Health Tips: Green Tea, Good Inside And Out

Posted by: KHTS FM 98.1 & AM 1220 in Health And Beauty November 19, 2013 - 3:25 pm 0 167 Views

By: Rosemary Murphy, LE

Green Tea has long been regarded as a healthy habit among the Chinese and Japanese cultures and has gained huge popularity in the West.

In studies conducted by The American Heart Association, Yale-New Haven Hospital and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, to name a few, scientists have demonstrated that green tea actually blocks the formation of plaque in the arteries (atherosclerosis).

The antioxidants contained within green tea have been linked to a decreased risk of stroke and heart diseases. These antioxidants also play a role in reducing the negative effects of bad cholesterol, lowering triglyceride levels and increasing the production of good cholesterol. They have also been shown to inhibit excessive blood clotting which may help against stroke.

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Scientific studies have also shown green tea is a powerful antioxidant that can promote a healthy immune system, fight free radical damage which can cause premature aging, preserve younger looking skin, promote weight management, promote energy, balance blood sugar and promote optimal gum and dental health.

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, about six cups of green tea per day would contain enough polyphenols to help block the spread of cancer in the body. Polyphenols attack growth factors and proteins, interrupting processes that increase the size of tumors.

They further contend that one of the ingredients in green tea kills cancer tumor cells without damaging normal cells, and helps the liver get rid of cancer-causing substances.

Another benefit of polyphenols in skin care ingredients is that they are more than 20 times the strength of Vitamin E, which plays a vital role in protecting the cells from free radical damage. They also have antibacterial and antiviral properties which help the skin to heal itself from conditions such as acne and fight the effects of pollution and other stresses.

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In order to reap the benefits of green tea, however, you would need to drink 6 to 8 cups of brewed tea a day. That is, until the recent advent of green tea extracts. These are natural flavored extracts that are free of caffeine, calories, artificial sweeteners, sugar and alcohol.

One dropper full is equivalent to 15 cups of green tea and it can be drunk hot or cold. It’s available in several delicious flavors like vanilla, peach, raspberry and tropical and one bottle lasts up to two months. Come sample some now at Beyond Harmony, 18635 Soledad Cyn. Rd. Suite 101, Canyon Country, 298-8008.