



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Tea Varieties

T ea is a beloved drink for many people all over the world. The English are probably the most well known tea drinkers, but drinking tea has become a relaxing ritual for many others as well. There are more than 3,000 varieties of tea for you to choose from when you settle down to brew a cup.

There are a number of tea categories including: (1) black tea, (2) oolong tea, (3) white tea, (4) compressed teas, (5) flavored teas, and (6) green tea. Herbal teas are another category and they contain at least one plant.

Black tea is one of the most commonly consumed teas and is accountable for most of the tea sales in the world. A black tea will have a full and robust flavor and is favored for its aromatic qualities. Black tea is generally served with a bit of sugar and milk, but this will vary depending where in the world it is consumed. Black tea is often combined with other milder teas to tone down its flavor.

Oolong tea is made from the mature leaves of a plant grown in Thailand. It is considered to be a semi-fermented tea. Expert tea drinkers believe that oolong tea should never be blended with other teas and enjoyed entirely on its own.

Green tea is believed by many to be the healthiest tea. It is green in color, not fermented and is full of stimulants and other healthy ingredients. It's often used to cleanse the palate so is served after meals, and cream and sugar are not added.

Flavored teas are growing in popularity and give a lift to green, black, and oolong teas. You can add spices, flowers, or even dried fruit. Some of the most widely enjoyed are jasmine, vanilla, ginger, mango, and lemon teas. Adding a bit of sugar or honey can give it even more zest. This gives a bit of sweetness to a busy day. Try a number of them until you find a few favorites.

You'll find tea served in most cafes and restaurants around the world. If you're traveling to a different country you may want to try some different teas that you aren't able to purchase at home. As tea grows in popularity it may soon rival coffee as the beverage of choice among adults.





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Tuesday, May 12, 2009

How To Make The Perfect Cup Of Tea

N ot many people know how to make the perfect cup of tea. It is my observation that the way most people make tea is to throw a teabag in a cup, pour on some hot water, give it a quick stir and add milk and sugar to taste. I cannot count how many times over the years I have had to endure really bad tea whilst out at a restaurant or visiting family or friends in their homes. So as a committed tea drinker of some 30 years experience here is my attempt to make the world a better place by informing others as to how to make the perfect cup of tea!

  1. If possible use fresh water. Spring water is best due to its purity and lack of additives such as chlorine and fluoride which can affect the taste. If you use tap water then run the tap until the water is cold and fresh. Do not re-boil "old" water. Good quality water is essential for the perfect cup of tea.
  2. Preferably use a teapot made of china or earthenware. Pots made of certain types of metal such as enamel silver or copper should be avoided as they can impart flavor to the water. Stainless steel is okay.

  3. Warm the pot beforehand with a little hot water.

  4. Add at least one heaped teaspoon of tea for each cup of water that you are going to add. My rule of thumb is add one teaspoon per cup plus one for the pot! Adding loose tea to the pot is the best way for the tea to infuse properly but many people prefer to use a tea strainer or infusing basket for the sake of convenience./li>
  5. Pour boiling water directly onto the leaves and then stir the water before placing lid back on teapot.

  6. Allow the tea to steep for between four and five minutes. If using green tea three minutes is best.

  7. Remove or strain the leaves to avoid overbrewing.


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Tea is Good for Your Health


T ea is one of the most popular drinks ever. In fact around the world, it is the most commonly consumed beverage after water. The simple tea leaf has conquered the world and has become a beloved drink that billions of people enjoy. However, tea is not just an ordinary beverage. This delicately flavored drink offers numerous important health benefits.

Tea is a caffeine-containing beverage made by steeping the dried leaves and buds of the shrub Camellia Sinensis in hot water for a few minutes. The origin and history of tea and tea drinking is unclear but the use of tea as a beverage drunk on special occasions, dates from the Tang Dynasty in China. The first Europeans may have encountered tea while journeying through Asia. Soon, tea became very popular in Europe, especially among the wealthy.

The main varieties of tea are black, green and red (oolong) tea. All of these tea variants offer many health benefits. Studies have found out that tea contains polyphenols. This gives tea its antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties. A number of studies have proven the anti-cancer properties of polyphenols. This antioxidant help protect cells from the normal, but damaging physiological process known as "oxidative stress". Oxygen, in spite of its being a very vital component of life, is also incorporated in substances called free radicals. These substances damage the cells in the body and is said to cause heart disease and cancer.

The polyphenols in tea can reduce gastric, esophageal and skin cancers. Polyphenols can also help prevent blood clotting and lower cholesterol levels. All types of tea contain polyphenols, regardless of the processing method, whether black, green or oolong. Herbal teas, on the other hand, are not derived from the Camellia Sinensis and do not have the same health-promoting properties. Most herbal teas are only infusions made with herbs, flowers, roots and spices.

Another health benefit of tea is that it has virtually no calories. Tea is a perfect beverage for people who are trying to reduce weight. It is also a preferred alternative to coffee as it has less caffeine. A cup of tea contains half the amount of caffeine in an equally-sized cup of coffee. A cup of tea contains 40mg of caffeine compared to 85mg in a cup of brewed coffee. Iced teas have the same antioxidant power. It is not known yet whether decaffeinated tea has the same polyphenols.

Tea also contains fluoride for strong teeth. Inevitably, tea ranks high in the ORAC score than other fruits and vegetables. The ORAC score measures antioxidant potential in plant-based food. Studies are still being conducted on the health benefits of tea and more discoveries are being made. Much remains to be learned of the many health benefits of tea. Green tea also seems to help protect the body from autoimmune disorders.

There is a Chinese proverb that says "Better to be deprived of food for three days than tea for one". This speaks of the beneficial effects that the ancient Chinese have discovered in tea. For thousands of years, the culture of drinking tea has not diminished. Not only does tea offer a soothing and relaxing drink, it boosts the energy as well. You do not need a medical study to know that tea can relieve a scratchy throat or ease a headache. So, when enjoying a cup of tea, smile and think of the numerous health benefits of tea: it fights heart disease, lowers cholesterol and prevents several types of cancer while protecting skin and strengthening bones and teeth.

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Monday, May 11, 2009

Information on Green Tea Diet

F or centuries now, the benefits of green tea diets have been the subject of countless writings and scientific investigations.

More than four thousand years ago, green tea diet has become a staple beverage for most Asians because of its countless health and medicinal benefits. It is said that the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung was the first one to have discovered green tea diet. Emperor Shen Nung was reported to have been boiling water when some leaves of a nearby plant fell into his pot. The leaves actually came from Camellia sinensis, the herb from which green tea diet is extracted.

Having a green tea diet is associated with several health benefits. One of the benefits of having a green tea diet is providing a potential cure for cancer. According to some studies, certain substances in green tea diet can destroy cancel cells without harming any neighboring healthy tissues. This substance in green tea diets is called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

The results of the study on the cancer benefit of green tea diets were astounding and it led to further more researches that investigate other aspects of green tea diet. In a study conducted by American and Swiss scientists in the University of Geneva, it has been found that the EGCG found in green tea diets can increase the 24-hour energy expenditure of the body. They concluded that this is due to the ability of antioxidants present in green tea diet to stimulate thermogenesis, otherwise known as fat metabolism. According to their findings, people who were on a green tea diet exhibited a significant four percent increase in their normal metabolic rates. This led the scientists to conclude that green tea diet has a major contributing factor in weight loss.

Another study conducted in China was designed to investigate further on green tea diet’s weight loss benefit. They decided that since green tea diet can significantly increase fat metabolism, then green tea diet probably would help lowering down cholesterol levels as well. Their hypothesis was proven when they introduced green tea diet on 240 people with mild to extremely high cholesterol levels. After only twelve weeks, they observed that those on a green tea diet dropped sixteen percent in their cholesterol levels.

Based on the above study, it can also be hypothesized that green tea diet can cure obesity. Green tea diet’s catechin polyphenols can delay the reaction of gastric and pancreatic lipases in the body. These enzymes are the ones responsible for storing calories into fats in the body. By delaying these enzymes, green tea diets can therefore lessen fat concentration and prevent obesity in people.

A truly remarkable beverage, green tea diet is used to improve the body’s health in many ways. Further studies were made on the benefits of green tea diets. The latest ones were able to prove that green tea diet can effectively protect the skin from damage due to ultraviolet light radiation. Green tea diet is also widely recognized as a substance that can protect against many different cancers such as stomach cancer, ovarian cancer, cancer of the colon, oral cancer, prostate cancer, and breast and cervical cancers.



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Ten Facts You Probably Did Not Know about Tea

L egend has it that a Chinese emperor was the first to discover Tea when some leaves were blown by chance into a bowl contain some boiling hot water. The tea we drink today is exactly the same and the brewing process has never been interfered with.

It is now known that men who drink black tea which contains catechins are 50% less likely to die of ischemic heart disease. This happens when our arteries become clogged and are unable to function as they should due to constriction.

We now know that drinking between a half and two cups of tea each and every day may promote fertility by inhibiting abnormalities in our chromosomes. In a recent test two hundred and fifty women drank as little as half a cup of tea per day and their pregnancy rates were double those who did not.

To get rid of puffy eyes lie on your bed or wherever and place either a moist teabag or tea compress over both of your eyes and leave for about 20 minutes. Swelling around the eyes will disappear and your eyes will return to their former glory.

One way to rid your refrigerator of unpleasant smells is to place one or two used tea bags somewhere within the fridge.

The next day any bad smell will be gone!
Use tea to kill warts. The tannic acid found in tea is said to be just as effective in killing warts as many wart removers that you can purchase over the counter at the local drug store! Soak a black tea bag in hot water, and then place the damp bag on the wart itself for fifteen minutes a couple of times each day. Slowly the wart will shrink and soon disappear.

Medical researchers have known for many years that men in Asian countries who consume green tea have very low instances of prostate cancer. Many prominent researchers are convinced that this is due to green tea containing many powerful antioxidants and preventative anti-cancer agents.

In recent Australian studies CSIRO scientists found that the occurrence of skin cancer in laboratory mice was greatly reduced when they were given black tea. It is thought that polyphenols which are very strong antioxidants and are contained in the tea are the most likely reason for this phenomenon.

The most expensive teabag in the world was made for the 75'th anniversary of the PG TIPS tea company. The bag was filled with two hundred and eighty diamonds and expensive limited edition tea leaves. The bag cost 7,500 pounds and was sold at auction in aid of a Children's hospital in the United Kingdom.

Did you know that Turkey is a nation of mainly Tea drinker?
In fact Turkey is now the worlds number one nation when it comes to tea drinking. Many Turks drink a staggering twenty to thirty cups per day each and tea is now practically.


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