Enjoy the Benefits of Green Tea with this Green Tea Smoothie Recipe

Studies have shown that green tea helps to build your immune system with its antioxidants, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, reduces the risk of getting various types of cancer and Alzheimers, and all the while it promotes oral health and increases metabolism.

Smoothies are an easy way to enjoy the benefits of green tea, plus fruits for vitamins, antioxidents and fiber. Smoothies are nutritious, easy to make and provide a healthy meal-on-the-go. If you don't have time for breakfast, make it the evening before and take it along. Here's a simple, vitamin-filled smoothie recipe which allows you to add the health benefits of green tea to your daily diet.

Begin with two cups of green tea, made with four tea bags so it's nice and strong.

Pour the green tea into a blender and add any or all of the following:

banana-source of potassium and fiber

four ounces of yogurt, flavor of your choice-great source of probiotics

a handful of nutritious blueberries or strawberries

tablespoon of soy vanilla powder for protein

a dash of cinnamon for your cholesterol and blood sugar

This smoothie is packed with antioxidants, protein, vitamins and minerals and makes a quick meal. If you'd like to add some fiber, throw in a couple of tablespoons of oatmeal.

Blend until all ingredients are smooth.

Don't limit yourself to these ingredients either. Other possible ingredients are:

orange juice-Great source of vitamin C

mango, kiwi or other fruit or berries-source of vitamins and antioxidants

a spoonful of honey

peanut butter for protein

Let your imagination run wild!

Children love smoothies. It's a wonderful way to give them a healthy meal or snack and can replace sugar-packed sodas and fruit juice.

For more healthy recipes, weight loss tips and healthy living tips, to go http://Path2HealthyLiving.com.

© Copyright 2006 by Joan Jones

Joan Jones is an award winning freelance journalist who writes feature articles on home and garden, health and nutrition.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joan_Jones
http://EzineArticles.com/?Enjoy-the-Benefits-of-Green-Tea-with-this-Green-Tea-Smoothie-Recipe&id=262085

What Is Green Tea?

Green tea is made from the common tea leaf known as Camellia sinensis which is also used to make black tea. Camellia sinensis has been in use since 500,000 years. It is mainly cultivated in China and India. It was traditionally taken as a refreshing drink and has been consumed in China, India, Japan and Thailand. It is different from black tea because it isn't processed at all and the oxidation of the green tea is minimal. The leaf from the plant is picked and steamed or pan- dried immediately so that it can prevent oxidation or bacterial growth. The excess water is squeezed out by rolling with hand. In this way the flavor gets released. After that it is fired in driers and packed. Since the tea leaf is not allowed to oxidize the natural ingredients in the leaf are preserved. So it is much more beneficial than other teas. When it is brewed it turns the color into light green and so it is known as green tea. Scientists are discovering more and more health benefits of green tea. Like most leaves the main content of the tea leaf is water. Fresh leaves have about 80% of water and the rest of the components are catechin, caffeine and Theanine and aminoacids. Catechin is a water soluble polyphenol, It has six primary catechin compounds. catechin, gallaogatechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and apigallocatechin gallate (also known as EGCG). Apigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant found in the tea helps in protecting cells and DNA from damage. It is the most active component in green tea. It is helpful in controlling cancer cells, reducing the possibility of heart attacks and atherosclerosis. . It is also used as a weight loss product and enhances immune system. It also protects against Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Diabetes, Liver disease etc. While green tea contains 30% to 40% polyphenols , black tea only contains only 3% to 10% polyphenols. There are different varieties of green tea depending on the area and the method of cultivation of the tea. It are brewed using water that is under the boiling point (about 80 - 90 °C), If the water is too hot the tea will turn bitter. Does green tea have caffeine? Like all teas Green tea also contains caffeine. An average cup (6 oz) of it contains approximately 30 milligrams of caffeine. Caffeine is a central nervous stimulant. Decaffeinated is also available, even though decaffeination doesn't result in the 100% removal of caffeine. Possible interactions with medicines are Adenosine , beta-lactam antibiotics, benzodiazepines, propranolol and metoprolol, blood thinning Medications like warfarin, chemotherapy medications, specifically doxorubicin and tamoxifen, anti-psychotic effects of the medication clozapine, ephedrine, Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs. Oral contraceptives can prolong the amount of time caffeine stays in the body and may increase its stimulating effects, .With regard to Phenylpropanolamine it, reduces blood levels of lithium. Caffeine and cold medications or weight loss medications taken at the same time can cause increase in blood pressure and may also cause mania. Now there are green tea pills and green tea extracts are available which are claiming to be helpful in weight loss. Some people do not like the taste of green tea and so these pills and extract comes in handy.

About Author: Anita cherry is a health enthusiast who offers informative tips on different alternatives for health conditions. For more information visit What is Green tea?

Article Source: ArticlesAlley.com

The Health and Weight Loss Benefits of Green Tea

It is a well-known fact that the Chinese and Japanese have relished green teas for centuries in promoting health and longevity. Interestingly, on a par with water, tea can be said to be the most commonly consumed beverage in the world but very few people have actually taken advantage of the powerful health benefits provided by both Chinese and Japanese green teas.

Unlike black tea which has a 75% global production rate and 87% consumption rate by American tea drinkers, Chinese and Japanese green teas provide far more health benefits. These varieties of green teas are different from the more commonly consumed black teas because they generally undergo minimal oxidation during their production which consequently allows them to retain many of the chemical properties which provide their health benefits.

Some of the most common types of green teas include:

• White Tea - This originates from the Fujian province of China and is often referred to as the "Tea of Royals"
• Green Teas - The most popular is the famous Dragon's Well brand and also other Chinese brands
• Sencha - This is Japan's most popular green tea
• Pu-Erh - Acclaimed to be the world's most expensive and rarest tea.
• Oolong - A lightly fermented Chinese tea from the Fukien province.

Green tea contains a group of six powerful compounds called polyphenols particularly the flavan-3-ols, namely catechin and epicatechin and their gallate derivatives. However, the most active of the catechin antioxidants is the Epigallocatechin gallate also referred to as EGCG.

The health benefits of green tea and its extracts can mostly be ascribed to the fact that its leaves contain about 30-40% polyphenol antioxidants. Black tea on the other contains only about 3-10% polyphenols due to their longer fermentation periods. For instance, Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is believed to have 100% more antioxidant power than Vitamin C and up to 200 times more powerful than Vitamin E.

Green tea and its extracts apart from being able to help people reduce weight have also been proven to offer other help benefits such as preventing heart attacks and several types of cancers, and reduction of LDL "bad" cholesterol levels. They also help in increasing mental alertness, relieving anxiety, decreasing menopausal symptoms, preventing tooth decay, and also increasing fertility.

Prevents Cancer
The high Epigallocatechin gallate content of green tea has been proven to be very effective in helping in the prevention of cancers. EGCG is actually known to be 25% more effective at protecting cells against harmful influences.

Researchers have found that there are a number of mechanisms whereby EGCG influences both carcinogenic initiation and promotion. EGCG may thus have a direct or an indirect antioxidant protection of DNA, or the modulation of enzyme systems.

EGCG is known to have the ability to signal cancer cells to stop reproducing by promoting apoptosis. Apoptosis is a form of cell death which is initiated in order to make way for new cells and to remove cells whose DNA might have been damaged to the point where cancerous change is likely to occur.

Furthermore, EGCG has been found to kill cancer cells and to shrink tumors by inhibiting the process of angiogenesis (a process whereby a tumor develops its own network of tiny blood vessels to supply itself with nutrient-rich blood). This effectively cuts off the tumor's supply of food and oxygen.

Consequently, EGCG does not only help to slow and eradicate the growth of existing cancer cells but equally stops new one from forming without harming other healthy cells. Several research studies have shown that regular intake of green tea of at least 2 cups a day can help reduce the risks of breast (39%), ovarian (46%), lung (31%), and prostate (90%) cancers.

Prevents Cardiovascular Disease
Many research studies have shown that there is a positive link between the consumption of green tea and decreased risk of heart disease and associated conditions.

Consumption of green tea actually helps to lower LDL "bad" cholesterol" levels while increasing the levels of HDL "good" cholesterol. This helps to reduce the risk of heart related diseases by preventing the oxidation of LDL "bad" cholesterol to an atherogenic form - a state whereby they start causing degenerative changes in arterial walls.

Equally, it protects the heart by helping to lower blood pressure as it suppresses angio-tension which usually causes blood vessels to constrict and which can lead to high blood pressure.

Aids Weight Loss
Taking into consideration the fact that polyphenols and polysaccharides are the best known effective agents in the reduction of blood sugar levels, the consumption of green tea can therefore be considered to be an effective way to reduce weight. This is in addition to the already mentioned fact that it aids in reducing LDL "bad" cholesterol levels and other blood fats such as triglycerides.

Green tea is effective in regulating blood sugar levels because it slows the effect of amylase - a digestive enzyme that helps in the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose. Equally, they inhibit fatty acid synthase - the enzymatic process whereby carbohydrates are converted into fats.

Furthermore, EGCG is an effective regulator of glucose as research has demonstrated that it influences glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) which slows the increase in blood sugar levels and consequently inhibits insulin secretion which is generally good for weight loss.

Consuming green tea has also been shown to effectively raise the body's metabolism by about 4% which consequently helps to raise the body's calorie burning ability. This seemingly low increase in metabolism can however have a significant positive weight loss effect if green tea is consumed regularly.

However, attaining and maintaining a healthy body weight involves more than one factor. There is definitely the need to live an active lifestyle that involves regular physical exercise and also eating a healthy and balanced diet.

With that said, the drinking of tea in any form nonetheless provides some health benefits despite the fact that some may be more potent than others as a result of their different processing degrees.

Incorporating a green tea product like Tava Tea - which is arguably the strongest weight loss tea ever made, as a supplement to a sensible weight loss program is guaranteed to give you so much health benefits while helping to fast-track your weight loss efforts.

The simplest way to safely and effectively slim down is usually to get hold of and start using an established product that really give good results. Get more insightful and unprejudiced info about Tava Tea which is doubtlessly amongst the most beneficial best weight loss products currently available that can help fast-track your weight loss endeavors!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_J_Michael
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Health-and-Weight-Loss-Benefits-of-Green-Tea&id=6935192

Health Benefits of Green Tea - Keep Younger

Almost all of us love a cup of coffee or tea at some point in the day but how many of you are aware of the health benefits of green tea?

In fact, how many of you drink it at all? If you don't, well, quite frankly you should start. Add green tea to your diet and start looking better and feeling younger.

Green tea has its origins in China although these days it is regularly drunk in Japan too. It has also become a somewhat trendy option in fashionable cafes in some of the major cities around the world.

Below I will list some of the most important 'health benefits of green tea' you will have if you include it into your regular diet:

• It includes something called Catechin, a powerful antioxidant which gives it its bitter flavor. This helps combat food poisoning in the stomach.
• It increases the rate at which fat and calories are burnt.
• The antioxidants are great as they act as a sort of anti-aging stimulant.
• It boosts your immunity and thus protects us from a variety of ailments such as colds, the flu, tooth decay, indigestion and more.
• It can also reduce the blood sugar levels in your body therefore lessening the chance of diabetes. Of course this is only if you drink the tea straight (as it should be), not with milk nor sugar.

Lose Weight:

Statistics say that as of 2012, approximately 1/3 of Americans suffer from obesity. Studies have shown that green tea increases the body's metabolism and increases the body's ability to burn fat. It can also reduce fat by reducing the inhibiting effects of insulin. In short, it help the body to send sugar to your muscles for use as opposed to it storing up.

Now I will admit that the taste is not everyone's cup of tea (bad pun intended). But did you know that it is possible to use green tea powder to make a wide variety of other snacks.

You can even get green tea kit-kats! Granted, this may not be possible outside of Asia but again, you can add some seen tea powder to add some flavor to any cake or dessert. Kids will love it!

If you really hate the taste, and cannot be bothered to add any powder into any of your cooking then perhaps the only other option left to you is to take some kind of supplement which has green tea extract.

To your health!

Adam Payne

I am a professional marketer living in Nagoya, Japan.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Payne
http://EzineArticles.com/?Health-Benefits-of-Green-Tea---Keep-Younger&id=7016223

7 Amazing Benefits of Green Tea

The health benefits of green tea are vast! This healthy, warm or cold beverage contains a number of antioxidants that protect your body from disease. So how exactly are you treating your body well by making this drink a part of your day? Read on to find out.

1) Heart Healthy
Keeping green tea a regular part of your diet may protect against coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, high triglycerides and hypertension; all are problems that could eventually lead to a heart attack. It is also known that this type of tea acts as a blood thinner, reducing risk for stroke and brain damage, may help speed recovery from a heart attack and can also help decrease cholesterol levels in the blood.

2) Decreases Cancer Risk
Because this tea has such high antioxidant content, it may protect against some cancers. Certain substances in the beverage may prevent the formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors. Cancers that it has shown to be protective against include: prostate, pancreatic, lung, ovarian, breast and bladder cancers.

3) Prevents Diabetes
Those who consume green tea have a lower risk for developing type 1 diabetes due to green tea's bility to control blood sugar levels.

4) Good for Your Teeth
Green tea acts as an antibacterial and contains fluoride; both characteristics that help prevent gum disease and cavities.

5) Aids in Weight Loss
It is known that certain compounds in this type of tea may increase metabolism, burn fat more efficiently and also help with hydration which is a factor that contributes to successful weight loss.

6) Keeps the Brain Healthy
Consuming green tea regularly may reduce your risk for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, dementia and other cognitive issues as you age. This is due to the antioxidant properties of the tea that attack free radicals and keep cells functioning at an optimal rate.

7) Fights Bacteria and Viruses
Some research shows that drinking green tea may help prevent and/or speed recovery from illnesses like influenza.

So as you can see the health benefits of this little leaf are great and should give you more than enough reason to start drinking a nice warm or cold cup today. It can be used as a replacement for sugary drinks that you consume to keep yourself awake during the day such as soda, coffee and energy drinks. You should look for the all-natural kind that doesn't contain any added sugar or preservatives to keep the health benefits high.

PSCLife.com wants to help you live life to the fullest! Stop by our health blog for tips, stories and information on all things YOUR health. Shop our site for low cost, innovative health supplements that will enhance your mind and body.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emmy_E_Bill
http://EzineArticles.com/?7-Amazing-Benefits-of-Green-Tea&id=7243357

The Many Health Benefits of Green Tea For You

The green tea is obtained from the same evergreen shrub that the black tea is derived from, however, its light processing method enables the presence of polyphenols like proanthocynadin and cathechin, which are powerful antioxidants. It is not fermented which gives it the opportunity to contain more effective antioxidants than black tea, consequently, the numerous health benefits of green tea can never be exaggerated.

Green tea is potent in preventing cancer due to the presence of antioxidants like the EGCG which reduce cell damage that can result in cancer. In addition, the tea enhances the body's antioxidant enzymes like glutathione which can be very valuable in treating arthritis. Glutathione has the potency of reducing inflammation and breakdown of cartilage. Its regular intake can protect the body against a lot of diseases that are brought about by free radicals.

Furthermore, the risk of developing cancer of the digestive system, cervical cancer and prostrate cancer is lowered due to the antioxidant effects of the tea. The risk of heart diseases is also reduced because the tea can significantly reduce the cholesterol levels of the blood which would prevent arthrosclerosis and blood clot. Women in their menopause can also benefit a lot from this tea. It helps in balancing their estrogen levels thereby alleviating menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. Certain types of breast cancer can also be prevented by regularly drinking this tea. However, pregnant women should seek for proper counsel from their physicians before taking green tea because of the risks involved in doing so.

It is also useful in preventing tooth decay, enhancing air flow in the lungs of asthma patients, strengthening mental alertness, suppressing appetite in weight loss, among other benefits. It has also been established that the tea is 100 times more potent than Vitamin C and 20 times more potent than Vitamin E as an antioxidant. Antioxidants play major roles in the body as they sustain health, prevent diseases and enhance longevity.

Moreover, the benefits of green tea cannot be completed without mentioning its ability to regulate glucose which is the body's major energizer. It eliminates unused glucose which is stored by the body as fat, consequently, losing weight can be greatly achieved by regularly taking this tea. The tea is available in various forms like tea bags, pure green extract supplements and so on. It can be found at supermarkets and health food stores everywhere but make sure that you are purchasing from a reliable vendor.

If you want more information on the benefits of green tea drop in on http://blazeminds.com/blog/benefits-of-green-tea/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_O_Olushola
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Many-Health-Benefits-of-Green-Tea-For-You&id=7501119

Health Benefits of Green Tea

Looking for new ways to lose weight and are tired of all of the old, conventional ways, then http://physiquetea.com/ is the alternative. It is perfect fitoth...

10 AMAZING HEALTH BENEFITS OF Green TEA!!!!!!!11*~*~**~*~

v healthu DRINKU giv u long life Found a list of 10 Health Benefits of Tea online and the first one was exactly the first one I read to you. It confused me b...