You have probably heard about the health benefits of drinking tea, especially green tea. Tea has been known around the world for thousands of years as the “longevity” beverage. Tea has been drunk in China since at least 3000 BCE. Tea is part of the Camellia Sinensis plant, and comes as black tea, which is fully oxidized, green tea, which is un-oxidized, and oolong, which is partially oxidized.

Green tea has been harvested as young, healthy, dark green leaves, and then is gently steamed, keeping its green color and potent phytonutrients intact. All tea, however, is rich in tannin, flavinols, polyphenols, and several vitamins: vitamin C, vitamin P, vitamin K and vitamin B. True tea does contain caffeine, but in lower amounts than it is found in coffee. It is well known to help banish fatigue, raise energy levels and boost mental powers.

Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley have found that green tea is a great antioxidant scavenger, reducing free radicals in the body. Antioxidants seem to slow or prevent cell damage that occurs from exposure to excess oxygen by creating a barrier around cell tissue. Those who get lots of antioxidants in their diets seem to be able to slow down the aging process and avoid or at least put off the development of many chronic, degenerative diseases, like heart disease, cancer and diabetes*.

Moderate caffeine intake seems to promote good blood circulation, so if you have strong adrenal glands, the caffeine in tea in moderation might actually be good for you. Green tea has a lot less caffeine than black tea does. Even though it contains caffeine, tea seems to act as a nerve sedative, and can relieve headaches*. Tea also acts as a diuretic, and as such, can promote better kidney function*.

Researchers at the University of California have also found both oolong and green tea to help prevent arteriosclerosis, which leads to heart disease. Green tea has also been shown in many studies to prevent cancer, and to inhibit the development of pre-cancerous lesions as well.

The Camellia Sinensis plant is known to be antibacterial and antiviral*. So you can use your tea to apply directly to cuts and burns as well, including sunburns. And when drunk or taken as an extract, it seems to help boost your immune function*, probably because of its antimicrobial action.

Green tea is really a powerhouse of a beverage, and the polyphenols it contains have also been shown to support healthy blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels*. In addition, they have been shown to protect your DNA from damage that comes from chemicals and also radiation. This means that drinking green tea, and/or taking green tea extracts, can be very useful for all of us who are exposed to more and more chemicals in our modern-day world. If you live near a nuclear power plant, fly a lot (where you are exposed to high levels of cosmic rays), or are undergoing radiation therapy, you might want to consider adding green tea or a green tea extract to your diet.

Green tea extracts can be very powerful, as the antioxidants and polyphenols can be concentrated, without the caffeine. However, you want to make sure that you get a brand that conserves the polyphenols, as some green tea extracts don’t actually have much of this most important part of the green tea in them. We recommend one with around 100 mg of polyphenols per serving. If you can find one that is nanized, or broken down into very small particles, you will be able to digest and absorb more of the nutrients even if your digestive system is in some way compromised, like many of ours are.

Last, but not least, green tea is well known for its thermogenic effect, meaning that it can help your body burn calories. One study showed that three 90 mg doses of green tea extract caused an additional 266 calories to be burned every day. So if you are trying to lose weight, adding green tea or a green tea extract may be just the ticket to help with your weight loss.*

* This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Karen Pijuan
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/super-health-benefits-of-green-tea-134400.html

Eating healthy is an imperative part of living well. What I mean by this is that you need to nourish your body in order to feel great. This is a fact. You can’t live day-in and day-out on fast food and expect to feel like a million bucks. You won’t! The reality is you’ll feel tired, and have little energy to run on. This is plain and simply because fast food doesn’t provide your body with the necessary nutrients. In fact, it doesn’t offer many nutrients at all. Cheeseburgers and fries are mostly salt, fat and cholesterol. Before you know it, you’re seeking out natural remedies for high blood pressure.

Americans are guilty of eating horribly. Many of us eat out twice each day. That’s a lot! Most likely it’s breakfast and lunch. Everyone is looking for something quick and convenient. Oh, and they want it to taste good, of course. This is a bad habit to get into. Whether you think about it or not, your health depends a great deal on what you consume. When you eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, you feel great. Energy levels increase and your appearance improves. Plus there’s the small factor concerning your heart.

You don’t want high blood pressure! Luckily there are actions you can take to prevent high blood pressure. And there are convenient natural remedies for high blood pressure. Some come in the form of pills and others in the form of a beverage. Which you take for your condition is between you and your doctor. Now, one other thing you can do in order to lower your blood pressure is eat low-fat, low-cholesterol foods. Don’t saturate your bloodstream with fat and salt. This way your heart doesn’t have to work so hard. Eating right makes all the difference.

It’s true that some individuals reach the point where medicines and supplements are necessary. Those natural remedies for high blood pressure provided by your doctor may concern your genetics. Part of this affliction is inherited. I know we hate to think about it, but it’s true. Fortunately we have more and more natural remedies for high blood pressure to turn to. The sooner you get yours checked out, the better. Live healthy and live well.

Ann Marier
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/natural-remedies-for-high-blood-pressure-111832.html