Julie Health writes about weight loss with green tea. Feel free to learn more benefits of drinking green tea.
Jul
28
Posted on 28-07-2009
Filed Under (Chinese Tea Plant) by Chinese Tea on 28-07-2009
Due to the popularity of recent findings, green tea has almost become synonymous with weight loss and diet. The addition of green tea diet into diet pills and weight loss supplements is perhaps spurred by reports of harmful side-effects of other drugs like ephedra.
Why Choose the Green Tea Diet?
For four thousand years, green tea has been used all throughout Asia as a beneficial health and medicinal drink. It is different from all other tea diets because its liquid is extracted by steaming the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant as opposed to full oxidation. In this way, the green tea diet manages to preserve a lot more antioxidants and keep them intact for the body to use.
The green tea diet is an excellent source of polycatechin polyphenols, a group of antioxidants that act on free radicals. These free radicals have harmful effects on the body since they are the major causes of diseases and aging. With polycatechin polyphenols, a person has a better chance of avoiding ailments and keeping himself healthy for a much longer period of time.
Another antioxidant in the green tea diet is also being studied as a potential cure for cancer. Epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG found in the diet has been discovered to destroy cancer cells while keeping surrounding healthy cells unharmed.
The EGCG also acts with another compound, caffeine (a small amount of this is found in green tea). The interaction of these two compounds causes the diet to promote thermogenesis in the body.
It has been noted by a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that with the consumption of the green tea diet, the body’s total 24-hour energy expenditure is increased by up to four percent. This is roughly equivalent to losing more than 10 pounds of weight a month.
The diet helps increase the body’s metabolic rates. With its thermogenic properties, it is only natural that it can also promote faster metabolism of fats and sugars. Excess glucose found in the body is turned into fats by the hormone insulin. Because green tea has an inhibiting effect on insulin, it therefore helps keep sugar from being stored as fats and instead, send them directly into the muscles for immediate use.
The Downside
Although the diet has a reputation for boosting health, scientific proofs of its health benefits are still somewhat mixed. However, in an article published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, American researchers collaborated with their Chinese counterparts to discuss the beneficial effects of green tea diet on cholesterol levels.
Using 240 men and women (average age 55) who possess mild to moderately high LDL cholesterol levels, the researchers instructed them to retain their usual low-fat diet, green tea diet intake, and activity levels. After twelve weeks, it was found that those who consumed the green tea diet extract with their regular meals lost more than fifteen percent of their total LDL cholesterol levels.
Although the researchers never explained how the green tea diet may influence cholesterol levels, previous studies have shown that certain compounds play a role in reducing the amount of cholesterol absorbed by the body, increasing amount of cholesterol excreted, and thus keeping cholesterol from being stored in the liver.
Subsequent studies were made to test the findings of the first group of researchers. Their results were contradictory. They found there was no significant effect on the cholesterol profiles of their subjects.
There is no such thing as a miracle diet. The green tea diet like all other diets needs a lot of work and input from those who enroll in it. It requires both discipline and determination for it to make any significant impact on your weight loss goals.
Jul
07
Posted on 07-07-2009
Filed Under (Chinese Black Tea) by Chinese Tea on 07-07-2009
I just read an interesting article which I’ll post here if Yahoo allows that many words. here goes: RealAge Tip
A Brew That Prevents Parkinson’s?
Tea time. What better way to give your body and mind a little breather? But if you choose a certain color of tea, you may really do your brain a favor.
A large study in Singapore showed that black tea might have the power to slash Parkinson’s disease risk by almost a third.
Hormone Helper?
In the study, people who drank the most black tea were 29 percent less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease (PD), compared with the least enthusiastic black-tea drinkers. Although the researchers were poised to credit the caffeine in black tea for the benefit, it turned out not to be so. Instead, it may be that black tea somehow affects estrogen levels in a favorable anti-Parkinson’s way (the disease is less common in women than in men). Interestingly, green tea showed no protective effects against PD. But there are still plenty of reasons — like these — to sip green.
More Tea-Time Extras
There’s no shortage of other reasons to drink tea, including:
? A healthier heart. The brew is bursting with cardioprotective polyphenols. Just make sure to leave out the milk(see related article for justification)
Black or green, tea is brimming with heart-healthy benefits.
Compounds in green and black teas have a healthful impact on several markers of heart disease risk, but debate continues as to which kind of tea is healthiest. Recent research suggests it may be a dead heat. In a study, green and black tea appeared equally protective against fatty arterial plaque buildup.
Black, oolong, and green teas are made from leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The difference between green and black tea is the level of oxidation the tea leaves experience during processing. The longer tea leaves experience oxidation, the darker they become. Research suggests oxidation levels probably have little influence over the amount of heart-healthy flavonoids different teas contain, although there may be some variation. A recent animal study suggests both green and black tea may produce similar improvements in blood vessel health. According to the researchers, the average 150-pound person would have to drink two 5-ounce cups of green or black tea daily to get heart-health benefits similar to those achieved in the animal study.
Tea with milk vs. without:
Drink Tea, Skip the Milk
Milk can do your body good, but maybe not when it’s in your tea.
Women in a study who drank black tea had improved cardiovascular function — but that protection vanished if they drank it with milk. Temper the taste of your black tea with lemons instead. Or sip it as the Chinese traditionally do: straight up.
Researchers are not sure why milk may blunt tea’s heart-healthy effects, but milk proteins called caseins are possible culprits. Tea is bursting with health-boosting polyphenols, but proteins have been shown to counteract them. In one study, when researchers added a small amount (10 percent) of milk to black tea, it reduced the tea’s concentration of catechins — polyphenols credited with giving tea its antioxidant punch as well as fighting heart disease and boosting weight loss. The study results may help explain, in part, why tea’s heart benefits appear to be missing in the United Kingdom, where milk is usually added to the brew.
It’s not a done deal, however. Other studies have concluded that milk has no effect on tea’s antioxidant powers. But the conflicting study results may simply be due to the way the scientists measured the good stuff in tea.
In this recent study, researchers measured the effects of tea — with and without milk — on blood vessels in the cardiovascular system. Straight black tea helped blood vessels relax and widen, allowing blood to flow more freely. Tea with milk did not produce the same effect.
Jun
22
Posted on 22-06-2009
Filed Under (Herbal Chinese Tea) by Chinese Tea on 22-06-2009
Although Britain is a nation of tea drinkers, we still have a lot to learn about tea. Drinking the right tea at the right time of day has been known to provide substantial health benefits.
You might not think of tea when it comes to trying to loose weight, but research has shown that certain types of teas do:
Pu-erh Tea (Yamamotoyama: Pu-erh, Chrysanthemum; Birt & Tang: Pu’er & Camomile, Figuro)
The brewed tea is dark red, and has a bold, earthy taste. Pu-erh is known to help digest fatty foods, increase metabolism and help to reduce your cholesterol levels. It is perfect to take this tea throughout the day especially after meals.
Oolong Tea (Yamamotoyama: China Oolong Chocolate Mint Oolong, White Peach Oolong, Coconut Mango Oolong, Chrysanthemum; Birt & Tang: Oolong & Raspberry, Osmanthus, Gojiberry, Blueberry, Cardioplus)
Oolongs range from bright green and slightly fermented to dark-leafed and hearty. The greener varieties are less fermented. Oolong tea therefore comes in a wide range of tastes and aromas from teas very close in taste to green tea to those very close to black tea.
Oolong tea burns over 157% more fat than Green Tea - and therefore becoming the most popular teas designed to accelerate weight loss. Drinking two cups of Oolong tea every day not only helps shed stubborn pounds by boosting your metabolism, but also blocks the fattening effects of carbohydrates.
Slimming Tea (Yogitea: Slim & Fit)
When we are fit, our lives flow in an easy, flexible rhythm. This herbal tea has been formulated with herbs thought to support a well functioning metabolism. Pu-erh tea is used worldwide for its beneficial properties. Mate, prized in South America for its valuable nutrients and antioxidants, is a natural energiser. This formula is balanced with rosemary, rooibos and nettle, all of which are known to be rich in nutrients. Enjoy Women’s Slim & Fit Tea throughout the day while following your fasting or fitness program.
Detox Tea (Yogitea: Detox, Birt & Tang: Detox)
This tea contains a combination of herbs and spices, which have been used for centuries in India to support the internal cleansing process and thereby eliminating excess fluids. Purify yourself each day by making Detox a regular part of your diet. Detox is also a great addition to a diet or a fast.
Stomach Ease Tea (Yogitea: Stomach Ease)
This tea is based on a recipe of herbs and spices believed to support the digestive process in breaking down fats and reduce feeling bloated after a meal. It contains fennel, liquorice and peppermint leaf known for their beneficial effect on digestion. Warming herbs such as cardamom, coriander, ginger and black pepper balances this delicious blend. Enjoy a cup during or after a meal.
All Green & White Teas (Tazo: Zen, Numi: Monkey King, Dragonfly: Swirling Mist White Tea, Stashtea: Ginger Peach, Pomegranate Raspberry, Decaf Raspberry White - and many more)
All green and white teas are known for their â??thermogenic’ properties, whereby the body temperature raises to burn more calories. These teas have traditionally been used in Chinese medicine to refresh, detoxify and bring the immune system into balance.
All the teas discussed in this article can be found at www.teaworld.co.uk. You can also try a FREE sample before you buy.
Uma Mays
Having been an IT Project Manager for 10 years it was time to do something different and work from home with my young family. To that end I have recently started an online tea business selling and promoting the wonders and benefits of high quality specialist teas.
Interests and Hobbies:
Love the gym, play badminton and tennis. Also ski 2- 3 times a year.
Homepage:
Jun
22
Posted on 22-06-2009
Filed Under (Benefits of Chinese Tea) by Chinese Tea on 22-06-2009
Everybody wants to have a healthy body. But, with today’s very comfortable lifestyle, it can be quite difficult to do. It seems like everyone is becoming unhealthier and unhealthier every single day. You might eat the right kinds of food, and you might be exercising regularly, but your doctor may still say that it’s not really enough. So, what’s missing? To answer this question, you may want to start drinking green tea.
So, just what’s all the hype about this centuries old brew that it made everyone absolutely crazy about it? From scientists, to health buffs, to regular people, what it is about green tea that is so great that it seems that almost everyone is drinking it?
First of all, this brew existed for thousands of years. The Chinese and the Japanese have been drinking this for centuries, and is still part of their daily life, and they even said that this tea can keep your body healthy.
Today, scientists have found that there is more to green tea than your average everyday tea. To start, it has antioxidants that are known to help fight off or prevent cancer, and it is also full of certain vitamins and minerals that contribute to making your body healthier.
To name all the benefits, here are 7 reasons why you should start drinking this miracle brew:
• Cancer
As mentioned before, green tea is filled with antioxidants that helps counter the effects of oxidants or what we commonly know as free radicals. By fighting off free radicals, it will help prevent cancer.
• Diabetes
Most people who are diabetics have been found to have low metabolism rate. This means that they cannot get rid of carbohydrates easily which will be stored as fat in the body. This will also increase the blood sugar levels in your body. With green tea, it will increase your metabolism rate and increase your energy levels, which will help in preventing diabetes. Studies on lab rats have found that it is very effective in preventing diabetes and also proves to be an inexpensive way to do so.
• Bad breath
Green is known to help in keeping the teeth and gums healthy. Also it helps in keeping the mouth clean and free from odor-causing bacteria. If you have a bad breath, then this brew can definitely help give you a fresher and nicer smelling breath.
• Acne
Because green tea has antioxidants, it can help in preventing acne as well as treating it. Also, it helps in reducing the inflammation that is associated with acne. By drinking this brew, you will definitely see it as an inexpensive way to treat acne and help you get a smoother skin.
• Alzheimer’s disease
Another benefit that green tea provides is that it helps in protecting the brain from Alzheimer’s disease. Green tea has been found to prevent plaque deposits in the brain, which is the cause of this very serious disease. With green tea, you will definitely have a healthier brain and a sharper mind.
• Cholesterol
Studies have found that green tea can help in fighting and reducing bad cholesterols. It is also a natural anticoagulant. All in all, it will help in keeping your blood pressure low, as well as prevent heart diseases and strokes. Green tea is also about giving you a healthy heart.
• HIV
Last but not the least; green tea has been linked to help in preventing HIV. Because green tea naturally increases the body’s immune system, studies have found that the EGCG that is naturally found in this brew can boost your immune system. Therefore, it may not be very far in the future that green tea will contribute a lot in HIV prevention and cure researches.
These are 7 reasons why you should start drinking green tea. Indeed, this brew can do miracles to the body. If you want a healthier body, then this brew is definitely for you
I am Gargi Nath from Kolkata,India.I am a Professor of English.Please visit my blog http://green-tea-miracle.blogspot.com for more detailed informations on miracles of green tea.
Jun
11
Posted on 11-06-2009
Filed Under (Chinese Black Tea) by Chinese Tea on 11-06-2009
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Hope this helps.
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