'LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE' lX

Today's food as medicine is actually a beverage, green tea.  There is a phytochemical known as EGCG. ECEG which stands for epigallocatechin gallate, in green tea. It has been shown to have some anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, it may have some heart health benefits. It is also believed green tea's antioxidant quality may protect the skin from sun damage. Nature does have many ways to protect us and green tea is definitely one of those ways.

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TEA

Reposting this article from 2011.

Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of liquids is important to our overall health. Tea is a great beverage choice as it basically has no carbs, protein or fat. It is tasty, is a natural source of amino acid and antioxidant catechins. It is available in several forms and is tasty both as a hot drink or iced. Note that we are talking about true tea here. Herbal teas usually contain no actual tea leaves but infusions of fruit and/or herbs. Therefore, this post is not about herbal teas.

True tea comes from the Camellia Sinensis evergreen plant commonly known as the tea bush. The tea bush grows mainly in tropical and sub-tropical climates. This plant or tree prefers acidic soil and requires an annual rainfall of at least fifty inches. Camellia Sinensis plants can grow into trees but are usually kept cropped to about waist height to make cultivation easier. Only the leaves from the top 1-2 inches are picked. Many of the top-quality teas, such as darjeeling, are picked from plants grown at elevations of about 5,000 feet. This causes the plants to grow slower thus acquiring a better flavor.

There are four basic types of true tea common to us today. They are black, green, white and oolong. Each is unique but they all come from the same source. The difference occurs in the processing. Briefly, here is a description of each type and what makes it unique. Green tea leaves are unwilted and unoxidized. White tea leaves are wilted and unoxidized. Oolong tea leaves are wilted, bruised and partially oxidized. Black tea leaves are crushed and fully oxidized. Because of the oxidation process, white and green teas have a higher concentration of the antioxidant catechins.

Proper preparation also differs for each of the tea types. For black tea, boiling water should be used. Many of the active substances in black tea won't develop at lower temperatures. This is the most common mistake made when brewing black tea! For optimum results, black tea should be brewed about 4 minutes and never longer than 5 minutes. Longer brewing will cause the tea to taste bitter.

Green tea should be brewed at a lower temperature, approximately 180-185 degrees which is below the boiling point. Hotter water will burn the green tea leaves causing a bitter taste. When brewing green tea, it is best to pre-warm the mug or teapot you will brew in. This will keep the tea from cooling immediately before it is fully steeped.

Oolong tea should be brewed at about the boiling point in a pre-warmed mug or pot. For oolong tea, it is best to use spring water. The minerals in the water tend to bring out more of the flavor in the tea. High-quality oolong tea leaves can be brewed several times. It actually improves with reuse. Many believe the third brewing actually produces the best tea.

To keep your teas fresh and flavorful, store them in a dry, dark, cool place inside an airtight container.
The health properties of tea are constantly in debate. Many believe drinking tea will help to prevent heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc. One thing we know for sure is that tea contains both antioxidant and amino acid properties. It also doesn't add to our daily carb, protein or fat and calorie count when drank in it's natural state without adding sugar, milk, etc. And it tastes good. If you aren't currently a tea drinker, become one. It sure won't hurt you and it just might be healthy for you. Note that tea is not recommended for someone who is dehydrated.

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STOMACH SOOTHING TEAS

I love teas both hot and iced. If you enjoy tea and have occasional stomach distress, try some hot tea. Both peppermint and chamomile teas can work wonders on the stomach. To get the benefit from these teas, get the real deal. Teas with a peppermint flavor added are not really peppermint tea. When using tea for stomach distress, I suggest buying from your favorite health food store or grocer. Another important tip is to keep the tea covered. You don't want the vapor to evaporate as the volatile oils in the vapors are what make the tea work. Note: As with any health problem, if symptoms persist, contact your doctor.

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ADD LEMON TO GREEN TEA

Green tea is known for its health benefits (see articles on this blog). Research has that adding a squeeze of lemon juice to your cup of green tea allows your body to absorb more of its protecting catechins. The experts tell us the lemon's vitamin C prevents the catechins from being degraded during digestion. This allows more of the powerful antioxidants to be absorbed by your body's cells. Lime or orange juice may be substituted.

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NEED BETTER SLEEP?

If you have trouble sleeping or falling into a deep sleep, try some honey-sweetened herbal tea before bed. The beverage has shown to help ensure a deeper, more restful sleep. It is believed the tryptophan in honey stimulates the production of melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone. Also, the natural sweeteners in honey are absorbed more slowly than sugar. Sugar can cause blood-sugar dips that are disruptive to good sleep.

EASE ANXIETY WITH CHAMOMILE TEA

If you are experiencing anxiety, you might want to sip a cup of chamomile tea. According to the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, sipping chamomile tea can cut anxiety levels by 50%.

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GREEN TEA HAS MANY BENEFITS INCLUDING LOWERING BLOOD PRESSURE

If your blood pressure is out of control, it is very important to do everything you can to get it under control. Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension) is like a ticking time bomb. This time bomb can lead to such health problems as cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, etc. But controlling your blood pressure can greatly reduce your risk of these health problems. Some people, including myself, need medication to control our blood pressure. But there are lifestyle and diet changes that can be very helpful. One of the simple yet effective ways to help control your blood pressure is to drink green tea. Green tea has many benefits and one of them is that the catechins, powerful flavonoids found in green tea, can lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels. There have been studies that have also shown that some of the compounds in green tea can reduce the stickiness of blood thus helping to prevent blood clots and arterial disease. If green tea is not currently a part of your diet, I would suggest you start adding one to three cups of green tea per day.

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BEVERAGES TO DIAL DOWN INFLAMMATION

Yesterday I wrote about some vegetables that can help "Dial Down" inflammation. Today is about beverages that do the same. There is always talk about food when diets or eating healthy are discussed but what we drink can be as important as what we eat. So today we will feature coffee and tea. Both coffee and tea contain antioxidants that fight cellular damage that can lead to inflammation. A couple of days ago I posted about inflammation and some of the problems it causes so it is important to know the foods and beverages that help to slow it down and thus limit the problems. Coffee and tea are both helpful in slowing down inflammation, but green tea is particularly good in this respect. Green tea is loaded with EGCG, an anti-inflammatory compound known to have both cardio and neuro protective benefits. Add a dash of cinnamon and you up its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, according to Amy Gorin, M.S, R.D.N, in NYC.

Try relaxing with a cup of green tea and help fight inflammation in two ways, relaxing and drinking an antioxidant loaded beverage. Sounds like a good idea to me.

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ANOTHER REASON TO DRINK TEA

Saw this article recently and thought it worth passing on. I love tea, both hot and iced. If you aren't currently drinking tea, maybe you should add a cup a day to your diet.

Drinking tea – black and green – may also have heart-healthy benefits.

“Tea in general seems to have cardiovascular benefits,” says Dr. Messerli, also a cardiologist and director of hypertension at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center in Manhattan.

“The benefits of tea are probably due to its antioxidant properties,” he says. 

But not all teas are created equal. Herbal ones, such as chamomile, rosebud and elderberry, don’t have the same antioxidants. 

Plus, “when you add cream or milk, you may abolish the benefits,” Dr. Messerli says, “because it seems that the milk or the cream prevents the antioxidant substance from acting.”

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This is a repeat of an older post.

ROOIBOS TEA HAS MANY BENEFITS

This information comes from Ray Sahelian, MD.

Rooibos tea originates from the leaves and stems of the indigenous South African plant Aspalathus linearis. Rooibos tea is also known as Red-Bush and grows on high mountain ranges. Rooibos has gained much attention for clinical purposes in the case of nervous tension, allergies, dermatitis, and various digestive problems. Recently, antioxidant activity has also been attributed to the tea on the basis of its flavonoid content. Rooibos tea is a powerful antioxidant, has anti-HIV activity, may protect brain cells from damage by toxins, and additionally has anti-tumor potential.

Dr. Sahelian states that he has rooibos tea on his kitchen counter along with other teas which he drinks.

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TEA FOR BAD BREATH

 According to a study from the University of Chicago, a cup of black or green tea may edge out gum for fighting bad breath.  Both black and green teas contain compounds that suppress bacteria in the mouth, deodorizing every exhalation.

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PEPPERMINT FOR STOMACH BLAHS

Does your stomach ever rebel when you eat a spicy Mexican meal, etc? Next time your stomach gives you a hard time after a spicy meal, try eating some peppermint.  Now this needs to be something with actual peppermint in it and not just peppermint flavoring.  A study published in the journal Pain a few years ago says that peppermint can soothe abdominal discomfort.  A cooling agent called icilin activates a receptor in the colon that desensitizes the area. Have a cup of mint tea, etc to soothe your abdomen!

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GREEN TEA FOR ENERGY

Many of you follow Dr. Oz faithfully.  I do not but I do notice when he mentions things, I have found to be true.  One of those things is drinking green tea for energy.  Dr. Oz is quoted as saying, "I drink green tea," when asked what he does for an energy boost.  He went on to say, "It has lots of energizing phenols but a quarter of the caffeine of coffee, so I won't get jittery.  Avoid sodas and energy drinks, which give you a quick sugar rush but then you crash."

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GREEN TEA AND DIABETES

 According to a study in the Diabetes & Metabolism Journal suggests drinking two to three cups of green tea daily can cut diabetes risk by 33%. Potent polyphenols and polysaccharides in green tea help balance blood sugar. In Japan they drink green tea with their meals. That's a good way to be sure you get the three cups in daily.

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DR JULIAN WHITAKER ON CHAMOMILE TEA

NOTE: This is an old post from 7 years ago. The number of years in the post have been updated.

I have followed Dr. Julian Whitaker for over 30 years.  I credit many of the things I learned from him for my life and health today.  Over twenty-five years ago I was spending almost as much time in the hospital as out.  I had doctors, specialists from all over the Dallas/Ft Worth Metroplex, telling me and my family there was really nothing else to be done for me.  I was in the emergency room so much (usually middle of the night) they finally started keeping my chart at the desk with my doctor's permission to go ahead and start the IV pain meds along with other meds first then call the doctor.  I decided, with my doctor's permission, to research how I could improve my health.  Some of my research led me to Dr. Whitaker.  I signed up for his newsletter, etc and started trying many of his suggestions.  I also followed through on other research. My doctors were amazed as they watched my health improve and they told me not to quit doing whatever I was doing.  Over the last 25+ years my health has improved to where I feel about as good now as I ever have. So when I got this information from Dr. Whitaker, being a diabetic myself, I thought I would pass it along.  I love tea and drink it often although chamomile is not my favorite.  I do intend to add it to my tea canisters and thought you might want to add it, too, after reading the following:

"Chamomile tea is well known for its calming effects. This tasty drink also boasts many other health benefits: It eases menstrual cramps, improves anxiety and sleep and treats the common cold. New research suggests that chamomile tea may also help people with diabetes.

Japanese scientists gave a group of rats with diabetes a chamomile extract every day for three weeks, while a control group received a placebo. Researchers found that the rats consuming chamomile had significantly lower blood glucose levels.

Studies show that chamomile can also suppress enzymes that are linked to an increased risk of complications commonly associated with diabetes, such as vision, kidney and nerve damage.

Of course, animal studies are a far cry from human clinical trials. But adding a cup or two of chamomile tea to your daily routine isn’t a bad idea - whether you have diabetes or not. Try drinking it with or right after meals, as chamomile has also been shown to aid in digestion and prevent heartburn and flatulence."

Yours in good health,
Dr. Whitaker"

HOW TO MAKE A HEALTHY GREEN TEA SMOOTHIE

I don't usually put recipes on this blog as I have 5 other blogs that feature recipes.  Today, however, I am making an exception.  I am always stressing the health benefits of green tea, as my regular readers know.  Today I am posting a recipe for a green tea smoothie that is chock full of good for you benefits.  This recipe makes 2 servings and each serving contains 32% of your daily values of potassium (people with high blood pressure take note!).  Each serving is also full of cancer-fighting catechins, and 72% of your daily values of vitamin-C.  This is a smoothie you need to try!

3 cups frozen white grapes
2 cups packed spinach
1 1/2 cups strong brewed green tea, cooled
1 medium ripe avocado
2 tsp honey

Make as you would any smoothie by combining in a blender.

Note: I think I got this from an Eating Well magazine several years ago.

CINNAMON GINGER TEA FOR NAUSEA

If you are dealing with nausea and vomiting from illness or medication, try this recipe for a homemade Cinnamon Ginger Tea. Make your own or have someone make it for you. To get the full benefit, you need to use the fresh ingredients.

4 cups water

1 stick cinnamon

4 (1/2-inch) slices peeled, fresh ginger

2 tsp honey

In a saucepan bring the water, ginger, and cinnamon stick to a boil. Cover the pan and simmer for 10 minutes.

Remove and discard the cinnamon stick; stir in the honey. Serve immediately.

May be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. So keep some in the 'fridge for those nausea moments.

4 servings

Per serving: 13 calories, 0 fat, 3 grams carbohydrates, 0 protein, 0 sodium, 0 fiber.

BLACK TEA FOR STRESS RELIEF

We always seem to hear how good green tea is for us and I have no intention of taking away from that.  One of the best things we can do for our health is to drink green tea daily.  But let's not forget about black tea.  Studies, one from the University College in London particularly, have found that black tea lowers the levels of the stress hormone cortisol.  People in the study who included black tea in their diets were more relaxed and able to complete difficult tasks.  Feeling stressed, relax with a good cup of black tea.

PEPPERMINT TEA TO HELP YOU FOCUS

Are you having trouble focusing, paying attention, absorbing things during late night studying, etc?  You might want to make yourself a cup of peppermint tea!  In University studies it was found that peppermint tea upped office workers' performance during the day.  When you smell the mint aroma from your hot peppermint tea, it stimulates the brain's arousal system and helps you pay attention.  Perhaps at your next long boring meeting you should try a cup of peppermint tea instead of coffee!  Yes, I have been there, done that long boring meeting thing.  Why do you think they keep the coffee pot going during those meetings?  Suggest they add peppermint tea to the beverage cart!

This picture is not a brand endorsement.

TOXINS

Our bodies are bombarded with toxins on a daily basis.  We consume toxins when we eat fruits and vegetables with pesticide residue, we get mercury from fish, much of what we eat is food that has chemicals added for preservation, etc. Our foods also contain food dyes, chemical flavorings, and food additives.  We all get these things into our bodies no matter how carefully you think you watch what you eat!

We also breathe toxins into our bodies no matter where you live.  Our cars, factories, etc release methane and carbon monoxide into our air.  Smokers cause carcinogens to be released by their cigarette smoke.  All of us breathe this air.  It is impossible to breathe and not take toxins into your body.

 We drink toxins, too.  Some of the toxins in our drinking water include methane, bleach, and ammonia.  Swim?  Chlorine along with other chemicals are in the water and are absorbed by the skin and swallowed by swimmers at times.

Our bodies, however, are made to detoxify themselves.  That is why we have a liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, etc.  Their role is to keep our bodies detoxified by using our circulatory, digestive, and lymphatic systems.  What you eat and drink has a huge part to play in how well these systems are able to do their jobs.  Unless recommended by your doctor, you do not need to use cleansing fasts, diets, products, etc (in fact they could be harmful!).  But you do need to eat properly and keep your body hydrated!  Below are some natural, healthy ways for you to keep your body cleansed.  I'm sure there are many more but here are a few of the basic ones:

• Drink plenty of water.  A glass or bottle of water a day will not cut it.  You need to have 6 to 8 glasses a day!
• Drink green tea.  Green tea is an antioxidant that washes toxins from the body.  It also contains a special antioxidant, catechins, which is believed to increase liver function.  Remember, liver is one of our natural detoxification systems. Make a habit of having some green tea every day.  Whether you drink it hot or cold, remember to include it in your daily diet.
• Make sure you are eating healthy fiber every day.  An apple is a good example.  Not only does an apple have fiber (eat the peel), but it also has a high-water content to help with hydration.  Fiber is essential to keep your colon cleansed therefore eliminating toxins from your digestion system.
• Eat raw food every day.  Raw food is food that is not processed or cooked to death.  Fruits, nuts, veggies, etc should be included in your diet every day. 
• Include seeds in your diet.  Snack on or add to baked goods, cereals, etc the following: flax seed, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.
• Omega-3 oils help lubricate the intestinal walls.  Toxins become absorbed by the oils and thus eliminated from the body.  Include olive, canola, and/or flax seed oils in your diet.  Also, the oils in avocado are omega-3s.  Certain fish are also high in omega-3s.
• Garlic stimulates the liver to produce detoxification enzymes.  These enzymes help to filter toxins from the digestive system.  Learn to flavor foods with fresh garlic.

Read this article over two or three times if necessary but get these ideas ingrained into your psyche so they become an everyday part of your diet.  You will be doing your body a huge favor and it will respond by making you feel better and be healthier.  You only get one body.  It is up to you to take care of it.

Are these foods and others like them a regular part of your diet?  If they aren't, they should be!