Health Benefits of Green Tea

The health benefits of green tea make it a good beverage for treating cancer, heart problems, cardiovascular diseases, high cholesterol levels, rheumatoid arthritis, infection, tooth decay, etc. Green tea contains an antioxidant epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG) which is helpful in treating a variety of diseases.

Green tea acquires a prestigious place among soft beverages and it is one of the foremost things that come to the mind when the topic is anti oxidants. Within a short time, it has made billions of fans around the world and many lovers of normal tea have switched on to green tea, due to its health benefits. Those who are habituated to normal tea may not like its taste for the first time, but I am sure that it will be their favourite on very soon.

Green Tea

What is there in green tea that makes it so special and so healthy? How to use it? What are the products available in market that are based on green tea? There are many such questions which we have tried to answer below.

What is Green Tea:
Green tea comes from the same plant from which normal tea is obtained. Scientifically, it is known as Camellia Sinensis. In fact, it is the same tea but processed differently. The normal black tea is obtained by fermenting the tea leaves. This fermentation changes its colour, flavour and raises the level of caffeine and tannin in it. Whereas, in case of Green Tea, the tea leaves are dried or slightly steamed but not fermented. This makes it look green when brewed and otherwise.

Constituents:
Apart from caffeine, which gives tea its characteristic taste, bitterness and stimulating effect, Green Tea is rich in a group of chemicals, called Catechin Polyphenols (Commonly known as Tannins which contribute to bitter taste and astringency) like Catechin, Epicatechin, Epicatechin Gallate (ECG), Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), Pro-Anthocyanidins etc. They are also known as Flavonoids and are very powerful anti oxidants. Flavonoids, together with some amino acids like Thianine, are responsible for the flavour of green tea. Further, it also contains Amino Acids like Theanine, Butyric Acid & Liganin; Xanthine Alkaloids such as Adenine, Dimethylxanthine, Theobromine, Theophylline and Xanthine; Pectin (also found in fruits); saccharides (sugar), Chlorophyll and Triterpene Saponins. Some vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin C and vitamin E are found in green tea

Top 10 Medicinal Herbs

Many herbs known for their medicinal properties. These herbs since ancient times. These herbs have been used in ancient times and even today still. Important benefits of using these herbs is that they do not have side effects that are not desirable when compared with other drugs or drug These herbs must be used in a limited number of them have produced a strong synthetic. Excessive use of these substances have harmful effects on health. These herbs may interact and interfere with some drugs, if used simultaneously. Therefore, you will need very careful while using these herbs in the treatment of many diseases.

Top Medicinal Herbs:

Medicinal Herbs

Following are some of the most commonly used medicinal herbs that are used for curing several ailments:

1.Garlic: This is used for treating bronchitis, cold and flu. This helps to lower blood pressure, maintain healthy cholesterol and increases liver enzyme levels which help to eliminate carcinogens.

2.Aloe vera: The juice of broken aloe vera leaf can be used for soothing burns and to ease the pain triggered by bee stings and insect bites.

3.Chamomile: The flowers of chamomile plant can be used in treating digestive problems, stomach upsets and also as a sleep aid. Chamomile tea is more beneficial to treat these health issues.

4.Sage: Tea prepared from sage leaves can be used for treating indigestion and for alleviating cold symptoms. Be cautious while using this herb because it contains estrogen.

5.Spearmint: Spearmint oil extracted from the leaves gives relief from cold and clears congestion if added to warm bath water.

6.Roses: Rose hip tea helps in boosting immunity and aids in treating common cold symptoms. You can blend rose flowers into oils and use it for cleansing the blood, soothing tension and aids in circulation.

7.Peppermint: Tea prepared from peppermint leaves can be used for soothing stomach upset, to fight influenza and aids in indigestion.

8.Calendula: Prepare an infusion with calendula flowers for aiding digestion and for promoting bile production. This can also be used as a mouthwash for gums, particularly after dental work.

9.Dandelion: Dried dandelion root is used for treating liver and kidney problems.

10.Rosemary: Infuse rosemary leaves in water for making an antiseptic mouthwash.
These were the top 10 medicinal herbs which are useful in treating various health conditions. But these herbs must be used carefully, under an expert’s supervision.

Why should you want to eat the Goji Berry?

Because the Goji Berry is a nutritious powerhouse, packed with antioxidants and so very tasty!

Discovered in the Himalayan mountains, Goji berries are regarded in the Orient as an anti-aging, strength building superfood. This sacred Goji berry is so cherished by Tibetan monks that they traditionally honour it for a two week celebration at the end of every year.

Why you eat Goji Berry?

Goji Berry Protein
Goji berries contain 19 amino acids – the building blocks of protein .

Goji Berry Minerals
Goji berries are rich in up to 21 trace minerals including zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium and phosphorus.

Goji Berry Antioxidants
Goji berries contain the complete spectrum of food antioxidant carotenoids, including beta-carotene (a better source than even carrots) and zeaxanthin (supports the eyes). The Goji berry is among the highest source of carotenoids of all known common foods. Gojis contain 500 times the amount of vitamin C, by weight, than oranges making them second only to camu camu berries as the richest known vitamin C source on earth. Plus vitamins B1, B2, B6 and vitamin E are bountiful. About 11mg of iron per 100 grams can be found in the Gojis, as well as betasisterol, sesquiterpenoids (cyperone, solavetivone, an anti fungal compound), tetraterpenoids and betaine for digestion. Goji berries also contain polysaccharides which support the immune system.

Omegas
Goji berries are high in essential fatty acids, the healthy omegas, which are required for the body’s production of hormones and the smooth functioning of the brain and nervous systems. In particular, linoleic acid is abundant. The Goji berry is a nutritious powerhouse and is so very tasty. Eat them just the way they are as the perfect snack or add to cereal, trail mixes, yogurt,muesli and smoothies. Gojis make a sweet tea or use as a delicious garnish in exciting dishes.

Goji Berry Benefits

Benefits
The benefits offered by Goji berries are numerous and a few studies have been conducted on human patients as part of research to determine the efficacy of these berries. However, here are some of the amazing benefits offered by the goji berries and going by the look of them, it’s no wonder they’ve become so popular on the health front.

As we all know, goji berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids such as beta carotene and zeaxanthin. These carotenoids are greatly helpful in protecting the retina of the eye and improving eye sight. In fact, foods rich in zeaxanthin have been known to prevent loss of eyesight in people over the age of 65.

Goji Berry

Goji berries are also a good choice when it comes to protecting the liver and kidneys. One of the primary benefits of goji berries is that they help in boosting the immune system and help us stay healthy for longer.

The polysaccharides in goji berries works wonders with the pituitary gland and stimulates it to release HGH, the Human Growth Hormone. This is in fact the main hormone which controls others and can even reverse the effects of aging, making us look and feel younger.

Goji berries also have a high ORAC value which is extremely important in preventing oxidation and in preserving the cells thereby preventing aging.

Goji berries prevent fatigue and tiredness which are the most common by product of a busy and full life that most of us lead today. It also helps in relieving headaches and insomnia.

Health and fitness freaks consume goji berries regularly because they help greatly in weight loss and keep the body fit and young.

Research has shown that goji berries are exceedingly good to enhance fertility and improve sexual function, particularly in men.

Goji berries are known to improve circulation and help people live longer lives. With their high vitamin and mineral content, goji berries reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. Some people claim that goji berries can even prevent cancer although this aspect still needs more verification.

Side effects
Goji berries are known to be mostly safe but the usual precautions prevail. In addition, goji berries could possibly interact with anticoagulant drugs or blood thinners such as warfarin and it could lead to some adverse effects.

Goji Berries Health Benefits

Goji Berry Nature’s Energy Fruit
It may seem odd to start this list of superfoods with one you’ve likely never even heard of. But studies have shown that this little berry is one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world! Goji is the high-energy berry of a special Himalayan tree.

Harvested in the Himalayan, Goji berries taste like a vibrant blend of berries and chocolate. Hidden within its ruby pigment is the magic that makes it nature’s perfect energy fruit. Goji is packed full of antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids. Although Goji may not be available in your local supermarket, you can find it in several health food and gourmet stores (often in juice form). A new product featuring the unsweetened pulp is now also available, and I highly recommend that you choose this form of Goji.

Goji Berry

Goji pulp contains:
- A remarkable concentration of antioxidants that help combat premature aging, with 10 times more antioxidants than red grapes and 10 to 30 times the anthocyanins of red wine.

- A synergy of monounsaturated (healthy) fats, dietary fiber and phytosterols to help promote cardiovascular and digestive health.

- An almost perfect essential amino acid complex in conjunction with valuable trace minerals, vital to proper muscle contraction and regeneration.

The fatty acid content in Goji berries resembles that of olive oil, and is rich in monounsaturated oleic acid. Oleic acid is important for a number of reasons. It helps omega-3 fish oils penetrate the cell membrane; together they help make cell membranes more supple. By keeping the cell membrane supple, all hormones, neurotransmitter and insulin receptors function more efficiently. This is particularly important because high insulin levels create an inflammatory state, and we know, inflammation causes aging.

I have found that the best goji berry pulp supplement on the market today is Goji Cleanse. This supplement not only contains the world’s number 1 superfood Goji, but also contains two other superfoods – Acai and Green Tea, boosting it’s effectiveness in burning fat and increase cleansing properties.