Nutrition

In a study published in The Journal of International Medical Research it was found that when one group of people suffering from influenza were given 15ml of elderberry four times per day for five days they recovered faster and suffered from less severe flu symptoms than the placebo group.

In another study out of London led by Retroscreen Virology in 2009, elderberry was also found effective in fighting the flu, this time it was the dreaded Swine flu or H1N1. Again the duration and severity of flu symptoms were reduced.

If you’re like me, you love to eat chocolate! Chocolate lovers rejoiced when the benefits of anti-oxidants found in chocolate and other foods began to be marketed. But in reality, the potential benefits of anti-oxidants in processed chocolate are slim to none.

But unprocessed, dark chocolate is actually great for you. It’s very high in anti-oxidants and flavanols.

According to a 2009 study at Kingston University, white tea was found to have high anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-collagenase, and anti-elastase properties. This could potentially reduce the risks of developing rheumatoid arthritis, some cancers, heart disease and slow the enzymatic break-down of elastin and collagen, traits which accompany aging. If that isn’t good reason to drink a couple a cups of white tea a day I don’t know what would be.

White tea originates from China from the Camellia Sinensis plant. Its buds and leaves are allowed to wither in the sun during the plants growth.  They are harvested prematurely and the delicate buds and leaves are processed to prevent oxidation.  They say this preserves the distinct flavor of this aromatic tea. Camellia Sinensis plant is abundant with what is called polyphenols, a phytonutrient which is responsible for the tea’s health benefits.

Improved Cardiovascular Function
White tea has a substance known as Catechins, a group of antioxidants that have been shown to reduce cholesterol, decrease blood pressure, repair vein tissue, and improve overall cardiovascular function.

Immune System Booster
Studies have shown that animals that were given white tea were more resistant to the bacteria Salmonella. Furthermore, the antioxidants that is abundant in white tea helps to booster the immune system in animals and humans.  And there’s more good news: A study conducted by the Pace University in 1984 revealed that white tea may in fact slow down viruses and the growth of bacteria, reducing the incidence of staphylococcus and streptococcus infections, pneumonia, fungus growth, and even dental plaque.

Cancer Prevention
Amazingly, white tea has been shown to work as well as prescription drugs in providing the body with antioxidants and preventing many types of cancer, such as colon, prostate, and stomach cancers. Flavonoids, a group of antioxidants present in this tea reduce the growth of cancer cells, and help new ones to grow!
It would seem a good idea to drink this tea often throughout the day. Not a tea-lover? Well, how about adding a teaspoon of raw honey and a squeeze of a lemon or lime to your tea for an added zest?

Reduce Blood Pressure
Chances are that you or someone you know personally has high blood pressure. Well, the good news is studies have proven that white tea can actually thin the blood and drastically improve artery function. Drinking white tea several times a day on a consistent basis can actually lower the pressure of your blood and protect the body against one of its common health enemies, stroke. This only works when you drink the tea every day, a couple of times a day. Bring it to work with you and share the health benefits with your coworkers.

Stronger Bones and Teeth, and Healthier Skin
Numerous studies have shown that regular drinkers of white tea had greater bone density than non drinkers of white tea. If you suffer from arthritis or osteoporosis, better grab yourself some white tea and have a couple of cups a day. White tea has small amounts of fluoride which help to keep the teeth and gums healthy too.

This remarkable tea has also been shown to fight free radicals from sun, stress and poor diet, and reverse some of the signs of aging. According to a study by Kingston University in London, it seems that white tea may be an interesting option for reducing and preventing wrinkles. Out of 21 different compounds tested, white tea was found to contain by far the highest concentration of antioxidants.

Is there anything this tea doesn’t help improve? Well, let’s see here, white tea may also reduce blood sugar and lessen the symptoms of diabetes. This astounding tea has shown to reduce stress and yet increase energy levels. Now who doesn’t want to have more energy throughout the day?

How to Brew White Tea
Boiling hot water can diminish the distinct flavor as well as deplete the nutrients of the tea. Experts all agree that water for white tea should be no hotter than 170-185 degrees Fahrenheit (76 to 85 degrees Celsius).  For best results bring the water to a roaring boil and then let sit for a couple of minutes and then pour onto the tea leaves.  This should be done for all types of teas.

Because white tea leaves are not as dense and compact as other teas you should use at least two teaspoons of white tea leaves for every cup (8 ounces) of water. The longer you brew the tea for the stronger the flavor and the more nutritional value you will be receiving. Some people recommend steeping the tea for up to 15 minutes.

White tea sounds like the king of teas and the health benefits are awesome! But with any natural health remedy or healing product out there they always work best when we do other things to take care of our body. White tea works well in conjunction with other ways to keep healthy and fit.

For an example: someone who eats a poor diet, is overweight, and leads a sedentary lifestyle will not see the health benefits from white tea as well as someone who already eats a well balanced diet, and who regularly exercises. The fact of the matter is, you have to take care of your body by doing everything you can to protect it from disease and illness.

Provide your body with clean whole foods, pure water, adequate amounts of exercise, and sufficient amounts of sunshine, and lead a stress free lifestyle as much as possible. You are your body’s best friend when it comes to health so treat it well and you will enjoy your life that much more. And of course, incorporating white tea into your diet would be a wonderful idea. Here’s to your health!

Source

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_tea

http://www.whiteteaguide.com/whiteteahealthbenefits.htm

According the Huffington Post 1 out of 6 diners eating out in restaurants pay attention to the nutritional information posted on the menus.  Hunger pangs distract us from choosing our foods carefully. And as most of us know eating the wrong foods can make us feel tired and groggy afterwards. Most of the time we are in a hurry when we eat out, or we happen to be stuck in a restaurant that we’d rather not eat in just because we’re with a friend or a client.

In America 1.5 million people suffer from sensitivity to gluten a group of researchers out of the University of Maryland said in 2003. That is after they consume gluten they have some type of allergic reaction and another one in seven has a gluten intolerance which means they will have some type of adverse side effects from eating gluten. Those people who are unable to tolerate at all have a condition called Celiac disease.

Gluten intolerance is 30 times more prevalent than celiac disease. 1 in 7 people are sensitive to gluten but test negative for celiac disease. They suffer many of the same symptoms and are known as Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitive (NCGS). People of European or Anglo-Celtic ancestry are more likely to have gluten intolerance.

Today there’s a lot of talk about gluten. We walk down the grocery store aisles to see numerous food products labeled as ‘gluten free.’  We also see on restaurant menus foods that are also noted as gluten free. It seems that gluten free is the new rage. But just what is all this gluten free about and is it something you too should consider?

Typical Symptoms of a Gluten Allergy

While a gluten allergy can present several of these symptoms are none at all it’s important to know what you’re looking for if you suspect a problem with consuming gluten.

Depending on the individual these symptoms all may be present, some may be present or none at all.

But despite the obvious reasons you may want to steer clear of gluten there are some other reasons for even those without a gluten allergy or sensitivity to eliminate gluten from their diets.

Tennis Great Novak Dokovich Ditches Gluten

Novak Djokovic attributes his success to going gluten free

World renowned tennis great, Novak Dokovich, and his recent claims that going gluten free has contributed to his spectacular success on the court, have added to the public interest in going gluten free.

Dokovich credits much of his tennis success to his decision to eliminate gluten from his diet. He spoke out recently about this decision to go gluten free and how he believes it enables him to be in top physical shape and possess the coveted number two spot in the world in tennis.

And Dokovich isn’t the only athlete going gluten free. A recent article in Bicycle Magazine discussed world famous bicycler Christian Vande Velde and his gluten free diet.

In the article Velde discusses his decision to go gluten free. His rationale was this: gluten

Vande Velde always keeps gluten free snacks close by

produces inflammation which in turn leads to delayed recovery times and impacts stamina and performance. To Velde, a gluten free diet is the same as an inflammation free diet.

This switch to gluten free diets has been working for both of these world class athletes. Will it work for you?

If you suspect you have a problem – big or small – with gluten then you may just want to consider going gluten free. If you’re hesitant to do so then simply decide to try it for a period of time and see how you feel.

Best Gluten Free Foods

Gluten is actually a protein that is found in wheat as well as barley and rye. You can consume foods that normally contain gluten by looking for the gluten free labels. In addition you can alter your diet so that you are eating foods that are naturally gluten free.

The following is a small list of naturally gluten free alternatives:

• Brown Rice
• Sweet Potato
• Quinoa
• Almond Flour
• Coconut Flour
• Chick Pea Flour

Although many of these foods are not considered mainstream you can easily find them at your local health food store or at a reputable online health food store.

In addition eating a diet rich in raw, organic fruits and vegetables is a great way to give your body the nutrients it needs and avoid the detrimental effects of eating a highly refined and processed diet.

If you want to up the ante with your workout, give gluten free a try.

Sources: mayoclinic.com

The rate of obesity and disease in the West continues to grow each year. Startling statistics are released every week illustrating the state of health for most Westerners. One of the main culprits causing this state of ill health are the foods we eat and our lifestyles.

Sadly, many people who think they’re eating health simply aren’t. In fact, some foods that most people consider to be healthy are anything but healthy. Often times it’s not the food itself but some of the ingredients are the way it’s prepared. Learn about the ten foods that many consider to be healthy but aren’t always the healthiest choice.

In late 2010, the American Association of Poison Control Centers started tracking energy drink overdoses and side effects. In the less than a year of the study, more than 1,000 cases of overdose or adverse side effects have been reported.

Are you feeling tired and irritable? Your energy drink could be to blame. According to a report by the Associated Press, there are some bothersome and also some serious health problems associated with consuming energy drinks on a regular basis.

Amish farmer Dan Allgyer is not backing down. He’s staying and fighting the charges on which he was arrested – selling raw milk. Now represented by lawyer Jonathan Emord, the case will go up against the Food and Drug Administration (FDA.)

In 1987 the government banned the sales of raw milk under the premise of health concerns. However many people don’t think health concerns are the real story for the ban. Many, including Representative Ron Paul, believe the real reason has much more to do with economics than concern for the health of the public.

“People can last a few days without water depending on the environment in which they find themselves…” (source)

We are all finding ourselves smack in the middle of summer. Months of long, hot, humid days with temperatures sometimes soaring to heated degrees…too many degrees to count. And while you enjoy the passing moments of good ole summertime be sure that you and your loved ones are staying properly hydrated in order to ward off a potential problem from the heat and dehydration.

We are all barraged by a host of so called healthy cooking oils to choose from. But with so many different oils on the market and so much conflicting information about the different oils it’s a challenge to know which one you want to be reaching for as you make your next delicious meal.

Most of you have heard about the Mediterranean diet and the much praised use of olive oil. Olive oil is a great, healthy oil to use in its raw form, but you must not use it to cook with. More on that later, but first let’s find out what olive oil is and how it is made.

When it comes summer time (and even spring) we all gravitate towards a different way of eating, especially if you live in an area where the climate changes from cold to warm. Our bodies seem to need different types of foods during the various seasons of the year. However, there are some foods associated with the good ole’ summertime you may want to stay away from despite their nostalgic ‘good ole USA’ feel.

Hot dogs, hamburgers, and firing up the grill go hand in hand with warm weather, baseball season, summertime, and of course the Fourth of July. I’d like to talk to you now about one of these that our children, in particular, stuff down their throats in droves during the summer months. Hot dogs. In fact, according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume a whopping 20 billion hot dogs in just one year. It’s also estimated by the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council that a surprising ninety-five percent of American households serve hot dogs for a meal.

If you’re a parent there’s simply no doubt you want only the very best for your baby.  And with good reason too. Babies’ bodies are different. They are growing and vulnerable. Exposure to toxins at this tender age can cause problems that will wreak havoc for the rest of their lives. It’s important to know what’s in the foods you’re feeding your baby at this age.

You may or may not be aware of the scandals in the food industry today. So many food manufacturers are misleading innocent consumers today by using less than quality ingredients in efforts to cut costs but harm our health and wellbeing. When it comes to baby foods you may think they’d handle this a lot differently. After all, they’re merely innocent babies, surely the greedy food manufacturers wouldn’t expose these sweet young ones to the same dangerous ingredients they put in foods mostly consumed by adults.

“Diabetes affects 25.8 million people of all ages, 7 million of which are undiagnosed.” (NIH)

It used to be that you didn’t hear much about diabetes. It was even rarer to know someone with diabetes but today, all that has changed. Diabetes is one of the most widely diagnosed medical conditions in the United States today. It’s important to know your risk for diabetes, how to prevent it, symptoms to watch for, and ways to treat it.

One of the biggest struggles in any diet is getting enough fresh veggies every single day. A lot of you may think that means eating large amounts of kale, spinach or other green leafy things. While, those are fantastic foods to eat, the world of vegetables is a vast and colorful one that covers the whole rainbow. Our goal should be to eat at least one serving from each of the color categories described in this article.

Consuming a Rainbow of Colors

“Our kids are growing up overweight and malnourished from a diet of processed foods, and today’s children will be the first generation ever to live shorter lives than their parents. It’s time for change. It’s time for a Food Revolution.“  – Jamie Oliver

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC,) results from the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES,) revealed that 17% of all children between the ages of 2 and 19 are obese. Further, according to the CDC, 80% of those obese children will go on to become obese adults. Being obese or overweight predispose a person for some serious health problems.

Most of us love our furry friends as members of our own family. These innocent, unconditionally loving animals bring much to our lives. They are there for us, always happy to see us (no matter how tattered and torn we may be,) and full of love and devotion. This comes in the form of cats, dogs, bunnies, horses, and many more adorable creatures God has given us.

Just one 4-ounce glass of real juice provides a full serving of fruit!

One of the best ways to boost your health and begin to repair years of damage is with juicing. Now when it comes to juicing I’m not talking about running to the grocery store and buying a bottle of juice straight off the shelves. What I’m referring to is fresh juice made in your own kitchen. That’s right, juice as fresh as fresh can be.

It’s great to be an American; on the leading edge of so many things in our world today. However, there may be some disadvantages of being the ‘first’ in some areas especially when it comes to foods. Genetically modified (or genetically engineered) foods are flooding the grocery stores shelves and the farmer’s fields here in the good ole United States of America. It seems that they have missed asking the question, “Is this even good for us?”.

According to a study performed by the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. “Twelve weeks of consuming a fermented milk product containing the Lactobacillus strain was associated with a 4.6 per cent reduction in abdominal fat…”.

Probiotics are live bacteria that are beneficial to the human body. It is a fermented product that deliver a dose of healthy bacteria. They are produced by the action of lactic acid bacteria and yeast or the combination of both.

Did you know that more than 45 million Americans belong to a gym or health club? That must mean there are a whole lot of people who want to feel and look better. Most of these 45 million Americans, hitting the gym, want to lose weight and get stronger. But how many of them are getting the results as quickly as they want?  Not many…

According to the USDA “GE crops do not increase the yield potential of a hybrid. In fact, yield may even decrease…”

You may never have heard of the company Monsanto, but undoubtedly you’ve come into contact with their products. Monsanto is a St. Louis, Missouri based company who, in short, explains their mission as one to increase food production on farms.  Although this sounds like a noble mission it simply isn’t.