10 Tips on Defending Yourself Against Germs:
Remember, germs are powerless against healthy bodies.
So what better way to build your immune system and fight off those unwanted germs, than with Waiora’s MegaDefense — a premium, all-natural, immune-support solution. Pairing the power of the world’s safest immune-modulating herb with the first proven heavy metal and toxin remover, MegaDefense is the most robust daily immune-support product on the market today.*
And for just $120 you can protect your whole family! You and your family can enjoy four bottles – only $30 a bottle – of MegaDefense. That’s just $1 a day to provide the power of the world’s safest immune-modulating mushroom blend with the first, proven heavy metal and toxin remover. There is nothing more powerful to support your immune system – which is the body’s first line of defense against invisible outside invaders that can lead to illness and disease.*
Coffee is one of nature's top superfoods, and Javita captures all its goodness while infusing other antioxidant-rich botanicals for an added boost - nutrients to help support weight loss, mental focus and immune function!
Plus it's super-convenient - delivered in single-serve sticks you can take anywhere life takes you.
In short ... Javita is the the world's most perfect coffee.
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For centuries, chaga has been used as a traditional medicine in Russia and other Northern European countries, mainly to boost immunity and overall health – popularly grated into a fine powder and brewed as an herbal tea. It has also been used to treat diabetes, certain cancers and heart disease.
While research is continually being done on this fungi, many health benefits have been shown:
Considered the “king of medicinal mushrooms,” Chaga is one of the most nutrient-packed mushrooms on the market, including (but not limited to):
Chaga also has one of the highest antioxidant (ORAC) scores. With such high levels of nutrients and antioxidants, Chaga doesn’t just help the body fight harmful free radicals and oxidative stress, naturally occurring polysaccharides (known as beta-glucans) help the body’s immune system modulate. When it’s overreacting, it calms it down; when it’s underperforming, it gives it a boost.
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Considered the smart mushroom because of its ability to improve memory, focus and clarity, research shows that Lion’s Mane mushroom can boost immunity by increasing the activity of the intestinal immune system, which protects the body from pathogens that enter the gut through the mouth or nose. These effects are believed to be due to changes in gut bacteria that stimulate the immune system.
In addition to superior immune defense, some of the other promising ongoing research on Lion’s Mane includes:
According to Healthline.com many benefits have been associated with the use of Lion’s Mane mushroom including protection against dementia, reducind mild symptoms of anxiety and depression, and help repair nerve damage. It’s also been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting abilities and to lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, ulcers, and diabetes in animals. While the current research is promising, more studies involving humans are needed to develop practical health applications for lion’s mane mushrooms.
]]>Research has found that Garcinia Cambogia suppresses appetite and makes
you feel full. Its mechanism is not known fully, but research suggests that the active can increase serotonin in the brain. Since serotonin is a known appetite suppressant, higher blood levels of serotonin could reduce your appetite.
Garcinia cambogia effects blood fats and the production of new fatty acids. Human and animal studies show that it may lower high levels of fat in your blood and reduce oxidative stress in your body. In fact, several studies suggest it may be a powerful weapon in reducing the accumulation of belly fat in people who are overweight. Researchers attribute this fat busting potential to Garcinia Cambogia’s ability to inhibit an enzyme called citrate lyase. By stopping citrate lyase, Garcinia Cambogia is thought to slow or block fat production, reduce blood fats and lower your risk of weight gain.
People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than others. Garcinia Cambogia promotes weight loss and improves blood triglyceride levels, it may also help to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. As it reduces inflammation, improves blood sugar balance, and control, increases the insulin sensitivity. Combined with a reduction in overall body weight and controlling these factors, it can have significant impacts on people who are at risk of becoming diabetic or who are struggling with other
metabolic issues.
Many individuals found that, when they supplement with garcinia Cambogia, they have higher energy levels. This may not directly influence weight. However, if you feel more energized throughout the day, you’ll likely find that you’re more active and more inclined to exercise regularly. When this is the case, the supplement can help you to burn more calories. The more calories you burn, the easier it will be for you to lose weight. This is mostly true when you combine Garcinia Cambogia supplementation with a healthy, calorie-reduced diet.
Garcinia cambogia enhances athletic ability. Studies found that both animal and human models provided some evidence for this claim. Consuming garcinia supplement may increase endurance levels during exercise and stop people feeling exhausted too quickly.
1 - Eat More Often
If you’ve been following the typical nutritional advice of cutting back on calories and consuming no more than “three square meals” a day in the hope of shifting your fat-burning efforts into high gear, you may actually be throwing the whole process into reverse. According to scientists at Georgia State University, active folks who skimp on calories and eat infrequently (only three times a day) may be training their bodies to get by on less energy and therefore more readily storing unburned calories as body fat. Instead, these researchers and many nutritional experts advise active people to eat more frequently (about every three hours) to accelerate metabolism and maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.
2 - Combine Proteins and Healthy Carbs at Every Meal
The simple fact is our bodies work better with a balance of carbohydrates and protein. Not only is protein essential for building healthy, lean muscle and maintaining a strong immune system, it stabilizes insulin levels, which leads to steady energy throughout the day. One more benefit: eating protein has been shown to reduce your appetite. This doesn’t give you a license to go “carb crazy,” you should employ smart decisions replacing all your white flour carb choices (pasta,, breast, rice, bagel, etc) for whole-grain, whole wheat or whole-wheat lite choice. Proper portion sizes are also critical, as you can completely derail your weight loss efforts by super sizing your protein and carb servings. One final recommendation is to restrict your carb consumption to breakfast or lunch to ensure your body has adequate time to burn off the carbs and calories before converting it to fat.
3 - Choose Appropriate Portion Sizes
USDA statistics show that because of increased portion sizes, the average total daily calorie intake has risen from 1,854 calories to 2,002 calories over the last 20 years. That increase—148 calories per day—theoretically works out to an extra 15 lbs. every year. Portion size is important to weight management.
4 - Plan Meals Ahead of Time
You may even want to try different recipes and decide what works for you before you begin your training program. Experiment with different seasonings, try a variety of vegetables, and find which microwave settings work best for preheating food. By the time you’re ready to start, you’ll have the supplies you need and the confidence that you know what you’re doing. Then, fix your meals in advance and freeze them. It’s important to shop at least once a week. If you forget, you’ll run out of good food and be tempted to cheat on your diet.
5 - Keep Healthy Meals, Snacks and Drinks on Hand
When you’re hungry, you’re hungry, so help ensure you make nutritious food choices before hunger strikes by storing healthy single-serving meals and snacks on hand. Keeping water and other smart beverage choices around not only helps keep your stomach full and your appetite in check, it also helps curb the impulse to pick up a soda or some equally unhealthy, sugar-laden drink.
6 - Drink 8-10 Glasses of Water Daily
It’s especially important to stay well hydrated when following a comprehensive exercise, nutrition and supplementation program. Drink at least one glass of water with each of your six meals and an additional four more throughout the day. If you have an occasional diet soda, coffee or tea, you’ll need to drink an additional glass to compensate for the diuretic effect of these beverages.
7 - Get Adequate Amounts of Sleep
People who regularly exercise report having fewer episodes of sleeplessness than people who don't exercise. This is due, in part, to the fact that exercise helps your body transition between the phases of sleep more regularly and more smoothly. Also, since exercise places physical stress on the body, the brain increases the amount of time we spend in deep sleep, the phase of sleep during which our bodies repair themselves.
8 - Supplement with Natural, High-Quality Nutritionals
Adjusting your diet and implementing a new regimen not only reveals gaps in your nutritional consumption, it can take its toll on your body. Take measures to counteract this by investing in natural and nutritious supplements. Javita's high-quality, functional beverages are a great start to support your healthy weight loss efforts by supplying products that can help you control your cravings and blood sugars, keep your mind sharp, fortify your immune system and more. But adjustments to your diet could cause some short-comings. Reputable multi-vitamin formulas and high-protein shakes can help you overcome some of your nutritional deficiencies.
9 - Remember Your “Why” You Want (or Need) to Lose
Researchers at George Washington University discovered that people who successfully transform their bodies are set in action by some sort of “emotional trigger” that helps to clarify their reasons for deciding to make change. In the study, researchers found that any event which elicited strong emotions such as alarm, embarrassment, shame and/or fear actually inspired people to transform their bodies for the better. Take a moment to consider your “emotional trigger” and use it to stay committed to your nutrition program. Furthermore hold yourself accountable for your decisions regarding your nutritional consumption and /or exercise regimen.
10 - Strive for Consistency, Not Perfection
You can be sure there will be the occasional meal or snack that’s not on the recommended food list. When you get off track in this way, don’t allow it to slow you down. Enjoy the divergence, recommit to your goal, and get back on track with your next meal.
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Gymnema sylvestre is said to lower sugar cravings while reducing the rate at which sugar and fat are absorbed into the body. This two-fold action may help treat obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
The active compound in gymnema sylvestre is gymnemic acid. The compound selectively suppresses sweet tastes without affecting the perception of other tastes. Studies have shown that this can reduce cravings for high-sugar foods. Although these effects occur rapidly, usually within 30 seconds, they only last for around one hour.
Diabetes is a common disorder caused by the body’s inability to utilize or produce insulin properly. Gymnema sylvestre is thought to increase insulin production by improving cell growth in the pancreas where insulin is produced.
Gymnema sylvestre is also thought to lower the amount of sugar that gets absorbed in the intestines. This may further help improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes or prediabetes. Gymnema sylvestre may also block the absorption of lipids (fats), thereby lowering "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in the blood.
Ever wondered how Lean + Green tea compares to other green tea drinks?
You might be surprised!
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This third-generation grower, whose family has been cultivating tea for nearly 100 years, has discovered the secret to the perfect cup. Their secret, and the key to this award-winning tea, is a combination of factors which include the growing environment (recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System), harvesting conditions and micronization process.
In addition to the nutrient-rich soil and clean-air environment, every leaf is steam sealed for freshness and to preserve the tea’s natural green color. As an extra quality measure, each batch of tea undergoes a proprietary 20-day, multi-step micronization process to release delicate flavors, preserve key nutrients and remove excess water.
Superior formula, refreshing flavor and convenience aside, here are five more reasons you should make Lean + Green a staple in your day, everyday:
Lean + Green offers appetite control, crave-busting power and instant satisfaction in every delicious cup. And, combined with a proper diet and regular exercise, it can really fuel your weight loss efforts.*
Research suggests that damage caused by free radicals is linked to many chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Bacopa monnieri contains powerful compounds that may have antioxidant effects.
For example, bacosides, the main active compounds in Bacopa monnieri, have been shown to neutralize free radicals and prevent fat molecules from reacting with free radicals.
When fat molecules react with free radicals, they undergo a process called lipid peroxidation. Lipid peroxidation is linked to several conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Bacopa monnieri may help prevent damage caused by this process.
For example, a study showed that treating rats with dementia with Bacopa monnieri reduced free radical damage and reversed signs of memory impairment.
These ingredients are Garcinia cambogia and Gymnema sylvestre. In addition to the reduction in appetite and cravings, these herbs also help stimulate weight loss itself through definable mechanisms that work well in beverage form.
It is formulated in a base of two additional fruits, pomegranates and Concord grapes, which provide additional benefits through their antioxidative actions. These benefits not only assist in weight management but also provide cellular defense from oxidative stress caused by obesity itself, possibly alleviating some of the secondary effects of this detrimental condition.
Formulation includes four key herbal ingredients for use as part of a comprehensive weight management program:
Garcinia cambogia
Gymnema sylvestre
Pomegranate Fruit
Concord Grape Juice
One study of 60 patients administered elderberry during the flu season saw their flu symptoms ease four days earlier than those using the placebo.
2. May help to support a healthy immune system
Elderberry may help support a healthy immune system by increasing inflammatory cytokine production –proteins secreted by the immune system.
3. May help to reduce the risk of chronic disease
Elderberry (naturally high in vitamin C, the body’s most abundant antioxidant), not only helps reduce the risk of chronic disease but may also be good for those with high blood pressure and prevent iron deficiency anaemia.
4. May offer some neuroprotective benefits
The dark black-purple color of the elderberry means it's a good source of compounds known as anthocyanins, which have been shown to protect the brain.
5. May help to improve exercise performance
Elderberry has been shown to improve exercise performance.
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Jolly Javi-tini
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Elder Eve Hot Toddy
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Add a half stick of Lean + Green Tea and stir to power up the health!
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"Naughty" Hot Cocoa
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Some Like It (Defend) Hot!
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Coinciding with the global rise of weight issues has been the steady increase of plastics, chemicals, heavy metals and other toxins in our daily environment. From our plastic coffee lids to our hand sanitizers and the air we breathe—it is impossible to leave your house without being exposed to toxins that are known health disruptors. Sadly, these heavy metals haven’t simply been linked to heartbreaking fertility issues and fatigue. There are many experts that believe the same dangerous substances may also be to blame for world’s obesity epidemic.
Heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, arsenic and cadmium, are metallic elements that are highly toxic and impair health. Although they can be from natural sources, the majority of heavy metals in our environment are a result of industrial waste or agricultural chemicals like pesticides. As we pollute our environment, these pollutants enter our food, water, air, and eventually our bodies.
So how does this translate to weight? Studies have shown that heavy metal exposure is linked to a wide range of health conditions including metabolism and weight. In 2018, an analysis of 9,537 adult samples showed that exposure to 18 different heavy metals correlated with several markers of weight gain – body mass index (BMI), skinfold thickness, total body fat, and obesity-related conditions like diabetes. A study from China also showed that blood lead levels correlated with a higher BMI and risk of obesity in women but not men. Other heavy metals like cadmium have even been shown to ramp up fat production at a cellular level.
The effect of heavy metals on weight is so strong that in some cases, high exposure during pregnancy can increase the risk of the child developing obesity later in life. One study on lead revealed, “Children whose mothers had red blood cell lead levels of 5.0 mcg/dL or greater (16%) had 65% greater odds of being overweight or obese compared with children whose mothers’ lead level was less than 2 mcg/dL, after adjustment.” A 2020 study was even able to correlate ambient air pollution exposure to obesity.
There is much we are still learning about how heavy metals affect weight. Research shows us that not all heavy metals have the same effects and results can differ among age groups, gender, toxicity levels and more.
]]>Green tea increases fat burning and boosts metabolism. Previous studies have shown that drinking four cups of green tea a day have helped people lose more than six pounds over the course of two months. Other health benefits of green tea include improved brain function, increased energy, decreased risk of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer, lowered risk for Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, and improved dental health, as it kills bacteria.
This list goes on. Green tea may lower your risk for Type 2 diabetes, may reduce the chances for heart disease and lowers your risk for obesity.
One specific catechin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), is unique to green tea and is abundant as a result of the minimal processing through which green tea goes. Lab studies have shown that EGCG and a few other catechins can be more powerful than vitamins C and E in stopping oxidative damage to cells in addition to potentially having the ability to fight other diseases. Furthermore, it is thought that EGCG plays an important role in inhibiting DNA synthesis and cell replication, both imperative for the survival of cancer cells.
Click here to link to original article.
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A recent study of nearly 5,000 Japanese people with type 2 diabetes showed that those who drank green tea had a reduced risk of early death, and the more tea they drank, the greater the benefit. Participants who drank four or more cups of green tea per day lowered their risk of dying early by 40%, and even those who drank less still saw some reduced risk. The study also showed that participants who drank four or more cups of green tea along with two or more cups of coffee saw a 63% lower risk of early death.
In animal studies, green tea extract has been shown to protect against carcinogens that could lead to intestinal, lung, liver, prostate, and breast cancer. In human studies, evidence of the anticancer effects of green tea has been inconsistent, though in one study, postmenopausal women who drank two or more cups of green tea per day had a lower incidence of digestive and urinary tract cancers than those who drank less green tea. Green tea benefits for women also may extend to lower risk of gynecological cancers. Some studies have found an association between drinking green tea and a reduced risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers.
The flavanols found in green tea are commonly called catechins, which have been shown to provide protection against heart disease. In animal studies, catechins have been shown to provide a boost in antioxidant activity as well as modify lipid metabolism, which means catechins interfere with the way the body absorbs lipids, including cholesterol.
The polyphenols and antioxidants in green tea have benefits to help fight against aging and skin damage. Inflammation, photodamage and oxidative stress all contribute to factors that make skin appear older. But green tea polyphenols and antioxidants have been shown to prevent carcinogenic activity of ultraviolet light radiation as well as photoaging, which refers to those wrinkles and spots that appear as we age.
Not only can green tea influence your mood, it may also have benefits for mental function, including improved memory, increased alertness, and reduced anxiety. Scientists think the caffeine in green tea plays a role in these positive effects.
]]>Lose Weight
It’s no secret that caffeine can help you burn fat, but if your cup is filled with empty calories, extra fats and sugars—not to mention artificial calories and flavors your body can’t even recognize—you might reconsider. Full of bold flavors and subtle notes, you’ll neither find (nor need) heavy creams and sugars to get through a cup of our blends. Not only that, knowing weight loss is often the goal, we’ve upped the natural caffeine content (don’t worry it’s still well within safe limits), added naturally fruit derived appetite suppressants as well as sugar-balancing and crave-curbing botanicals. Just drink and drop, what could be simpler?
Increase Your Focus & Energy
Energy boosts (by way of caffeine) are easy—but sustained energy, without the sharp spikes and crashes are much harder to come by. This is precisely why we’ve paired our signature South American blend with green tea to prolong (or sustain) the energy. And since energy isn’t the only boost coffee drinkers are looking for—we know you need the added clear thoughts and focus—we’ve added centuries old ayurvedic herbs. This same botanical duo also helps lessen stress and balance mood.
Protect Your Heart
With cardiovascular disease as the leading killer of women (1 in every 5 women), we rejoiced with other coffee drinkers when the American Heart Association reported earlier this year that the more coffee people drank, the lower the risk of heart failure by 5-12% per cup per day.
Reduce Your Risk
With breast cancer awareness front and center this month, it hard not to get excited about the health boosting, cancer protecting qualities of drinking coffee. In fact, according to published studies, drinking three or more cups of coffee a day was associated with a 25% lower risk of dying from breast cancer compared to non-coffee drinkers.
]]>The low rate of breast cancer (and some other cancers) in regions where people drink large amounts of green tea is what made researchers start examining the relationship.
Before you put faith in your teacup, it’s important to dig into the science—what’s known and what needs more examination.
Antioxidants and Free Radicals
Green tea’s cancer-fighting reputation comes from its polyphenols, which are chemicals that have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect the cells in your body from free radicals, highly reactive molecules that speed the damage caused by chemicals in the environment or aging, and that can lead to the development of cancer (and other diseases).
Free radicals can damage tissues in many ways, one of which is by directly damaging DNA. Since damage to DNA (gene mutations) is what leads to the development of cancer, researchers have given a lot of attention to nutrients that can neutralize free radicals before they do their damage.
EGCG is one of the antioxidants found almost exclusively in green tea.
Many studies have looked at the role of green tea and breast cancer prevention. Not all of them have found an association between drinking green tea and lower breast cancer risk, but some of the largest, most credible studies have.
In the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Screening Trial, which included more than 100,000 people, researchers found that those who consumed green tea had a lower overall risk of cancer; in other words, it appeared to reduce the risk of any cancer. Whereas some studies have looked at very large amounts of green tea—say, drinking 30 cups daily—this study looked at people who drank just one daily cup of green tea.
A 2017 study looked at breast density in women given a supplement of EGCG for one year. High breast density is linked with an elevated risk of breast cancer. While the supplement didn’t change breast density in older women, it significantly decreased it in young women. The effect was similar to that of tamoxifen, a drug that’s sometimes used to reduce the risk of breast cancer in high-risk individuals.
The researchers concluded that further studies should be done on the role of green tea in reducing breast cancer risk in young women.
Given the potential for breast cancer prevention, it’s natural to wonder if green tea could also slow down the growth of cancer cells in people who already have breast cancer.
So far, most studies have been done on breast cancer cells in the lab or in mice (meaning they cannot be applied to humans), but the results to date are encouraging.
To understand the growth of cancer, and how green tea may work, it’s helpful to think of the different processes that must take place for cancer to grow and spread. In looking at these separate steps, researchers have found that:
Republished from VeryWellHealth.com; by Lia Tremblay; Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD; a special thanks to the website and authors for this important information.
]]>Deep purple in color, high in fat and low in sugar, Acai berries have a unique nutritional profile for a fruit. According to a Venezuelan study, acai berries also contain some other trace minerals, including chromium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. But some of acai’s most powerful health benefits come from plant compounds, The most notable anthocyanins, which give acai berries their deep purple color and act as antioxidants in the body.
Antioxidants are important because they neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals in your body. If free radicals are not neutralized by antioxidants, they can damage cells and lead to diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Acai berries have an incredibly high amount of antioxidants, three times the amount of blueberries.
Animal studies have suggested that acai could help improve cholesterol levels by decreasing total and LDL cholesterol. And it’s possible that it could have a similar effect in humans. A 2011 study had 10 overweight adults eat acai smoothies twice daily for one month. Overall, they had lower total and “bad” LDL cholesterol at the end of the study. While more research is needed, it’s possible that anthocyanins could be responsible for the impact on cholesterol levels since studies have linked this acai compound to improvements in HDL and LDL cholesterol. In addition, acai contains plant sterols, which prevent cholesterol from being absorbed by your body
While there is no single magic shield against cancer, some foods have been shown to stop cancer cells from forming and spreading. Both test-tube and animal studies have revealed this sort of anti-cancer effect in acai. In mice, acai pulp has reduced the incidence of colon and bladder cancer. Researchers have concluded that acai could have a role in treating cancer in the future, yet more research is needed, including in humans.
Like compounds in other botanicals, there are nutrients in acai that have been shown to protect your brain against damage as you age. Numerous rat studies have demonstrated a link in the antioxidants in acai and in reducing the damaging effects of inflammation and oxidation in brain cells, which can negatively affect memory and learning. In one study, acai even helped improve memory in aging rats. One of the ways in which the brain stays healthy is by cleaning up cells that are toxic or no longer working, a process known as autophagy. It makes way for new nerves to form, enhancing communication between brain cells. As you age, this process works less efficiently.
]]>Highlights of the studies revealed:
Now, you may be asking why is it's in there. So, let’s look at the anxiety reducing, focus improving, mood balancing qualities reported in recent studies of green tea.
Green Tea Calms and Increases Focus
One of the biggest challenges for those who struggle with anxiety and focus, is to calm the anxiety without decreasing focus. It’s particularly problematic as anti-anxiety drugs often cause sleepiness / relaxation (to calm the brain) while focus-supporting meds can increase anxiety. How unique it is to find natural botanical like green tree that is offering hope in providing both calmness and focus.
Here’s more on the evidence behind this belief:
Green Tea Improves Mood & Cognition
Green tea is traditionally known to induce mental clarity, cognitive function, physical activation and relaxation. Recently, attention has shifted to a specialized green tea, matcha tea gaining the reputation as a mood- and brain food. According to studies, matcha tea consumption leads to much higher intake of green tea phytochemicals caffeine, L-theanine, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Repeated consumption demonstrated benefits on mood and cognitive performance.
Here’s more on the science behind this position:
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In addition, the study found that those who decreased their coffee consumption by more than a cup per day increased their type 2 diabetes risk by 17%.
Results showed that participants who increased their coffee consumption by more than one cup per day (median change=1.69 cups/day) over a four-year period had a 11% lower risk of type 2 diabetes in the subsequent four years compared to those who made no changes in consumption. (A cup of coffee was defined as eight ounces, black, or with a small amount of milk and/or sugar.)
Those who lowered their daily coffee consumption by more than one cup (median change=2 cups/day) had a 17% higher risk for diabetes. Changes in decaffeinated coffee consumption and caffeinated tea consumption were not associated with changes in risk for type 2 diabetes.
]]>Available data suggest that drinking coffee reduces the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease by up to 30%, in a dose-dependent manner, with most studies indicating three cups of coffee as the beneficial dose. However, the best dose of coffee and caffeine consumption is still unclear.
Besides its potential effect on the risk of Parkinson’s disease, coffee consumption also has been suggested to help ease Parkinson’s symptoms both in animal models and in patients.
Several studies also have highlighted that men may benefit more than women from being coffee drinkers, with some studies showing an up to 60% reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease among male coffee drinkers.
This potential gender-specific benefit may be explained by underlying hormonal and genetic factors and/or the lower frequency of Parkinson’s disease among women. Preclinical studies in mouse models of the disease suggest that a competition between estrogen and caffeine may be behind this gender difference.
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The efficiency of zeolite for the removal of three heavy metal Cu2+, Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions from a synthetic solution was considered. These three ions were chosen as abundance more pollutants that are present in industrial wastewaters.
The study indicated the suitability of the zeolite used for the removal of Cu2+, Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions from synthetic wastewater, while considering the economic aspects of wastewater treatment. The adsorbent mass, adsorbent particle size, initial solution pH, initial solution concentration and agitation speed are usually the most influential parameters. The efficiency of heavy metal removal was enhanced with increased initial solution pH, increased agitation speed, increased solution concentration, decreased particle size and greater mass of absorbent. The adsorption is a heterogeneous process as the removal rate of Cu2+, Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions mostly occurred early on, but as the contact time increased, there was a decrease in the level of the effect of the parameters on adsorption and the adsorption process became slower. The recent studies show that precipitation affects the rate of removal and the quantities of heavy metals in solution and the adsorption capacity of zeolite that has been regenerated using NaCl is either the same or it changed slightly. The natural zeolite is promising sorbent due to its availability and its low cost and can substitute effectively the use of activated carbon as adsorbent for the removal of metal cations from wastewater.
]]>Fueled with numerous natural compounds, the secret to green tea’s disease-halting superpower is believed to be antioxidants (natural chemicals that fight damaging free radicals). Antioxidants like vitamin C, lutein, and zeaxanthin protect against cancer, heart disease and especially eye cataracts, disease.
Special antioxidants called flavonoids in the tea leaves help protect the eyes against diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and some types of glaucoma. One particular flavonoid, gallocatechin, collects in the retina and protects the retina against dangerous UV rays.
Protects Against Oxidative Stress
A 2010 study conducted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong found that the antioxidants in green tea could be found in eyes more than 20 hours after the drink had been consumed. These antioxidants are referred to as “catechins” and were concluded to absorb into the lens, retina, and other eye tissues, protecting against various eye diseases. Catechins scavenge for free radicals that damage DNA and contribute to cancer, blood clots, and atherosclerosis. Catechins are also very significant to our vision health, as they are among antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E, which help to protect the delicate tissues of the eye from eye diseases such as glaucoma.
Protects Against UV Damage
According to a study conducted in 2007 by the Chosun University College of Medicine in Korea, the antioxidants found in green tea can actually protect against UV damage. When the green tea antioxidants were administered in cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells, the cell count and activity increased, suggesting great promise and potential application in the future.
Prevents Cataract Formation
Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide. It is a disease associated with the oxidative stress produced by free radicals. In 2002, a study from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences discovered that green tea leaf extract protected the eyes of rats from forming cataracts.
Protects Against Age Related Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma
Oxford University conducted a study in 2006 that suggested green tea may protect against degeneration and glaucoma. This study investigated whether green tea antioxidant could reduce free radical damage and alleviate degeneration of the retina when introduced to a cell culture. Scientists came to the conclusion that green tea contains a very powerful antioxidant that allows oxidative stress to be reduced when injected into the eye. This study provided “proof of principle” for the idea that a daily intake of green tea may help retinal diseases, like AMD and glaucoma, where oxidative stress is implicated.
Protects Against Dry Eyes
A recent report on green tea released by Biosyntrx Nutritional Biotechnology suggests that drinking green tea may help to improve your eye health and combat dry eyes. This is primarily due to the significant health-promoting actions found in its rich content of antioxidant compounds epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and catechins. According to the Biosyntrx article, catechins scavenge for free radicals that damage DNA and contribute to cancer, blood clots, and atherosclerosis. A Chinese study suggests that EGCG is able to protect retinal ganglion cells against oxidative-stress injury and may be used as a potential neuroprotective drug.
]]>Barron’s Magazine describes it as the “coming Alzheimer’s crisis;” The Economist describes the rising prevalence of dementia as “a global emergency.”
Someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s every 60 seconds. By 2050 this is projected to be every 33 seconds.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memories and thinking skills. Alzheimer’s often starts 5, 10, or even 20 years before symptoms appear. Symptoms usually start with difficulty remembering new information. In advanced stages, symptoms include confusion, mood and behavior changes, and inability to care for oneself and perform basic life tasks. Alzheimer’s is ultimately fatal.
The risks and ramifications extend beyond Alzheimer’s disease itself. People living with Alzheimer’s are twice as likely to get the COVID-19 virus than other people - and they also face accelerated cognitive decline from well-intended quarantine measures.
Click here to view the story in its entirety.
]]>Caffeine is found in many beverages, including coffee, tea, energy drinks and colas as well as medications and dietary supplements targeting weight loss.
While researchers are still investigating the caffeine and weight loss connection, there are a few theories about how caffeine might affect weight, including:
Before you fuel up with a jumbo cup of joe, keep two things in mind (especially if the goal is to lose weight):
After 4 weeks of treatment, BMI, weight gain, food intake, and all hemodynamic parameters (systolic, diastolic, mean arterial BP and heart rate), were significantly (P < 0.01) increased in HFD treated group (i.e., group II) as compared with the normal control group (i.e., group I).
Click here to read more about this published study.
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