The Importance of Green Tea

The medicinal benefits of green tea in the Chinese culture have been extremely popular since ancient times. They have used it as a natural remedy to treat many problems such as depression, high cholesterol, digestion, headaches, and other ailments.

Nadine Taylor, M.S., R.D., author of “Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life,” among others, says that the China discovered green tea as a medicine 4,000 years ago.

After many years of research, Taylor describes green tea as a “steamy cup of medicine.” According to her website, The Green Tea Library, she explains tea to be a hot water infusion that is made from the leaves of the “camellia sinesis” bush. Furthermore, it is not determined right away, whether the tea is green, black or oolong, because it depends on the way the leaves are processed first.

Initially, the leaves must be steamed or pan-fired quickly after they are picked to avoid any fermentation. As a result of the green tea leaves remaining unfermented, they are able to sustain an essential amount of “catechins,” which are powerful antioxidants that help suppress diseases and ailments. There is a total of five types of catechins, however, the most effective is epigallocatechin gallate, or “EGCg” which is often used.

Here is a list of more medical conditions green tea can help prevent:

• Cancer
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Infection
• Impaired Immune Function
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Weight Control
  

For more detailed information about these conditions click here.

On that note, with all the chaos each day, I think this is the perfect excuse to relax, and treat yourself to a hot cup of green tea each night. You earned it!

Enjoy Your Soy, With Soy Milk

Soy milk has become a popular alternative to regular milk for many reasons. Some people drink it because they are lactose intolerant, some may because they are vegetarians, and others who may just like the way it tastes.

Futhermore, how about the nutritional values it offers to your body? According to writer, Sean Paajanen, of About.com, soy milk is essentially high in protein and other valuable nutrients. As a result of it being made from beans, it is also contains more fiber than regular milk.

In addition to these benefits, soy milk also includes isoflavones which is quite similar to the hormone estrogen. This chemical is a significant value in the prevention of many diseases such as cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease, among many others.

Unfortunately, soy milk only offers approximately a quarter of the calcium that regular cow’s milk provides. The article says, however, that a number of soy milk manufacturers are currently in the process of adding extra calcium to their products.

In the meantime, there are many ways you can get calcium. These sources include many beans and legumes, almonds, tofu, and variety of different vegetables, like broccoli and kale. Yogurt and cheese are also an option as well.

So instead of adding regular milk to your cereal, coffee, and tea enjoy the benefits that soy milk has to offer to your health.

100-Calorie Snacks: Too Good to be True?

I am sure you are aware of the cute little on-the-go convenient 100-calorie snack packs that are popping up everywhere by every snack brand. From chocolate, chocolate-chip muffins and cookies to potato chips they seem to be great way to satisfy any craving you may encounter.

However, while they may be low in calories, some of these products include too much sugar, sodium, and other ingredients that aren’t worth the portion size.

American Dietetic Association spokeswoman, Lona Sandon, Med, RD., says that although these goodies may satisfy you at the moment, "many of them won't fill you up for very long, and can't replace a more nutritious snack."

Sandon also recommends that you should be sure to read the nutrition information before purchasing a box. She says search for the kinds that offer nutrients that are beneficial, “such as ones that contain less than 3 grams fat, less than 140 milligrams sodium, 15 grams or less sugar, and are made from whole grain with about 2 to 3 grams fiber and about 7 grams protein."

This way you are able to indulge a bit, and at the same time eat smart and not feel bad about it!

For 16 more good food choices go to this link.

Apples: Control Your Weight & Prevent Diseases

The saying, “An apple a day, keeps the doctor away,” may not be just a saying after all. Studies have proven that apples are extremely beneficial to your health and body function.

According to Essortment.com, because of the healthy nutrients and antioxidants found in apples and their skin, they are great for reducing high cholesterol, weight control, improve bowel functions, lower risks for a stroke, and prevent diseases such as many cancers and diabetes.

The website also says that the insoluble fiber that is present in apples is excellent for your digestive system as well, and it helps your digestive track process food easier. This prevents colon cancer and also creates a “filling” effect, making it a great on-the-go snack to suppress your appetite.

Click HERE for more interesting facts on apples and other information you will enjoy.

Eat Smart and Lower Your Cholesterol

Having high blood cholesterol causes a buildup of fatty deposits on the walls of your blood vessels. This narrows the passage of veins and arteries and slows the blood from flowing to vital organs such as your heart, lungs, brain, etc.

Increased cholesterol is considered one of the most major risk factors for heart disease, putting you at an even more significant risk for having a heart attack.

However, there are many things you can do to prevent this, such as diet and plenty of exercise.

According to writer, Mary M. Alward, of http://www.googobits.com/, first, it is highly recommended to watch your fat intake. Furthermore, it is imperative to eliminate saturated and trans fats completely. These fats are considered as LDL cholesterol and can be found in butter, mayonnaise, cheese, meat, and all hydrogenated oils.

However, not all fats are bad. Some fats can lower LDL cholesterol such as monounsaturated fats. Valuable sources can be found in nuts, olive oil, canola oil, avocados, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds.

So instead of adding cheese or bacon to your salad, indulge with sliced almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds.

Egg whites are also an excellent choice while trying to lower cholesterol. Mix it up with fresh herbs and vegetables, in addition to a slice of whole wheat bread for a heart-healthy breakfast.

Beans, legumes, fruits, and oats also aid in lowering your cholesterol, among many other natural foods and nutrients.

Click here for more detailed information on facts about lowering your LDL cholesterol, and start taking care of your heart!

Please (don't) Pass the Salt

Salt can often be found on any restaurant table and in almost every snack or meal we eat.

The American Heart Association says, “Americans consume up to 75 percent of their sodium from processed foods like tomato sauce, soups, condiments, canned foods and prepared mixes.”

While the human body only needs approximately 200 mg of salt a day, the average American is consuming one to three teaspoons (6 to 18 grams) a day.

Moreover, by decreasing your salt intake you can prevent or reduce high blood pressure which leads to heart disease and stroke.

In addition to this, salt (sodium chloride) can also cause excessive weight gain. According to weightlossforall.com when we exceed our daily sodium intake it then begins to build-up in the interstitial areas putting stress on our kidneys. This causes our body to retain extra fluids around our cells and in our blood resulting in excess weight gain and high blood pressure.

Weighlossforall.com also says, “It has been estimated that many people in the UK and USA may be carrying up to 5 pounds of extra weight due to the effects of a high sodium intake.”

Here are some tips to follow when dining in and out of your home:

• Stay away from the salt shaker. Try using pepper or other natural herbs.
• Familiarize yourself with low-sodium foods and ask about them in restaurants.
• While ordering out, don’t be afraid to be specific about how you want your food cooked. Ask that your meal be prepared without salt and/or msg.
• Add fresh lemon, lime, or orange juice to fish and vegetables instead of salt.

**Click here for more interesting information and facts on salt and your health!