Kitchen Hint oif the Day

My favorite, Green Tea............


Green tea is considered one of the world's healthiest drinks and contains one of the highest amounts of antioxidants of any tea. ... Green tea is approximately 20-45 percent polyphenols by weight, of which 60-80 percent are catechins such as EGCG. Catechins are antioxidants that are said to help prevent cell damage.  These also include improved brain function, fat loss, a lower risk of cancer and many other impressive benefits......

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/269538.php

Healthy Smoothie Recipes

From the Diabetic Living Online website its Healthy Smoothie Recipes. Fire up the blender for these delicious and healthy Smoothie Recipes. Smoothies like; Cherry-Blueberry-Banana Smoothies, Carrot-Mango-Green Tea Smoothies, and Chocolate-Banana Sipper. Find them all on one of my favorite recipe websites, Diabetic Living Online. Enjoy and Eat Healthy in 2017.  http://www.diabeticlivingonline.com/


Healthy Smoothie Recipes

When you want something cold and refreshing, nothing tastes better than a fruit smoothie or icy blended drink. For a diabetes-friendly breakfast or snack, break out the blender and try some of these yogurt or nondairy diabetic smoothies packed with berries, veggies, and more.



Cherry-Blueberry-Banana Smoothies

You only need five ingredients and a blender to enjoy this Greek yogurt smoothie featuring tart cherries, sweet bananas, and smooth almond milk. Enjoy the low-fat, low-calorie, low-carb drink for breakfast or a snack.....


Carrot-Mango-Green Tea Smoothies

Not one, not two, but three power foods--carrots, green tea, and chia seeds--kick up the health value of this nondairy smoothie. Mango and ginger add fresh tropical flavor to the 69-calorie drink.....


Chocolate-Banana Sipper

Honey, vanilla, cocoa powder, and fresh banana come together in a decadent but low-calorie dessert or snack. Plus, this smoothie has 5 grams of protein and only 23 grams of carb, making it a great post-workout snack.....



* Click the link below to get all the Healthy Smoothie Recipes
http://www.diabeticlivingonline.com/diabetic-recipes/drink/healthy-smoothie-recipes

Health Benefits of Green Tea

I've been a Green Tea Drinker now since 2004. My Tea of preference is Bigelow Decaf Green Tea.

Green Tea Leaves

I'm a Melanoma Cancer Survivor, and lost my left leg and almost my life to the Cancer. But I survived and I made changes to my diet and added Green Tea. I had read all the positive benefits of drinking Green Tea so that's why I started drinking it. I'm still Cancer Free and it's now 2015, 11 years Cancer Free! I'm sure the change in diet and exercise plays a big part in everything but i truly believe that Green Tea plays a big part in that also. Anyway here's some facts I gathered on - The Health Benefits of Green Tea.
* It is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that have powerful effects on the body. This includes improved brain function, fat loss, a lower risk of cancer and many other incredible benefits. Here are 10 health benefits of green tea that have been confirmed in human research studies.


Green tea has been shown to improve blood flow and lower cholesterol. A 2013 review of many studies found green tea helped prevent a range of heart-related issues, from high blood pressure to congestive heart failure.

What’s good for the heart is usually good for the brain; your brain needs healthy blood vessels, too. In one Swiss study, MRIs revealed that people who drank green tea had greater activity in the working-memory area of their brains. Green tea has also been shown to help block the formation of plaques that are linked to Alzheimer's disease.

Green tea seems to help keep blood sugar stable in people with diabetes. Because catechins lower cholesterol and blood pressure, they can help protect against the damage a high-fat diet can cause.


How it Works
Premium green tea is a varietal of the Camellia sinensis bush.  Green tea leaves are not oxidized or fermented.  Green tea is processed with a three-stage system of steaming, rolling and firing the tea leaves which retains crucial molecules called polyphenols, which are strong antioxidants.  These polyphenols, specifically catechins, and their effects on the body, have led researchers to support the health benefits of green tea.

1)      Cardiovascular Health
A Japanese study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association followed 40,000 people over an 11-year period and determined that those who drank at least five cups of green tea daily were significantly less likely to suffer from cardiovascular complications and death, particularly from stroke.  The results were attributed to green tea’s polyphenols and their effects on helping to prevent the thickening of artery walls.

2)      Cholesterol Levels
A study published in the British Medical Journal of over 1,000 Japanese men over the age of 40 who drank large quantities of tea, daily, showed that cholesterol levels remained balanced over time.  They concluded that the anti-inflammatory compounds contained in green tea help to limit the absorption of cholesterol.

3)      Weight Loss
Published in the British Journal of Nutrition, a study was conducted on the health effects of green tea catechins in overweight and obese men.  Over time, a lower body mass suggested that green tea’s catechins may increase metabolic function and decreased body weight.

4)      Aging and Cognitive Function
Research published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research found that the properties contained in green tea helped to improve cognitive function in the part of the brain that controls short and long term memory.  Catechins contained in green tea are believed to have aided in increased brain cell production during the study.

5)      Reduced Stress

Research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition recently found that individuals who drank five or more cups of green tea daily were much less likely to suffer from stress than those who drank one cup or less a day.
Furthermore, the ritual of steeping green tea encourages a relaxing, Sip-by-Sip lifestyle.

The health benefits don’t end here; green tea and the effects of its antioxidants are currently being researched as an aid to treating and preventing diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Chronic Fatigue and many other ailments.  It is time to discover why many tea enthusiasts have long enjoyed this nourishing beverage that contains so many healthful antioxidants.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/health-benefits-of-green-tea


http://the.republicoftea.com/teablog/2015/02/10/the-health-benefits-of-premium-green-tea-a-survey-of-recent-research/?
gclid=CjwKEAjwt_isBRDuisOm1dTQqGISJAAfRrEA9kuoMFxfe_vgce03J7Nu2t16cpRRfzABhnNvIw66rBoC81Hw_wcB

Drink (green tea) to your health!

A very good article on one of my favorite drinks, Green Tea. In fact I'm having a cup right now!


Drink (green tea) to your health!
By jane sadler



Today, my physician assistant needed something to calm her pregnancy-related nausea. She was green as a glass of green tea and in need of assistance. As she cannot tolerate routine prescription anti-nausea medication, I offered her a more natural alternative with a cup of diluted green tea to calm her symptoms.

Green tea has been used in both traditional Chinese and Indian medicine to decrease and control bleeding, improve heart and mental health and aid in digestion.  Some studies have shown that green tea may be an adjunct to successful weight loss and even improve liver health in some diabetics.

A new study suggests that green tea “disrupts the metabolism of cancer cells” in pancreatic cancer and could reduce the risk of other cancers or slow its progression.

While facts have been contested, Anti-oxidants may help your body to prevent inflammation that can cause organ damage and adversely affect your immune system. Green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a potent anti-oxidant. EGCG is the active ingredient in green tea that is thought to be helpful for stomach problems like vomiting and diarrhea, lower blood pressure, improve type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, memory retention and cancer prevention.

Recently, Veregen, a green tea extract, has been tested and approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to treat genital warts.

Green tea, like black tea, is made from the Camellia sinesis plant, a shrub native to Asia. Unlike black tea, green tea is thought to have higher levels of antioxidants because green tea is less fermented.  These less processed plants better retain their vital nutrients.

Studies investigating green tea have not been conclusive; therefore, the FDA does not currently recommend using green tea to treat the above conditions.

The amount of green tea that needs to be consumed to show benefits varies in studies from 3-10 cups per day. It has been suggested that bottled green teas may not have as high levels of EGCG as natural steeped tea and may contain extra ingredients. At 20-45mg per 8 ounces, its caffeine content is approximately ½ the caffeine contained in a cup of coffee.

Talk to your doctor before consuming large amounts of green tea as there can be side effects. Unregulated (i.e. imported) green tea extract may not be safe as they may contain unknown ingredients such as lead.

 As for my physician assistant, she looks much less green after her green tea.

 **Written with the assistance of Texas A&M medical student, Rhoda Jamadar


http://healthblog.dallasnews.com/2014/06/drink-green-tea-to-your-health.html/

Is white tea the next green tea?

A very good article on my favorite health drink, Green Tea. It was posted on the web site of The India Times.



Is white tea the next green tea?

TOI explores the comparisons between the two beverages and lists down some of the benefits of consuming white tea

"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me," said famous writer CS Lewis. And for tea lovers, choices are aplenty when it comes to choosing flavours. But the latest fad seems to be white tea. Though the hot beverage comes from the same plant (Camellia sinensis) as green tea, white tea is said to have higher health benefits as compared to green tea. And what's more? White tea is also one of the most expensive teas in the world.


What is white tea?
City-based consultant dietician Dharini Krishnan, who has done a presentation on white tea explains, "Historically, white tea is derived from the first flush buds grown only in the Fukien Province of China, but now manufactured in India and Sri Lanka, among other places. While the tea is not white in colour, it has got its name due to the silvercoloured, white hair-like picked tea bud. The beverage is pale yellow in colour." The reason for its exorbitant rate is because white tea is plucked in a very short time. "White tea is produced from unopened buds of tea shoots. These buds are withered and dried under special conditions. Anything that is rare becomes expensive. It is also produced in small quantities, which is one of the reasons why it is very expensive," she says.


Benefits of white tea
Similar to green tea, white tea also has a lot of health benefits. Dharini advises to have this tea in between meals to see its yield. "The benefits of this tea can be given to its flavonoids as they help in various ways such as improving vascular health, which further helps in the prevention of heart diseases. White tea also helps in weight management," she says. Chinese and Japanese people consume substitute white tea with water since it also helps in hydration to the body.


Green tea vs white tea
While several people draw comparisons between green and white tea, Dharini says that both has high nutritional values. Krishnan says, "They have only catechins (antioxidants) as the flavonoid (compounds) present. Other mature teas have catechins, theaflavins and thearubigins (other antioxidants in tea leaves). There are a lot of claims that white tea has more catechins as compared to green tea. But composition data has proved this wrong. However, the bitterness in white tea is lesser than green tea because the leaves are plucked at an early stage."


http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/Is-white-tea-the-next-green-tea/articleshow/30041291.cms

Kitchen Hint of the Day!

Want to get more for your money when it comes to tea? Always buy the loose variety, and then use one - third of what's recommended. Just let the tea steep a little longer, and it will taste exactly the same.

A Great Start to the Day!

Woke up starving this morning! What better way to start the day than with 1 Egg Sunnyside Up, 3 Slices of

Turkey Bacon, 2 Slices of Toasted Healthy Life Whole Grain Bread topped with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, and 1 Cup of Steaming Hot Decaf Green Tea! I used my favorite Turkey Bacon Jennie - O Turkey Bacon, 30 calories and 0 carbs per serving, and my favorite Tea Bigelow Decaf Green Tea. Morning Paper (Check), Green Tea (Check), Delicious Healthy Breakfast (Check). I'm ready to start the day!

Nine easy-to-make iced tea recipes

For all you Ice Tea Lovers out there! 9 recipes and ideas. I left the link at the bottom of the post.



Nine easy-to-make iced tea recipes

Diverse brew methods steeped in hibiscus, pomegranate and bourbon
BY SUSAN SEMENAK, POSTMEDIA NEWS


Iced tea is easy. It’s inexpensive and it’s refreshing. So why buy ready-made? Here are a few recipes.



Sweet Tea

Serves 4

Got a serious sweet tooth? Then this traditional Southern-style iced tea is for you. (You could decrease the sugar but then it wouldn’t be authentic, would it?) The recipe is from Martha’s American Food by Martha Stewart (Clarkson Potter, 2012).

Bring 4 cups (1 l) of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat. Add 6 black tea bags; let steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and discard. Stir in 3/4 cups (180 mL) of sugar until dissolved. Let cool. Transfer to a pitcher. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 3 days. Serve over ice, garnished with mint sprigs.

Looseleaf Cold Brew

Makes 1 gallon (4.5 l)

You don’t have to boil water to make iced tea. The cold-brew method, in which tea leaves steep in cold water for several hours or overnight, produces iced tea with less caffeine. This recipe is from Fred Thompson’s book Iced Tea (Harvard Common Press, 2002). Make it with loose leaves of any type.

Use superfine sugar, which dissolves more quickly than regular granulated sugar.

1 gallon (4.5 l) cold water

3 tbsp (45 mL) tea leaves

1 cup (250 mL) superfine sugar, or to taste

Lemon wedges and mint leaves, for garnish

Fill a one-gallon (4.5-l) container with the cold water. Add the tea leaves, cover tightly and shake to combine. Let sit overnight in the refrigerator or place in full sunlight for 3 to 4 hours.

Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean glass container and stir in the sugar until it dissolves. Chill and serve over ice......


Get these and 7 more Iced Tea recipes.


http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Nine+easy+make+iced+recipes/8779889/story.html

Ingredient of the Week - Green Tea

Ingredient of the Week - Green Tea

Stephanie Ocano
Copy Editor / Staff Writer

Green tea is regarded as being the second most popular beverage, behind water, around the world. However, given its plethora of health advantages, it should be first. From its refreshing taste to distinct color, there are a multitude of reasons to support why this drink should be incorporated into your diet.

History: Green tea is said to have first been used in China over 4,000 years ago. There are various legends that tell of the discovery of green tea. According to a Chinese legend, Emperor Shen-Nung discovered the tea in 2737 B.C. when leaves from a tea bush fell into a pot of water he was boiling. Other legends tell of a Chinese countryman who found the tea while on his walk. The tea plant was later discovered to also produce Oolong, black, and red teas, although green tea still remains to be the most popular type of tea in China.

Tea culture was spread to Java, the Dutch East Indies, and other tropical and subtropical areas by the 9th century A.D. In the 16th century, traders from Europe sailing to and from the Far East introduced Europeans to the drink and it became the national beverage of England soon after.

Tea came to the Americas with American colonists and the popularity of the drink led to the British tea tax in 1767. The rest, as they say, is history.

In cooking: The ideal choice of water to brew tea in is spring water, followed by filter water. The minerals removed in distilled water result in the tea tasting flat, which is why it should not be used.

When brewing loose leaves of tea, using a food scale will help measure the right tea to water ratio. Three grams of tea to five ounces is adequate for small teapots, while four grams of tea may be used per eight ounces of water. Green tea should be brewed at a lower temperature of 160-170°F and should be brewed for 30 seconds to one minute.

Some alternative ways to enjoy green tea are:

• Make a green tea chai by brewing green tea in hot vanilla soy milk and top it with cinnamon, black pepper, ginger, and allspice.

• Combine cooled green tea with fruit juice such as peach or papaya and sweeten it with a teaspoon of honey per cup. Blend the mix and pour it over ice.

• Brew 1-2 teaspoons of loose leaf green tea in 8 ounces of water for 20-30 minutes to develop flavor and add it to marinades, dressings, soups and sauces.

Benefits: Green tea drinkers appear to have a lower risk for a wide range of diseases. Its powers are virtually limitless and can prevent simple infections to cancer, strokes, and osteoporosis.

Green tea is the least processed tea and therefore provides the most antioxidants. Research linked to health benefits of green tea are based on approximately three cups per day, although even one cup will do a world of wonders to your body and overall health.

According to whfoods.com, in a European study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition in August 2006, tea was found to be a healthier choice of beverage than almost any other, including pure water. This is because green tea not only rehydrates but also provides polyhenols which protect against heart disease.


In Japanese studies, green tea consumption has been linked to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. It has also been shown to lower the risk of atherosclerosis by lowering LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, lipid peroxides, and fibrinogen, all while improving the ratio of good to bad cholesterol.

Green tea catechins help thin the blood and prevent the formation of blood clots by preventing the formation of pro-inflammatory compounds derived from omega-6 fatty acids.

Green tea minimizes heart cell death after a heart attack or stroke and speeds up the heart’s cells recovery from damage, allowing for tissues to recover and prevent damage to organs.

Polyphenols found in green tea halt prostate cancer at multiple levels by mobilizing several molecular pathways that shut down the proliferation and spread of tumor cells while inhibiting the growth of blood vessels.

Consumption of green tea has been linked to enhance survival in women with ovarian cancer.

The tea’s ability to inhibit telomerase may help children with common malignant brain tumors. It may also reduce the increased risk for colon cancer caused by a high fat diet.

If you smoke, or are around someone who smokes, drinking green tea can provide protection against lung cancer.

Population studies suggest that consuming green tea may prevent the formation of type 2 diabetes.

Green tea protects against liver and kidney disease. Research has also shown that drinking green tea may significantly increase bone mineral density and provide bone benefits similar to those you would obtain through exercise and calcium.

Green tea promotes fat loss, specifically the loss of fat that accumulates in the tissues lining the abdominal cavity and surrounding the intestines and internal organs.

Drinking green tea protects against cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. A cup of green tea may also help prevent or lessen the duration of the flu.

The range of benefits green tea covers are astonishing to behold. If you don’t drink green tea now, you may just want to start boiling some water.

Storage: There are two ways that you can purchase green tea – loose leaves or tea bags. When testing loose tea, crumble a few leaves in your hand and smell the aroma. The freshest, most flavorful tea will smell sweet and grassy. Tea bags can be tested for freshness by removing all the tea from the bag and placing it in a cup of hot water. After a few minutes, remove the bag and taste it. If it tastes like plain, hot water, the tea is fresh. If it tastes like tea, the tea is old and the paper has thus absorbed the flavor.

To ensure the freshness of tea, purchase it in small quantities. It should then be stored in a tight container that is just large enough to contain the tea. Tea exposed to air in a half-empty, large container will continue to oxidize.

It is best to store tea in a dark, cool, and dry place. Tea stored in the refrigerator is vulnerable to moisture and odors from other foods and if frozen, the tea will be ruined through water condensation when defrosted.

Fun Fact: Green tea is found in a multitude of cosmetics. The antioxidants it contains fight against aging and disease and is therefore mixed with other natural ingredients such as aloe, honey, or gingko in moisturizers, shampoos, body creams, and other beauty products.


http://www.myvalleynews.com/story/71006/

Fried Haddock w/ Baked Steakhouse Scalloped Red Potatoes, Green Beans, and...

Dinner Tonight: Fried Haddock w/  Baked Steakhouse Scalloped Red Potatoes, Green Beans, and Whole Grain Bread




Spent the afternoon at the rehab center with my Dad. Yesterday was a rough day for him, he just wasn't

feeling up to par. Today was a much better day for him. He felt good and we were able to get him outside a bit, which always helps! I had some more of the Haddock frozen and I had it thawing in the fridge overnight. So for dinner tonight I prepared;  Baked Steakhouse Scalloped Red Potatoes, Green Beans, along with sliced Whole Grain Bread.



 I used the Zatarain’s Fish Fri Lemon Pepper Seafood Breading Mix again. I love this breading it's quickly became my favorite Fish breading. I had the fillet cut into two smaller pieces and rinsed off with water already. I then poured some of the breading mix into a Hefty Zipper Bag and added the Fish shaking it in the bag until it was well covered. I skillet fried it in about a 1/2 inch of Canola Oil until it was golden brown. With this breading the Fish comes out perfect. The crust and the seasoning is meant for Fish!



For side dishes I prepared a new one from Idahoan; Idahoan Steakhouse Scalloped Red Potatoes. I really love using the Idahoan Products, their all delicious and so easy to prepare and this new one is no different. Great seasoning and taste and love the added Bacon and Ranch to it. Another great option from Idahoan. I also had a slice of Healthy Life Whole Grain Bread. For dessert later a bowl of Breyer's Carb Smart Vanilla Ice cream topped with fresh Mango slices.




Lemon Pepper Fish-Fri

The secret of authentic Southern Style fried fish is the crispy combination of corn flour, spices and lemon juice captured in this special Zatarain’s Frying Mix.
Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 2 Tbsp.

Servings Per Container: Servings per container – 40
Amount Per Serving % Daily Value
Calories: 50

Calories from Fat: 0

Total Fat: 0g 0%

Saturated Fat: 0g 0%

Cholesterol: 0mg 0%

Sodium: 1140mg 48%

Total Carb: 11g 4%

Dietary Fiber: 0g 0%

Sugar: 0g

http://www.zatarains.com/Products/Breadings-and-Fry-Mixes/Lemon-Pepper-Fish-Fri.aspx




Idahoan Steakhouse Scalloped Red Potatoes

Idahoan Steakhouse Scalloped Red Potatoes start with world-famous Idaho® red potato slices in a premium cheese sauce, then finish with a topping of crispy onions for an irresistible crunch! These Steakhouse Scalloped potatoes will add premium restaurant quality flavor to any meal.


Oven Directions
In 1 1/2 qt casserole dish, combine potatoes, contents of sauce pouch, 2 Tbsp butter, and 2 cups boiling water.
Add 1/2 cup milk and stir to combine.
Bake uncovered at 450°F for 25 minutes.
Sprinkle crunchy onion topping on top of potatoes. Let stand 5 minutes, then serve.


Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving Packaged Prepared
Calories 120 170
Calories from fat 30 80
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 3.5g* 5% 14%
Saturated Fat 1.5g 8% 25%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg 0% 5%
Sodium 390mg 16% 18%
Total Carbohydrates 21g 7% 7%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8% 8%
Sugars 2g
Protein 2g

http://idahoan.com/

You Should Be Drinking Green Tea, Already (A New Study Says It Could Even Prevent Breast Cancer)

You Should Be Drinking Green Tea, Already (A New Study Says It Could Even Prevent Breast Cancer)



A new study says green tea could lower breast cancer risk, because it can change the way we metabolize oestrogen. With about a million other research studies enumerating the health benefits of green tea (and conflicting information about whether coffee is really all that good for you), this is hardly the first report that makes us think green tea might be the better way to caffeinate. But for women, this could be a pretty big “pro” for team green tea.

Dr. Barbara Fuhrman of the National Cancer Instutute led the small-scale study, which was published in Nutrition Journal, and found that daily drinking lowered levels of oestrogen metabolites, both for pre- and post-menopausal women. In past studies, higher levels of oestrogen metabolites have been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer, so the study suggests that regular consumption of green tea could lower risk of breast cancer.

The researchers believe this is a result of green tea’s polyphenols, which include flavonoids and the ECGC found in green tea extracts. According to Nutraingredients.com, the researchers explained:

“Among postmenopausal Japanese American women, we observed that more frequent intake of green tea was associated with reduced urinary concentrations of oestrone. As a rich source of phytochemicals that can interact with and regulate xenobiotic metabolising enzymes, green tea may modify metabolism or conjugation of oestrogens and may thereby impact breast cancer risk.”

Incidentally, polyphenols are behind a long list of other green tea benefits, like:


Incidentally, polyphenols are behind a long list of other green tea benefits, like:

Alzheimer’s prevention
younger looking skin
reducing inflammation
weight loss, reducing belly fat, protecting your eyes, and even beating superbugs
In conclusion? You should be drinking green tea, already.

Photo: flickr user A Girl With Tea



Read more: http://www.blisstree.com/2013/02/25/food/nutrition/green-tea-benefits/#ixzz2M2WrJhIZ

Diabetes Helped by Green Tea, New Studies

Diabetes Helped by Green Tea, New Studies

By Deborah Mitchell on January 25, 2013

Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions and can be a challenge to treat. Several new studies show how green tea may help patients better manage this disease and diabetic complications.

Green tea has compounds that help diabetes
Green tea is widely studied for a variety of health issues, and for good reason. Among its many helpful components are potent antioxidants called polyphenols, and a catechin called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is of special interest.

In fact, scientists are so interested in EGCG, there is currently a clinical trial underway that is exploring how the green tea component affects the body’s response to insulin. While that study is underway, others have been completed, and here are some of the findings.

In a new study from Brazil, researchers explored the ability of green tea to protect the retina in diabetic rats. This information is critical because diabetics are prone to developing diabetic retinopathy, an eye condition that can result in blindness.

The researchers administered green tea to rats with diabetes and hypertension for 12 weeks. They discovered how treatment with green tea protected the retina against damage associated with glutamate (an amino acid) toxicity. Based on this finding, they noted they had found “a novel mechanism by which GT [green tea] protects the retina against neurodegeneration in disorders such as diabetic retinopathy.”

In a new study released in the February 2013 issue of Current Opinion in Lipidology, the multinational team of investigators reported on results from studies on plant components called flavonoids and the development of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Based on their analysis, they noted that “the strongest evidence exists for a beneficial effect of green tea” on bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, LDL) levels and that “flavan-3-ols from green tea and cocoa may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.” They did stress, however, that more trials need to be conducted to confirm these findings.

Finally, in a new study from China, a research team looked at the effect of green tea polyphenols on fat deposits in rats fed a high-fat diet. Since overweight, obesity, and diet are critical factors in type 2 diabetes, patients and experts alike are always interested in ways to better manage these risk factors.

In the study, the rats were fed a high-fat diet and given three different dosages of green tea polyphenols in their drinking water. Over time, the scientists observed that the green tea polyphenols reduced fat deposit and levels of adiponectin (a protein that has an important role in glucose and lipid metabolism), as well as other benefits important for diabetes.

Can drinking green tea and/or taking green tea supplements improve your ability to prevent or manage diabetes and its complications? So far there is a considerable body of evidence suggesting green tea and its potent polyphenols have the potential to help individuals who have diabetes and diabetes risk factors, and these new studies add to the growing literature.

http://www.emaxhealth.com/1275/diabetes-helped-green-tea-new-studies

(Green) Tea Time

(Green) Tea Time

Amy Schafer, Alligator Blogger

Tea has been referred to medicine in a mug for years. Tea has been linked to good health for centuries. It seems like every day there is new research about a new benefit of green tea. From weight loss powers to cancer-fighting antioxidants, green tea is a cup of gold.
According to research published in the journal Immunology Letters, green tea boosts the immune system by increasing the number of T cells in the body. T cells work to support immune function and suppress autoimmune diseases. Drinking green tea regularly is a good way to naturally protect the immune system without pharmaceutical drugs.
A study at the University of Stratheclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, found that green tea can actually shrink cancer tumors. These results occurred when green tea extract was applied directly to the tumors, so drinking green tea could have similar effects.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that drinking green tea helps functioning as we age. The journal cites a study that found green tea consumption to significantly decrease the risk of functional disability.
Green tea is also known to be a detoxifier. Green tea can help your body naturally get rid of waste and toxins. The beverage is also known to help with easing digestion.
The antioxidant EGCG found in green tea can protect the skin from the damages of free radicals. Free radicals diminish the skin’s collagen and cause wrinkles. The polyphenols in green tea can also revitalize dying skin cells.
If green tea isn’t your “cup of tea,” consider trying black, white, oolong or herbal teas. Each type of tea has different health benefits and varying tastes.


http://www.alligator.org/blogs/sunday/health/article_d9e4f150-3c43-11e2-990d-001a4bcf887a.html

A Guide to Healthy "Keep the Cold Away" Concoctions

A Guide to Healthy "Keep the Cold Away" Concoctions

By: Pat St. Claire, CNN's Health Minute
Updated: November 26, 2012

It's technically still fall, but in many parts of the country, old man winter has already arrived. So now might be the perfect time to cuddle up with a good book and a cup of something comforting.

Nutritionists warn drinks can pack a lot of empty calories, so fill your cup wisely.

After a day of being outside in the chilly temperatures, what better time to have a nice cup of something hot and soothing? Tea, hot chocolate, and coffee can warm you to your toes, but which are the best for you?

Green tea:  Almost all doctors and dietitians will tell you there's nothing better than green tea.  Touted as a possible prevention for cancer and heart disease, scientists say the studies aren't conclusive, but the tea does contain antioxidants, that are known to be heart disease busters.  

Hot chocolate: Chocolate, especially dark cocoa, is good for you.  Packed with flavonoids,  cocoa has the potential to prevent heart disease, by opening the blood vessels.  Studies have shown dark cocoa can lower blood pressure, cut out bad cholesterol and even prevent diabetes. Making dark hot cocoa with skim milk cuts down on fat.  Adding two tablespoons of whip cream, can add 15  calories to one cup.

Coffee: Java gets a bad rap because of the caffeine.  But research shows coffee in moderation is good for you.  In a recent study out of Harvard, scientists found coffee may reduce the risk of developing gallstones, colon cancer, Parkinson's Disease and even improve your memory. Add skim milk, and a little sugar and you've got yourself a healthy drink.

Nutrition tip of the week: Boosting your immune system

Came across this article on my favorite healthy drink , Green Tea! You can read the entire article by clicking the link at the bottom of the post. Enjoy and have a cup!

Nutrition tip of the week: Boosting your immune system. It is cold and flu season once again. Even the healthiest people get sick once in awhile.

By Anita Marlay

November 17. 2012 1:00PM

Nutrition tip of the week: Boosting your immune system

It is cold and flu season once again. Even the healthiest people get sick once in awhile.

Green tea has high levels of catechins, another powerful antioxidant that helps fight inflammation.
It is cold and flu season once again. Even the healthiest people get sick once in awhile. But, did you know that some common lifestyle habits might be detrimental to your ability to fight off infections, like colds and flu? Give yourself a tune-up to help boost your immunity.

Diet: Certain foods provide necessary nutrients that can help protect you from illness.

Yogurt. Probiotics in yogurt have been shown to help shorten the length of a cold by a couple days.

Mushrooms. Their beta glucan content helps enhance macrophage activity, which helps ward off infections.

Seafood. It is rich in omega 3s that help increase the activity of the white cells that take care of bacteria and also good source of selenium, a potent antioxidant.

Green Tea. Green tea has high levels of catechins, another powerful antioxidant that helps fight inflammation.

Almonds. They’re a good source of vitamin E, which can help prevent colds……

http://www.greenfieldvedette.com/article/20121117/LIFESTYLE/121119711

9 reason why you should drink green tea

I ran across this article over the weekend and just wanted to pass it along. It's about one of my favorite drinks, Green Tea. I left the link below so you can read the entire article.




9 reason why you should drink green tea

Zeenews Bureau

It’s official that tea is good for your health. So go ahead and relish that hot cup of green tea to realize its power and enjoy its numerous health benefits.

Helps you lose weight

If you want to cut those extra inches around your tummy, switching to green tea could be a simpler way. A new study shows that green tea extract increases the rate of calorie burning by the body. It reduces blood fat, cholesterol, bloated ness, detoxifies the body and suppresses untimely food cravings. Enabled with diuretic properties, it also eliminates.....


Click the link below to read the entire article.


http://zeenews.india.com/news/health/healthy-eating/9-reason-why-you-should-drink-green-tea_19497.html

Study Reveals How Green Tea Improves Memory

For all you Green Tea lover’s out there a very good article on Green Tea. I left the web link at the bottom of the post.

Study Reveals How Green Tea Improves Memory

by Diana Gitig

Green tea has been enjoyed for centuries, and its benefits have been widely touted. It is reputed to help treat many of modernity’s worst ills, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, HIV infection, and neurodegenerative diseases. New work done in China furthers the observations that green tea can help prevent neurodegeneration. The report, published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, starts to elucidate the mechanism by which it does so.

Green tea is rich in a group of antioxidant known as catechins. Antioxidants are important for neutralizing free radicals that we absorb form the environment and that can damage DNA, leading to tumor formation. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most common catechin in tea leaves; it is found in green tea but not black tea, because the oxidation process used to make black tea destroys it.

The new study was based on a number of premises. First, there is epidemiological evidence that green tea consumption is inversely correlated with the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia. Next, work done in animals suggests that EGCG protects against age-related cognitive decline. And last, it is known that new nerves can be generated in the hippocampus, even in adults. The hippocampus is a region of the brain important for consolidating short-term memories into long-term memories, and it also plays a role in spatial navigation. The generation of new neurons in the hippocampus, a process called hippocampal neurogenesis, declines with age, and this decline is associated with neurodegenerative diseases and the memory problems and disorientation that accompany them. Thus, the researchers wanted to see if EGCG might alleviate neurodegeneration by promoting hippocampal neurogenesis in adults, and if so, how.

They applied EGCG to murine neural progenitor cells growing in dishes and found that EGCG enhanced the proliferation of these cells. When they isolated hippocampal neurons from adult mice that had been injected with ECGC, they found that those cells, too, grew more than cells from mice who received a control injection of saline. Moreover, the mice who received an injection of ECGC exhibited improved spatial learning and memory; treated mice found a hidden platform more quickly than control mice.

When they looked for the molecular modulator of ECGC’s ability to stimulate neuronal growth in the hippocampus their attention fell upon sonic hedgehog (SHH), a protein vital in both the development of the brain during embryogenesis as well as maintenance of neural progenitor cells in the adult brain. And yes, it is named for the video game character. It turns out that ECGC increases the amount of sonic hedgehog, as well as some of its interaction partners, in hippocampal neural progenitor cells. An inhibitor of sonic hedgehog signaling partially blocked ECGC’s ability to promote neuronal growth, strongly suggesting that ECGC uses sonic hedgehog to exert this activity.

The authors note that ECGC is being considered for use as a preventative and therapeutic agent in the treatment of neurodegenerative disease, and their findings that ECGC helps promote adult hippocampal neurogenesis by signaling through sonic hedgehog certainly supports this course of action. Although much of the evidence for green tea’s potency comes from laboratory studies such as this one, rather than human clinical trials, they also suggest that drinking green tea can have positive effects on cognition. Just don’t put milk in it; the proteins in milk, be it from a cow or a soybean, bind to ECGC and reduces the body’s ability to make use of it.

http://www.highlighthealth.com/diet-and-nutrition/study-reveals-how-green-tea-improves-memory/

Tea Provides Profound Health Benefits

Ran across this article on one of my favorite and healthy drinks, Tea. Ileft the web link at the bottom of the post.


Tea Provides Profound Health Benefits

Leading nutrition scientists from around the world convened at the United States Department of Agriculture today to present the latest research supporting the role of tea in promoting good health. Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, next to water. Interest in its potential health benefits has grown exponentially; in just the past five years there have been more than 5,600 scientific studies on tea, forming a substantial body of research on this ubiquitous beverage.

Among the findings is research suggesting that green tea and caffeine may trigger energy expenditure that may promote weight loss. Another study illustrates how tea may help counter the adverse effects of high-fat foods on blood vessels, which could possibly reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, the most common cause of death in the U.S.

"There is now an overwhelming body of research from around the world indicating that drinking tea can enhance human health," said meeting chair, Jeffrey Blumberg, PhD, Professor, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and Director, Antioxidants Research Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston. "The many bioactive compounds in tea appear to impact virtually every cell in the body to help improve health outcomes, which is why the consensus emerging from this symposium is that drinking at least a cup of green, black, white or oolong tea a day can contribute significantly to the promotion of public health."

The symposium was sponsored by American Cancer Society, American Institute for Cancer Research, American Society for Nutrition, American College of Nutrition, The Linus Pauling Institute, American Medical Women`s Association, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Tea Council of the USA.

Tea and Heart Health

Numerous studies suggest tea supports heart health and healthy blood pressure, and appears to be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke and heart attack. New research presented by Claudio Ferri, MD, University L`Aquila, Italy, found in 19 normotensive and 19 hypertensive individuals that black tea was able to reduce blood pressure. In the hypertensive patients, black tea appeared to counteract the negative effects of a high-fat meal on blood pressure and arterial blood flow. Hypertensive subjects were instructed to drink a cup of tea after a meal that contained .45 grams fat/lb. body weight. The results suggest that tea prevented the reduction in flow mediated dilation (FMD), the arterial ability to increase blood flow that occurs after a high-fat meal. In a previous study conducted by Ferri, tea improved FMD from 7.8 to 10.3%, and reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by -2.6 and -2.2 mmHg, respectively, in study participants.

"Our studies build on previous work to clearly show that drinking as little as one cup of tea per day supports healthy arterial function and blood pressure. These results suggest that on a population scale, drinking tea could help reduce significantly the incidence of stroke, heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases," concluded Dr. Ferri.

Tea and Body Weight

Obesity is the largest public health concern in the United States and there are few strategies that provide long-term success. New research on tea catechins suggests that they may provide a benefit in maintaining body weight or promoting weight loss. In a comprehensive review of the published data on this topic, researchers from Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands, found that 24-hour energy expenditure and fat oxidation increased when subjects consumed green tea and caffeine. The results of a meta-analysis suggest that the increase in caloric expenditure is equal to about 100 calories over a 24-hour period, or 0.13 calories per mg catechins. In addition, green tea and caffeine also appear to boost fat oxidation over 24 hours by an average of 16% or 0.02 grams per mg catechins. In a related review, researchers concluded that subjects consuming green tea and caffeine lost an average of 2.9 pounds within 12 weeks, while adhering to their regular diet.

Beverages now account for 20% of total calories in the typical American diet. "As tea is calorie-free, it`s an ideal choice to help consumers meet fluid requirements without adding calories to their diet, and the modest increase in energy expenditure and fat oxidation can also add to the role of tea as part of a healthy, calorie-controlled diet that promotes weight loss or maintenance," explains researcher Rick Hursel, PhD, of Maastricht University, The Netherlands.

Tea and Bone and Muscle Strength

Osteoporosis is a major public health concern for many older women and men as the disease is responsible for two million fractures a year and 300,000 hip fractures in 2005. The disease leads to loss of mobility, independence and reduces quality of life for many older Americans.

Researchers at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center conducted studies with 150 postmenopausal women with low bone mass to see if the addition of green tea flavanols, Tai Chi exercise or both green tea plus Tai Chi could help improve markers for bone health and muscle strength in study participants. At the end of the six-month clinical trial they found that 500 mg green tea extract (equivalent to 4-6 cups of green tea daily), alone or in combination with Tai Chi, improved markers for bone formation, reduced markers of inflammation and increased muscle strength in study participants.

"The results of our study are consistent with earlier work suggesting that green tea flavanols exert bone health benefits by reducing inflammation and providing antioxidant protection. Our work suggests that green tea and weight bearing exercise like Tai Chi may be an effective way to help improve muscular strength, reduce inflammation and improve bone biomarkers, which may help reduce the risk for osteoporosis and fractures among older Americans," said Chwan-Li (Leslie) Shen, PhD, the lead researcher at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, TX.

Tea May Improve Mental Sharpness

Consuming black tea improved attention and self-reported alertness in a human study conducted by Unilever R&D, Vlaardingen, The Netherlands. In this placebo-controlled study, designed to measure attention, task performance and alertness, subjects drinking tea were more accurate on an attention task and also felt more alert than subjects drinking a placebo. This work supports earlier studies on the mental benefits of tea. In addition, two other studies provide a broader perspective on tea`s effects on psychological well-being, showing benefits for tiredness and self-reported work performance, as well as mood and creative problem solving. These studies provide support for tea`s benefits for mental sharpness, as measured by attention, mood and performance.

According to symposium presenter Suzanne Einother, PhD, Unilever R&D, Vlaardingen, The Netherlands, "In our study with adult subjects, we found drinking tea improved attention and allowed individuals to be more focused on the task at hand. These effects were found for two to three cups of tea consumed within a time period of up to 90 minutes."

Bioactive Compounds in Tea

Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, and it is one of the most thoroughly researched for its potential health benefits. The leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant contain thousands of bioactive compounds that have been identified, quantified and studied for their mechanisms of action. While many of these compounds act as antioxidant flavonoids, not all of tea`s benefits are thought to be solely from antioxidant activity.

For example, new research presented by Alan Crozier, PhD, of the University of Glasgow, UK, revealed that while many tea flavonoids in green and black tea are digested and absorbed, others are more resistant to digestion and travel mostly intact to the lower gastrointestinal tract, where they provide a probiotic effect by enabling beneficial bacteria to thrive.

Tea Provides Profound Health Benefits

The latest data provide further evidence of tea`s potential role in promoting good health, perhaps due to the fact that tea flavonoids are the major contributors of total flavonoid intake in the U.S. diet:


-- Tea drinking may play a role in helping to prevent cells from becoming
cancerous;
-- Tea may play a role in enhancing the effect of chemotherapy drugs used
for treating certain cancers; and
-- Flavonoids in tea, among other compounds present in tea leaves, may help
ward off inflammation and vascular damage linked to chronic conditions
associated with aging.


"As the second most consumed beverage in the world next to water, tea accounts for a significant amount of the flavanol intake worldwide," states Joe Simrany, President, Tea Council of the USA, which has been spear-heading this International Tea & Human Health Symposium since 1991. "This gathering of renowned global nutrition scientists is the world`s leading platform to release new research on tea, and acts as a catalyst for continuing research on tea in areas as diverse and novel as cognitive function, bone growth, weight management, cancer and vascular function."

http://thesop.org/story/20120921/tea-provides-profound-health-benefits.html

Green tea compound may help shrink tumors

Green tea compound may help shrink tumors

GLASGOW, Scotland, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- A compound in green tea -- epigallocatechin gallate -- may help combat cancer by shrinking tumors, researchers in Scotland suggest.

Study leader Dr. Christine Dufes of the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences and colleagues at the University of Glasgow said the team used an approach that allowed the treatment of epigallocatechin gallate delivered specifically to the tumors intravenously.

The study, published in the journal Nanomedicine, found nearly two-thirds of the tumors it was delivered to either shrank or disappeared within one month. In addition, the treatment displayed no side effects to normal tissues, Dufes said.....

*Read the entire article by clicking the link below.


Read more: http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2012/09/04/Green-tea-compound-may-help-shrink-tumors/UPI-21651346738585/#ixzz25WxIb2pf

Green tea can reduce skin cancer

Green tea can reduce skin cancer


Aug 23, 2012 | © The Daily Telegraph

Powerful new anti-cancer drugs based on green tea could be developed after scientists found an extract from the beverage could make almost half of skin tumours vanish.

The team of researchers from the University of Strathclyde made 40% of human skin cancer tumours disappear using the compound in a laboratory study.

Green tea has long been suspected of having anti-cancer properties and the extract, epigallocatechin gallate, has been investigated. However, this is the first time researchers have managed to make it effective at shrinking tumours.

Previous attempts to capitalise on its cancer-fighting properties have failed because scientists had used intravenous drips, which failed to deliver enough of the extract to the tumours themselves.

The Strathclyde team devised an alternative "targeted delivery system", piggybacking the extract on proteins that carry iron molecules, which tumours readily absorb. The laboratory test on one type of human skin cancer showed 40% of tumours disappeared after a month of treatment, while an additional 30% shrank.

Dr Christine Dufes, who led the research, said: "When we used our method, the green tea extract reduced the size of many of the tumours every day, in some cases removing them altogether.

"By contrast, the extract had no effect when it was delivered by other means as every one of these tumours continued to grow. This research could open doors to new treatments."

Dufes said population studies had previously shown green tea had anti-cancer properties, and scientists had identified the active compound as epigallocatechin gallate. The Strathclyde researchers were the first to deliver it in high enough doses to tumours to have an effect.

She said: "The problem with this extract is when it is administered intravenously, it goes everywhere in the body, so when it gets to the tumours it is too diluted. With the targeted delivery system, it is taken straight to the tumours without any effect on normal tissue."

Scientists are increasingly using targeted delivery to improve results, relying on the many "receptors" that tumours have for different biological substances.

In this instance, scientists used the fact that tumours have receptors for transferrin, a plasma protein which transports iron through the blood.

http://www.timeslive.co.za/thetimes/2012/08/23/green-tea-can-reduce-skin-cancer