Author: Jerry Ryan, PhD
Article:
Our bodies are designed to take care of themselves. There are
systems within it for providing nutrients and for excreting the
toxins. Antioxidants play a major role in removing these toxins
from our body. Since they are so important in ridding us of
harmful waste, it is vital that we have some knowledge of what
antioxidants are, how they work and what kinds of foods and
dietary supplements can provide us with their health benefits.
Antioxidants are a group of enzymes, vitamins and minerals that
work to protect our bodies from forming free radicals. Free
radicals in the body are atoms or groups of atoms that cause
cell damage which impairs the immune system. Free radicals may
be formed in a number of different ways. They can be caused by
any number of bodily functions even the process of breaking down
fat cells into usable energy.
To better explain this, our bodies are similar to a car. Each
needs the proper fuel to perform to its peak. But just like the
engines in our cars, our bodies don't burn the fuel efficiently.
This poor conversion results in exhaust fumes in our car and
free radicals in our body.
Most commonly, the free radicals are missing an electron due to
some metabolic process. The negative atom attempts to correct
itself by pulling an electron from another cell. The damage
begins at that point and a chain of cells pulling electrons from
one another starts to form. As a result, this can lead to
infections and degenerative diseases such as heart disease,
diabetes and cancer. In addition, recent studies have shown that
damage caused by free radicals may be a major factor in the
aging process.
Other causes are cigarette smoke (even second-hand),
overexposure to the sun, exposure to radiation as well as
inhaling or ingesting any of the pollutants common in our air,
water and food chain.
Luckily, our bodies have a built-in weapon against this enemy.
Free radical scavengers, such as enzymes, are naturally produced
in the body. They seek out and bond with the free radicals. This
bonding neutralizes the destructive action that occurs in the
cells.
However, with the increased levels of toxins that we are
subjected to daily, the antioxidants that the body supplies may
fall short of the demand. Therefore, we might consider changing
our diet to increase certain foods and taking nutritional
supplements that will provide additional antioxidants for the
body to use.
As you have probably read in many popular magazines, vitamins A,
C and E have been found to act as very good antioxidants. Foods
that offer high levels of antioxidants are fruits and
vegetables, particularly the yellow-green vegetables. Other
herbs and supplements that serve as antioxidants are:
Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Bilberry, Chokeberry, Elderberry, Coenzyme
Q10, Cysteine, Glyconutrients, Ginkgo Biloba, Glutathione, Grape
Seed Extract, Green Tea, Pine Bark Extract, Oligomeric
Proanthocyanidins, Pycnogenol, Melatonin, Selenium, Magnesium,
Superoxide Dismutase, Beta-Carotene and Zinc.
For more information on natural health topics discussed in this
article or to suggest ideas for an article, you may contact me
through my website.
About the author:
Jerry Ryan, Ph.D. is a Natural Health Coach who teaches
individuals and group classes on the scientifically documented
benefits of natural health techniques. He is also an
internationally published author and has been a guest speaker at
such places as NIKE World Headquarters. For more information,
his website is href="http://www.JerryRyanPhD.com">http://www.JerryRyanPhD.com
Monday, October 15, 2007
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Saving Your Skin--With Green Tea
Author: Jon M. Stout
Article:
Green tea has become the miracle drink of recent years. It is
mentioned as a cure for everything from stomach trouble to
fatigue, from rheumatoid arthritis to tooth decay. People in the
Far East have been turning to green tea for various ailments for
centuries, so it isn't surprising that the beverage has become a
popular remedy worldwide.
Perhaps the most interesting claim of fans of green tea is that
it can be beneficial in the war against cancer. A 1994 study
published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute showed
that green tea lessened the risk of cancer of the esophagus in
Chinese subjects by close to 60 percent. In addition, a study at
the University of Purdue found that, because of its chemical
makeup, green tea can also reduce the growth of cancer cells.
Green Tea's Effects--More Than Skin-Deep
There is also evidence that green tea can be beneficial for your
skin. In an article on "Green Tea and Skin" published in the
Archives of Dermatology in the year 2000, Santosh K. Katiyar,
Nihal Ahmad, and Hasan Mukhtar discussed how green tea could be
effective in fighting skin cancer. Because of its composition,
green tea can prevent inflammation and cancer in the skin.
Still, you might be wondering how this is possible. In the data
examined by Katiyar, Ahmad, and Mukhtar, the polyphenolic
compounds in green tea were tested and found to provide
protection against cancer in mouse skin. In addition, some
successful experiments were conducted on human skin in the lab.
The analysis conducted by the author's shows that green tea
polyphenols have cancer-fighting properties.
As a result, it appears that green tea could be used
successfully in skin products to treat various skin disorders,
which could help immensely in the battle against skin cancer. As
Mukhtar stated, "Of all the antioxidants known to mankind, the
components of green tea are the most potent." Still, the authors
caution that additional study is needed to fully explore the
cancer-combating capabilities of green tea.
Why Green Tea is a Superior Disease-Fighter
Of course, you might be wondering why green tea might be
effective against skin cancer, when other types of tea are not.
While green, black, and oolong tea are all derived from the
Camellia sinensis plant, green tea is processed in a way that
helps to preserve its antioxidant nature.
That's because green tea leaves are steamed, preventing their
cancer-fighting compounds from being oxidized. As a result,
black and oolong teas are not nearly as effective in fighting
disease.
Taking a Closer Look at Green Tea
It might be helpful at this point to take a closer look at green
tea and its unique properties. Dr. Stephen Hsu, a scientist at
the Medical College of Georgia, has done extensive research on
green tea and its medicinal effects. Hsu has found that the
compounds in green tea known as polyphenols destroy free
radicals, which have been known to give rise to cancer because
of changes they make in DNA.
Essentially, the polyphenols kill cancer cells, while protecting
healthy cells.
Hsu and his research team compared the growth of normal skin
cells to the growth of cells that had been exposed to green tea
polyphenol. The researchers were surprised to learn that the tea
component rejuvenated dying skin cells. The reactivation was
limited to the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin. Still, Hsu
believes that the research will have a profound impact upon
various skin conditions.
A Green-Tinged Fountain of Youth
In addition to combating cancer, green tea could be effective in
treating a variety of other skin conditions, including ulcers,
psoriasis, rosascea, and hard-to-heal wounds.
As a result of such research, some have referred to green tea as
being a veritable "fountain of youth" for the skin. While
additional research is obviously necessary, the initial results
are incredibly encouraging.
In fact, Hsu has been working on developing skin products in
which green tea plays a significant role. In this way, Hsu has
found a way to apply his lab work to the cosmetic counter. It
appears that green tea is particularly effective in protecting
the skin from sun damage--a major contributing factor to skin
cancer.
The Future of Green Tea
Given the public's interest in alternative medicine, it would
appear that green tea will be increasingly used as an agent for
enhancing health. In fact, each year people turn to green tea
for its therapeutic benefits. Research on green tea's beneficial
effects on the skin appears to be particularly promising.
In fact, green tea may be revolutionary in its impact on skin
treatments. Not only might it lead to younger-looking skin--it
may also help to keep skin cancer at bay--which would be welcome
news to the fair-skinned and anyone who has a history of skin
cancer in their family.
Jon M. Stout is Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. For
more information abouthref="http://www.goldenmoontea.com">tea, href="http://www.goldenmoontea.com/greentea">green tea and
wu long tea
go to http://www.goldenmoontea.com
Article:
Green tea has become the miracle drink of recent years. It is
mentioned as a cure for everything from stomach trouble to
fatigue, from rheumatoid arthritis to tooth decay. People in the
Far East have been turning to green tea for various ailments for
centuries, so it isn't surprising that the beverage has become a
popular remedy worldwide.
Perhaps the most interesting claim of fans of green tea is that
it can be beneficial in the war against cancer. A 1994 study
published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute showed
that green tea lessened the risk of cancer of the esophagus in
Chinese subjects by close to 60 percent. In addition, a study at
the University of Purdue found that, because of its chemical
makeup, green tea can also reduce the growth of cancer cells.
Green Tea's Effects--More Than Skin-Deep
There is also evidence that green tea can be beneficial for your
skin. In an article on "Green Tea and Skin" published in the
Archives of Dermatology in the year 2000, Santosh K. Katiyar,
Nihal Ahmad, and Hasan Mukhtar discussed how green tea could be
effective in fighting skin cancer. Because of its composition,
green tea can prevent inflammation and cancer in the skin.
Still, you might be wondering how this is possible. In the data
examined by Katiyar, Ahmad, and Mukhtar, the polyphenolic
compounds in green tea were tested and found to provide
protection against cancer in mouse skin. In addition, some
successful experiments were conducted on human skin in the lab.
The analysis conducted by the author's shows that green tea
polyphenols have cancer-fighting properties.
As a result, it appears that green tea could be used
successfully in skin products to treat various skin disorders,
which could help immensely in the battle against skin cancer. As
Mukhtar stated, "Of all the antioxidants known to mankind, the
components of green tea are the most potent." Still, the authors
caution that additional study is needed to fully explore the
cancer-combating capabilities of green tea.
Why Green Tea is a Superior Disease-Fighter
Of course, you might be wondering why green tea might be
effective against skin cancer, when other types of tea are not.
While green, black, and oolong tea are all derived from the
Camellia sinensis plant, green tea is processed in a way that
helps to preserve its antioxidant nature.
That's because green tea leaves are steamed, preventing their
cancer-fighting compounds from being oxidized. As a result,
black and oolong teas are not nearly as effective in fighting
disease.
Taking a Closer Look at Green Tea
It might be helpful at this point to take a closer look at green
tea and its unique properties. Dr. Stephen Hsu, a scientist at
the Medical College of Georgia, has done extensive research on
green tea and its medicinal effects. Hsu has found that the
compounds in green tea known as polyphenols destroy free
radicals, which have been known to give rise to cancer because
of changes they make in DNA.
Essentially, the polyphenols kill cancer cells, while protecting
healthy cells.
Hsu and his research team compared the growth of normal skin
cells to the growth of cells that had been exposed to green tea
polyphenol. The researchers were surprised to learn that the tea
component rejuvenated dying skin cells. The reactivation was
limited to the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin. Still, Hsu
believes that the research will have a profound impact upon
various skin conditions.
A Green-Tinged Fountain of Youth
In addition to combating cancer, green tea could be effective in
treating a variety of other skin conditions, including ulcers,
psoriasis, rosascea, and hard-to-heal wounds.
As a result of such research, some have referred to green tea as
being a veritable "fountain of youth" for the skin. While
additional research is obviously necessary, the initial results
are incredibly encouraging.
In fact, Hsu has been working on developing skin products in
which green tea plays a significant role. In this way, Hsu has
found a way to apply his lab work to the cosmetic counter. It
appears that green tea is particularly effective in protecting
the skin from sun damage--a major contributing factor to skin
cancer.
The Future of Green Tea
Given the public's interest in alternative medicine, it would
appear that green tea will be increasingly used as an agent for
enhancing health. In fact, each year people turn to green tea
for its therapeutic benefits. Research on green tea's beneficial
effects on the skin appears to be particularly promising.
In fact, green tea may be revolutionary in its impact on skin
treatments. Not only might it lead to younger-looking skin--it
may also help to keep skin cancer at bay--which would be welcome
news to the fair-skinned and anyone who has a history of skin
cancer in their family.
Jon M. Stout is Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. For
more information about
wu long tea
go to http://www.goldenmoontea.com
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
The Stimulating Effects of Black tea and Green Tea
Title: The Stimulating Effects Of Black Tea And Green Tea
Author: Mary Rose Antonio
Article:
The effect of tea on your body depends largely by the growth
stage of the leaf, the brewing time, the amount of tea used and
a person's sensitivity to tea's ingredients.
The stimulating effect of a tea is mainly due to what is called
alkaloid caffeine which is then linked with tannin found in a
tea leaf.
Almost the entire amount of caffeine is dissolved during the
infusion within the first 1-2 minutes because caffeine dissolves
well in hot water. This is without the tannin.
This short brewing time results to a brew with a high level of
caffeine not related to tannin. If the tea is brewed for a
longer time about 4-8 minutes, the tannin as well as other
ingredients start to dissolve gradually. This results, however,
to a stronger brew.
Tannin has the ability to prevent or delay the caffeine from
being absorbed quickly in the stomach or intestines.
It has been found that this delayed effect can stretch the
cumulative effect of caffeine to 10-12 hours with frequent,
daily tea-drinking.
So, if you want a more stimulating effect of a black tea or
green tea, consider a short brewing time and if you only want a
slightly stimulating effect, have a longer brewing time.
The caffeine of a tea can be reduced by pouring a little boiling
water over the amount of tea to be used and then sieving this
off after half a minute.
When not consumed in excess, tea can have a stimulating effect
but not irritating unlike other beverage. This stimulating
effect does not raise blood pressure. However, an excess intake
of caffeine can cause an increase in blood pressure.
A recommended amount of tea to use is a maximum of one level
teaspoon per cup of tea leaves with a longer brewing time about
4-6 minutes. This can be consumed naturally without the use of
artificial sweeteners or sugar.
A tea left for a shorter time only results to a milder brew.
About the author:
Mary Rose Antonio invites you to learn more about the
tea,
tea,
tea.
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