Green tea has  been consumed by the Chinese for centuries as a result of its medicinal properties and also as a wonderful beverage. There is in fact  strong evidence that this beverage has been in use for over 4000 years in China. Todays  research, from a number of sources, provides very strong evidence in support of the health benefits of drinking green tea.

Research performed by scientists at the University of Purdue  has determined that catechin polyphenol compounds, which are found in green teas, have medicinal  factors which disable the growth of cancer cells in humans and destroy them without  any affect on healthy cells. Research also shows that cholesterol levels are reduced to a great extent  by consuming green tea. The ratio of good HDL cholesterol to bad LDL cholesterol improves. In addition, the formation of  abnormal blood clots is  inhibited. This is very good news  because abnormal blood clots ( which are known as  thrombosis) are a serious factor  in causing strokes and heart attacks.

Studies have determined that catechin polyphenol compounds in green tea have remarkable antibacterial effects, which can  help in the prevention of food poisoning and in the prevention  of dental plaque, by killing the bacteria which promote it. This amazing tea may also have benefits for weight loss. Scientists at the University Of Geneva in Switzerland found that men who received a combination of green tea extract and caffeine burned up many more calories during exercise than a control group of men who were given only caffeine.

The catechin compounds found  in green tea are known to be powerful antioxidants. Because of this they help to slow down the aging process in  human beings who drink considerable quantities of the tea. This delightful  and  very relaxing beverage also contains quantities of vitamin E which is another excellent antioxidant.

In summary green tea is certainly one of the most amazing medicines available. Its health boosting effects are numerous, and it has no detrimental effects except the presence of small levels of caffeine, which might cause insomnia if consumed late in the day. However the quantity of caffeine in a cupful of the tea is a small fraction of that found in coffee.

John Mowatt is a writer who is interested in health and fitness.He also writes on other subjects. See his website at real hair wigs and also at commercial pizza ovens

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/green-teadrink-amazing-medicine-in-a-teacup-1461852.html

You’ve probably heard it a hundred times.  Fish and seafood are arguably the best omega-3 sources in the world.  But, for many reasons, people may be concerned about eating fish and seafood on a regular basis.

That’s probably one of the reasons that so many people take fish oil supplements.  It is the biggest selling dietary supplement in the US, according to surveys.  It’s more popular than green tea, ginkgo biloba or ginseng.  Only standard multi-vitamins are better sellers.

But, are people really getting what they are paying for?  Are they getting the best value for their money?  Would it make more sense just to eat a little fish every day?

As long as you stay on top of the consumption advisories for fish that are high in mercury or other contaminants, then including seafood in your diet is a good choice.  It is usually lower in total fat than other meat choices and it provides a variety of different nutrients.  But, if you want to be sure that you are getting enough EPA and DHA to meet your body’s daily needs then a fish oil supplement is the best choice.

The amount of total omega-3s in seafood varies, as does the DHA and EPA content.  Although you need both and some ALA, too, the best omega-3 is probably DHA.

DHA or Docosahexaenoic acid is found in large quantities in the brain and in the back of the eye.  Numerous studies have shown that fish oil lowers total blood triglycerides and increases the blood content of HDL (good) cholesterol.  At least one study has shown that DHA has a greater effect on those two health factors than EPA.

In studies concerning depression, DHA has been more effective than EPA, but the greatest benefits have been seen when both DHA and EPA are given to depressed individuals.  So, the best omega-3 for depression is a fish oil supplement rich in DHA and EPA.

What about other types of supplements?  Well, flax seed provides only ALA, which means it is not a “complete” supplement.  Marine algae provide only DHA.  So, it’s not complete, either.

The better fish oils provide DHA, EPA and the lesser known DPA or Docosapentaenoic acid, which is believed to be important to good cardiovascular health.  That’s truly the most complete supplement that you can get.  ALA is found in a number of different foods.  So, supplementation is really unnecessary.

In terms of getting value for your money, the best omega-3 supplement is one that is rich in DHA.  Looking at the grams of DHA per bottle and looking at the cost per bottle will help you determine value for your money.

You’ll also want to be sure that the supplement you choose is free of contaminants, such as mercury or PCBs.  The better manufacturers post a copy of an independent laboratory analysis proving the supplement’s purity, freshness and nutritional content.

So, while seafood is the best omega-3 source, a supplement is a better choice for most people.  It’s a more affordable and simply an easier option for insuring you are well nourished.

Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/discover-the-best-omega3-1432980.html