May 20th, 2010
Green tea may help protect you from heart disease, according to a study published by the European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation in 2008.
The research showed that drinking a few cups of green tea every day can provide heart health benefits, such as improved blood flow and the ability to relax arteries. Compared to black tea, green tea has more flavonoids–which could explain why it has more cardiovascular benefits than black tea.
Health Benefits of Green Tea
Natural heath expert and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Joseph Mercola affirms that “high quality green tea is one of the most beneficial beverages you can consume.” He explains that natural green tea is composed of naturally occurring antioxidants called polyphenols. Compared to other tea varieties, green tea has the highest quantities of epilogallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG , the main active component of polyphenols, helps prevent:
- High blood lipid levels
- Arteriosclerosis
- Heart attack and stroke
EGCG also provides protection against Alzheimer’s disease and cerebral thrombus.
How to Select a High Quality Green Tea
Not all green teas are healthy, according to Dr. Mercola. Many green tea products on the market have been oxidized, and are not as potent as you would expect.
To get the highest quality of green tea, check its purity. Make sure that your green tea is not contaminated with high levels of fluoride, lead, and aluminum that can be present in low-grade green teas.
Second, check the color of the tea. An obvious indication that your tea has been oxidized is if it appears brown.
Dr. Mercola recommends that you drink tea that has a vibrant, bright green appearance, like that of Matcha Green Tea.
Matcha is said to be the least processed green tea variety because the leaves are ground into powder form. It is loaded with powerful antioxidants that shield your body against free radicals, among other benefits.
Related Links:
Green Tea Protects Against Heart Disease
Three Cups of Tea a Day Slashes Your Breast Cancer Risk
April 30th, 2010
Many people find it hard to resist chocolate and consider it their favorite indulgence. This is despite the serious health risks associated with overindulgence, such as diabetes and weight gain.
The Dangers of Eating Chocolate
It’s not the cacao in chocolate that can make it unhealthy, but the added ingredients found in most chocolate bars and desserts. Some of these unhealthy ingredients are:
- Trans Fat – Can clog your arteries.
- Artificial Sweeteners – Have been associated with migraine headaches and weight gain.
- High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) – Can elevate your blood sugar to dangerous levels and lead to weight gain and insulin resistance.
- Milk or milk byproducts – Can decrease absorption of antioxidants found in chocolate.
- Soy Proteins – Weaken your immune system and may cause digestive stress.
- Preservatives and stabilizers – Artificial ingredients increase your risk of diseases.
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) – Over-excites cells to the point of destruction.
With the many chocolate brands in the market, it is important to carefully choose a product that does not contain any of these harmful ingredients.
Dark Chocolate for Your Natural Health
Fortunately, finding healthy chocolate is no longer impossible. Dark chocolate contains trans-resveratrol, a potent antioxidant that helps your body neutralize free radicals and protects your nervous system.
Dark chocolate contains cacao, which supports your health by:
- Helping improve blood flow in your arteries
- Helping your cholesterol levels stay in the normal range
- Promoting your brain health
- Decreasing your C-reactive protein levels for enhanced heart protection
- Sustaining your glucose metabolism
In order to take full advantage of these health benefits, Dr. Mercola suggests you only consume organic dark chocolate. USDA-certified organic dark chocolate, in particular, is carefully manufactured from all-natural, wholesome ingredients.
Fair Trade certification also helps ensure your chocolate uses only pure ingredients and is manufactured using environmentally sustainable practices.
Isn’t it great that you can actually give in to those chocolate cravings and still keep your body in optimal health?
Related Links:
Artificial Sweeteners — More Dangerous than You Ever Imagined
Why You MUST Stay Away From Processed Chocolate
Green tea may help protect you from heart disease, according to a study published by the European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation in 2008.
