Health Tip Of The Week - Drinking Green Tea

We have all heard that green tea is good for us, and we should incorporate it into our diet......but why?  Many studies have been done, but there is still more to learn about the health benefits.  Here is what researchers have found so far:

-  Reduces Cancer Risk - The anti-oxidant found in green tea helps protect our cells from damage that leads to cancer.

-  Reduces The Risk Of Heart Disease and Stroke - Green tea has been found to lower LDL, bad cholesterol, which in turn reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.

-  Anti-Aging - Green tea has an anti-oxidant called polyphenols, which protects our cells against free radicals.  Free radicals are toxins that age the cells.

-  Reduces The Risk Of Diabetes And Obesity - Green tea improves lipid and glucose metabolism.  It helps to control insulin spikes, associated with diabetes and obesity.

-  Reduces The Risk Of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's- While there is no cure for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and you cannot reverse it, green tea can slow down the deterioration of brain cells.

-  Boost Immunity - Polyphenols and Flavanoids found in green tea, boosts the immune system, which helps us fight off illnesses.

-  Allergie Relief - EGCG, found in green tea, helps relieve allergies.

Green tea is not said to be a cure, and it's benefits only occured when in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program.  The jury is out on exactly how much green tea should be consumed, but benefits have been shown with as little as a cup or two a day.  Most green tea does have caffeine, so if you are sensitive to caffeine, don't drink it.  You can get a green tea supplement, but drinking it has been found to have better results.  Do a little research of your own, and see if green tea is for you.  Even if it had no health benefits at all, taking 15 - 20 mins a day to sit down and sip a cup of tea, isn't a bad way to have a little "me time".