Friday, May 7, 2010

Drink Green Tea to Stay Healthy

Green tea offers many health benefits. It helps prevent cancer, dementia, and can aid in weight loss. How can this one drink offer so much? The answer lies in its key ingredient which is the antioxidant known as catechins. This powerful antioxidant comes from the herbal flower Camellia Sinensis.

This plant is the source for not only green tea, but for oolong, and black teas as well. Their differences lie in the variations in the processing they go through. Black tea leaves go through a complete fermenting process, which reduces their active ingredients which are the polyphenols. The oolong tea leaves go through a partial fermentation and have moderate levels of polyphenols. Green tea offers the best nutritional and health benefits because its leaves are steamed rather than fermented. As a result, it offers the greatest amount of polyphenols.

Polyphenols are a rich source of the antioxidants which are commonly referred to as catechins. Catechins block free radicals, which damage cells in the body and speed up the aging process. In other words, the key ingredients in this healthy tea can help you look younger longer. These antioxidants also lower cholesterol levels in the body, which means it offers protection from heart disease. Lowering your cholesterol and reducing your risk for a heart attack can also lower your risk for dementia since these conditions have been linked to Alzheimer's and other forms of memory loss. This tea may also provide protection against cancer.

Green tea can help you maintain a trim waistline. The reason for this is because the ingredients contained in green tea help prevent the intestines from absorbing excess fat. They also help in the process of weight loss by preventing the absorption of fat from the intestines. This tea may also help arthritis patients too.

Another reason that this tea is so good for you is that it contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is also an extremely beneficial antioxidant. It helps control blood sugar levels. This is why it also helps prevent diabetes.

The antioxidants contained in this tea are extremely powerful and they can keep you healthy in so many ways. In order to maximize the benefits of green tea, make drinking this tea a part of your daily ritual. Drink at least 4 cups of this tea every day. It is also available in the form of a supplement. Consult your physician before taking this or any other supplement as they may interact with certain medications.

Jenna Gray is a writer who does extensive research on health related issues. Learn more about green tea and health and how to get the most from this powerful tea.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenna_Gray

Thursday, May 6, 2010

7 Benefits of Herbal Tea

Whether you're losing weight or you simply want to have better health, herbal tea is good. If you find water too plain for drinking, herbal tea is a good substitute. Be sure to drink at least five cups everyday to enjoy all the health benefits. There are many health benefits for drinking herbal tea but here are top seven reasons why you should drink them:

1. To Lose Weight
Losing weight through herbal teas is a very popular topic. The reason why teas can help weight loss is mainly because they can increase your body metabolism and thus improve your cardiovascular system, blood circulation and ultimately lower your cholesterol level. In green tea there is something called antioxidant catechins and studies have shown that they help to burn fat.

2. Prevent Cancer
Did you know that the Japanese people who drink teas are less prone to lung cancer? Believe it or not, herbal tea can cure heart ailments, stroke and even prevent certain cancers!

3. Cure Stomach Disorder
If you're suffering from stomach disorder, try drinking a cup of herbal tea after you finished eating your meal. Herbal tea can help your stomach digest the food easily by reducing the acids.

4. Better Immune System.
Herbal teas can strengthen your body immune system so that you don't catch flu or other lung illnesses. With stronger body cells, your body will be able to regenerate and repair the damage cells faster.

5. To Reduce Stress
If your lifestyle and work is stressful, why not get a cup of herbal tea? It's very relaxing and definitely effective at reducing stress.

6. Better Sleep At Night
Herbal teas can help induce sleep. If you are having trouble sleeping at night, try drinking some herbal teas 30 minutes before you go to bed.

7. Healthier Than Coffee
Herbals teas contain less caffeine and they are definitely a good alternative to those who are health conscious enough to want to prevent tooth decays. Did you know that teas contain some a small amount of fluoride and some certain antibiotic that can help prevent gum diseases and the formation of plaque?

Drinking herbal tea alone won't cause you to lose weight. If you're serious about losing weight, you will have to set aside some time everyday doing some exercises lose weight and include more healthy food in your diet.

Copyright 2008 - Weightloss4Real.com. You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made, the author's name is retained and the link to our site URL remains active.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rippa_Sama

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Types of Herbal Detox Teas and Their Health Benefits

An herbal detox tea is meant to help rid the body of toxins that have built up over the years. Even someone who is in good health, eats healthy food, and has normal bowel movements every day on a regular schedule, can have a substance build up in their colon and intestines. Over time, this substance get harder and harder, and eventually becomes nearly impossible to get it out of the body's digestive system. There are different types of detox teas out there and each one differs based on the health benefits of the main ingredient in the tea.

Perhaps the most famous of the many types of herbal detox teas is green tea. Green tea is famous for having many health benefits, more so than any other type of tea. A lot claims have been made of the tea that are merely folk tales about what people believe it can do. However many scientific studies have been conducted and there are a number of health benefit claims of green tea that research and data backing them up. As far as colon cleansing goes, this type of tea is great at removing the substance that builds up in the digestive system.

Another one of the many types of herbal detox teas is called chamomile tea. This kind of tea has a somewhat soothing effect and can help the person who drinks it to be all relaxed and calm. This is especially useful for those people that are under a lot of stress or may be struggling with depression or anxiety. Chamomile tea is also good for relieving bloating, as well as help with indigestion. Ginger tea is another herbal detox tea is good for dealing with an upset stomach, and can help with nausea, digestion, and inflammation. It also helps the body to get rid of pollutants and allergens.

Of all the types of herbal detox teas, peppermint is perhaps the best tasting tea. This kind is known for having menthone in it, a potent ingredient which has many therapeutic properties. There are 40 other ingredients contained within, all of which have some benefit or another. Peppermint tea is useful for helping those with irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, indigestion, nausea, and removing toxins from the body. The final herbal detox tea on this list is called Hawthorn berry tea. This type of tea has a cardiac, sedative, diuretic, and antispasmodic effect. It is also used to help with irritable bowel syndrome as well. No matter what type of detox tea you choose, you will be much healthier.

Many people are not aware there is a healthier Japanese herbal tea than Green teas, called Tenchicha. The tea contains 12 herbs with no caffeine. Mr. Kumagai is the president of Eco Vita, which provides information on health benefits of herbal products including tenchicha. For more detail, please visit Tenchicha.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tad_Kumagai

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Popular Herbal Teas and Their Uses

Herbal teas or infusions have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are not thought of cures more as an aid to relieving symptoms and the effects of everyday illnesses. Their high vitamin and mineral content makes them a popular alternative to pills and as their current popularity demonstrates they make very refreshing and tasty alternatives to ordinary tea.

There is a large variety that can be made at home or bought in health food shops and even supermarkets. Often sold as teabags these teas have to pass stringent safety and quality tests.

Below are some of the more popular varieties and their uses:

o Camomile tea - A popular tea that has been used for many years to ease indigestion, reduce anxiety and calm nerves, also said to help with insomnia.

o Elderflower tea - A comforting tea which is particularly helpful when suffering from colds, catarrh and flu. It is anti inflammatory and induces perspiration.

o Lavender Flower tea - A relaxing tea often drunk as a bedtime drink to aid sleep.

o Lemon Balm - Will ease tension without causing drowsiness, aids digestion and soothes feverish conditions brought on by heavy colds and flu.

o Lime flower tea - Eases stress and headaches, reduces nervous tension, induces calm and helps with sleep. Can have a mild tranquillising affect. Very popular in France.

o Nettle leaf tea - Popular as a tonic, it has a high mineral and vitamin content, particularly iron. Can relieve allergic reactions especially hay fever.

o Peppermint tea - Often drunk after heavy meals as an aid to digestion and reduce flatulence. It reduces nausea and is particularly successful, when combined with elderflower, in relieving the symptoms of colds and flu.

o Raspberry leaf tea - is mildly astringent which makes it popular as a mouthwash or gargle in treating throat infections. It is not recommended that it is used during early pregnancy.

o Rosemary tea - Often drunk at the start of day or when energy levels are starting to fall because of its highly effective power as a pick-me-up. Also effective in easing headaches and indigestion.

o Rosehip tea - Made from crushed rose hips it is very rich in Vitamin C which makes it popular in warding off colds and flu symptoms. It has a mild flavour that many users enhance by adding lemon juice.

Steve Hill is a webmaster from Birmingham, he has interests in a number of websites including:
stuttering information
dDVD authoring

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Hill

Monday, May 3, 2010

The 7 Top Health Benefits of Drinking Parsley Tea a Nutritional Powerhouse of Herbal Tea Remedies

Drinking parsley tea has many health care benefits. We take the beautiful green garnish on our plates for granted. It is a packed full of nutrients and powerful antioxidants.

Parsley, is also known as Petroselinum crispus, is one of the most easily identifiable of the herbs. Its name comes from the Greek word meaning "rock celery" (it is a relative in the celery family). It is considered a very potent disease fighting herb.

This bright green plant is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, beta carotene, folic acid, iron and potassium. Parsley is natures most concentrated multi vitamin and mineral, immune enhancing herb.

Parsley contains two types of unusual nutritional compounds that provide some very unique health benefits. The first compound found is a volatile oil that includes: myristicin, limonene, eugenol, and alpha-thujene. The second compounds found are the flavonoids: apiin, apigenin, crisoeriol, and luteolin

The component, myristicin has been shown to be effective at preventing tumor formation, especially in the lungs. These studies were done on animals and more extensive research will need to be done, but, the results look promising. In fact, the oils in parsley have been shown to be very effective in neutralizing particular carcinogens, such as benzopyrenes found in cigarette smoke and charcoal grill smoke.

Parsley is also abundant in chlorophyll. This purifies and inhibits the spread of bacteria, fungi and other organisms. Chlorophyll in parsley has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that act to enhance the immune system. The chlorophyll component in parsley is high in oxygen and assists the body in fighting viruses as well. Drinking parsley tea helps the lungs to eliminate residues from environmental pollution, enhances the immune response to relieve mucus congestion, sinusitis and asthma.

Research studies done in Morocco on herbs used in folk medicine to treat high blood pressure found that parsley was very effective as an herbal tea remedies. It is very effective diuretic.

Hungarian researchers have recently released a study that investigated the potential antioxidant effects of parsley. The study showed that flavonoids found in parsley are very effective at scavenging free radicals. Free radicals in the body are responsible for the development of many medical conditions: atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon and cervical cancer and asthma.

More of the 7 top health benefits of drinking parsley tea. One of the most potent herbal tea remedies.

There is an incredibly large amount of iron in this powerful little plant. In fact, it is great for treating anemia as one quarter cup of fresh parsley in a cup of tea is equivalent to 10 percent of the daily requirements according to the FDA. Parsley also contains the vitamin C that is necessary for the absorption if iron.

Vitamin K is necessary for the body to promote bone health by promoting the absorption of the minerals to make strong bones. When heated, the vitamin K in parsley nearly doubles.

Parsley contains apiol which is a component of the female sex hormone estrogen. As a tea, women drink it to regulate their menstrual cycle and after childbirth it is given to promote uterine contractions. Pregnant women should avoid drinking parsley tea.

The heart healthy component to parsley tea comes from several different actions on the body. It was used in World War II to successfully treat soldiers with kidney and bladder ailments. It helps the body to increase the elimination of waste by preventing salt from being reabsorbed into the body. It is effective to decrease swelling and general water retention.

The powerful antioxidants in parsley tea make homocysteine, a potentially dangerous molecule to the body ineffective. Homocystine causes damage to blood vessels that significantly increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

The next time you see this bright green garnish in your garden or served on your plate, think of how this tiny herb is a nutritional powerhouse. To enjoy the health benefits of drinking parsley tea take a handful of fresh parsley, about one quarter cup and cover with 1 cup of boiling water. Let steep for 5 minutes then strain. Add your favorite sweetener, honey or stevia, add a touch a lemon and enjoy. Here's to your good health.

Connie Bednar has been a tea enthusiast all her life. She enjoys sharing information about loose leaf tea and herbal teas so her web site http://www.your-cup-of-tea.com was born. Learn more about parsley teas here on her web site Take the time to sign up for "Tea Note Speaker" her newsletter while you are there and take advantage of her complimentary tea e-course.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Bednar

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Herbal Tea Ingredients

Did you know that many common herbs and ingredients can be made into delicious healing herbal teas? When most people think of tea, they think of green tea, black tea or maybe even white tea.

Most people do not turn to everyday herbs to make tea from, but they can be of great benefit to your body. From aiding in weight loss to reducing blood pressure. It is truly amazing what results can be achieved by making these simple true herbal teas.

Cayenne for example added to a tea can help curb your appetite and aid in weight loss. Cayenne Herb is actually quite good when added to a tea and gives it a little kick!

Peppermint Tea can ease an upset stomach, and aids in digestion, especially after a big meal. It reduces bloating and gas and can stop naseau and motion sickness! If we just think about it, peppermint is usually a candy or mint provided at restaurants, and the digestive aid properties are why this is such a popular choice for the candy bowl on your way out of a restaurant.

Chamomile Tea can help to reduce stress and calms the nervous system. This is why Chamomile is often suggested as a sleepy time tea to help you to get a good nights sleep. Chamomile has long been known as a nervous system regulator and can really help those with the jitters.

Basil Tea can help to reduce swelling of the gums and treat gum disease! Who would of thought of drinking a tea made from basil. It is really quite delicious and if you are suffering from gum pain, drink up. This powerhouse herb will really provide you with results. Basil Tea is also used to treat disorders of the liver, lungs and even the brain.

The Recipe for Basil Tea is really simple. Take fresh water and bring to a boil. For each cup of basil tea, add 8 fresh leaves of basil to your teapot.

Let the Basil Tea steep for 8-10 minutes and drink this tea warm. Treat your brain, lungs and liver with this herbal tea remedy and holistic health tea.

I hope you enjoyed this article and seek out information on other herbs to add to your tea!

For more information about Herbal Tea Ingredients and Free Recipes visit our Herbal Tea Database with 100's of herbs! http://www.crazyfortea.com/herblist.html

Visit http://www.crazyfortea.com to find out more about different herbal and medicinal teas!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tracey_Jacquot

Saturday, May 1, 2010

How to Get the Most out of Your Herbal Tea

Selecting the best herbal tea starts with selecting the freshest
ingredients you can find available in your area.

Some herbal tea herbs are sensitive to light, air, heat,
and other elements. Exposure to these elements can effect
the quality of the tea.

Once you select the best ingredients for your tea or the freshest
tea bags you can find then you want to store them properly.

How you store your herbal tea will greatly depend on what the
herbs that make up the tea are sensitive too. You need to ask
the maker of the tea or read the instructions on the package
in order to store the tea properly.

Generally you will want an air tight container that will not let
light into container. You can find these containers at your local
home store.

Once you find the proper container you will need to a proper way
to brew the tea. Not all tea accessories are created equal and
choosing a quality kettle or pot is as important to getting
the most out of your herbal as choosing the freshest ingredients.

You can choose to brew your tea in a traditional tea kettle or
you can use a new electric model. Either way you want to make
sure that you take your time to buy a quality product.

It seems like a lot of work over something as simple as herbal
tea but the work is worth it when you settle and enjoy a freshly
brewed cup of your favorite tea.

Taking your time to choose the right tea, the right storage
container, the right brewing accessory and the right time to
sit down and enjoy your tea makes all the difference in the end.

What are you waiting for? Go on and enjoy your favorite tea
right now.

For more information about herbal tea try visiting Herbal-Tea-and-Tea-Accessories.com there you will find information about herbal teas and tea accessories to help you enjoy your tea on a regular basis.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Mann