20 Health Benefits of Green Tea

20 Health Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea has, now-a-days, become a very famous drink due to its umpteen health benefits, most importantly for weight loss. Green tea is made from the species of a plant, called Camellia sinensis, which go through minimal oxidation while processing. Over the few decades, green tea has highly been into research and scientific studies. Various researchers have found that green tea drinkers are safer from the risk of suffering from heart diseases.

Green tea is an inexpensive beverage that has no calories and their unique sets of natural chemicals are full of therapeutic benefits. It contains antioxidant, anti-cavity, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.

1. Oral Health

Having a cup or two of green tea each day can significantly maintain your oral health. Simply remember that you should not add any sort of sweetener into it as it may negate the benefits. Green tea kills bacteria that are responsible for causing gum and tooth related problems. It can decrease the chance of tooth loss.

2. Bone Health

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory elements found in the green tea are helpful in diminishing the loss of bones. It also induces the growth of bone-building cells.

3. Weight Loss

Green tea is widely used globally as an antidote to lose weight. The “catechins” present in the green tea produces thermogenesis, which is the panacea for losing weight.  It is advisable to sip at least 3 cups of green tea for this purpose.

4. Cancer 

Green tea has proven to be a universal remedy to cure a number of cancers, including prostate, breast, pancreatic, colorectal, lung, bladder, oesophageal, and stomach. The catechins found in green tea neutralize the effects of certain carcinogens. This procedure downsizes the development and growth of tumours. Drink at least four cups of green tea to garner the anti-cancer benefits.

5. Heart Health

It is found in a research that those, who are regular takers of green tea, have 44% less risk of heart diseases. Green tea minimises the probability of heart attack and stroke.

6. Anti-aging

Green tea apparently helps in the problem related to ageing and wrinkles as it is rich in antioxidants.

7. Depression and Stress

Green tea is the natural container of Theanine, which is an amino acid, helpful in providing a soothing and tranquilizing effect. This substance, resultantly, cures depression and sleeplessness.

8. Blood Pressure

Drinking 3-4 cups of green tea every day also reduces the problems of high blood pressure.

9. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

Diseases, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, are also cured by green tea. It repairs the damaged cells of the brain and also protects them from dying, thus preventing brain disorders.

10. Diabetes

Green tea, after meal, aids in maintaining the glucose levels in the blood sugar.

11. Cholesterol

Green tea reduces the cholesterol level in the body. It regulates and improves the proportion of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol by reducing the amount of bad cholesterol in the body.

12. Immunity

Polyphenols and flavonoids are two compounds found in green tea that boosts the immunity of a person, making him/her strong against infections.

13. Asthma

Green tea is equally good in treating the severity of asthma.  Theophyline in green tea soothes the bronchial tubes reducing asthmatic troubles.

14. Ear Infection

Green tea treats various sorts of ear infections, as well. Soak a cotton ball in green tea and cleanse the infected ear to reduce the infection.

15. Allergy

If you have any sort of allergy, consider green tea as a regular morning drink as the EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) found in green tea helps in curing allergies.

16. Liver Diseases

Green tea is a miraculous remedy for people with liver failure. It diminishes the possibility of transplant failure. It also demolishes the dangerous free radicals in fatty livers.

17. Food Poisoning

Green tea slaughters the bacteria that result in food poisoning. It also reduces toxicity in the body.

18. Flu and Cold

Vitamin C in green tea helps in keeping common cold and flu at bay.

19. HIV

Some researchers have found out that the EGCG present in green tea prevents the HIV virus from spreading in the body, and thus, reducing HIV from binding to strong immune cells.

20. Herpes

Green tea boosts the efficacy of topical treatment of herpes. Green tea compress is helpful in doing so.

20 Super Foods to Fight Stress

20 Super Foods to Fight Stress

Stress is a common ailment among the individuals of almost all the age groups. There are many reasons that can be held responsible for causing stress. It can be hectic lifestyle, health, workload, relationships, family, job, and hundred others. However, too much stress directly affects the working and well-being of our mind and body. Stress can lead to various disorders, like weak memory, high blood pressure, learning inability, coronary heart disease, poorly functioning immune system and osteoporosis. Read the article below to discover a number of super foods that can help you fight and get rid of the stress.

1. Green Tea

Green tea is the powerhouse of a number of antioxidants that are helpful in pacifying the mind and body. Those, who imbibe four or five cups of green tea on a daily basis, enjoy better health and benefits of antioxidants, like catechins and flavonoids. It works even better when smoking and drinking are completely circumvented.

2. Milk

Skimmed milk is an extremely effective stress buster. Along with calcium, milk contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and protein, which can promote the well being of the body, thereby diminishing stress. The most excellent approach for commencing the day is with a bowl of skimmed milk and corn flakes. This is considered as one amongst the stress-lessening and low fat breakfasts, globally.

3. Blueberries

The antioxidants in blueberries are powerful enough to reduce stress. It contains minerals, like magnesium and manganese, vitamin C & E. If blueberries are consumed daily, it combats depression, sleeplessness and other mood turmoil.

4. Spinach

Spinach is jam-packed with healthy nutrients, such as B-vitamins, vitamin A and C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. These plentiful nutrients of spinach minimize the magnitude of stress releasing hormones and normalize the frame of mind. A cup of boiled spinach every day can bestow soothing and calming effects to the body and also provides required potential to the body to fight against pressure and stress.

5. Salmon

According to a number of studies, fishes are the richest source of omega-3 fatty acids, and so as salmon. This cold water fish is also generous in the anti-inflammatory compounds. Omega-3 fatty acids fuel the brain with happy chemicals, like serotonin, which are excellent in managing stress hormones.

6. Almond

Consuming almonds is an excellent way to furnish the body with fibres. Almonds are also well-off in Vitamin B, Vitamin E, zinc, magnesium, and healthy oils.

7. Dark Chocolate

In all probabilities, the best and much-loved superfood on the list by far is chocolate. Several studies have proved that consuming a small amount of dark chocolate every day can immensely alleviate the stress troubles of individuals. It has magnesium contents that are useful in fighting against stress, anxiety, and depression.

8. Walnut

A handful of walnut in a day regulates the sporadic blood pressure troubles and keeps the fretfulness and anxiety under control. Peanuts can also be nibbled for the same.

 9. Avocado

Avocado is well-off in essential nutrients, like protein, minerals, potassium, fibre, vitamin E and C, and healthy fat. These nutrients keep the brain cells healthy and moving. Avocado is also potent enough to diminish the high blood pressure.

10. Brown Rice

A number of people, today, prefer to consume brown rice as their daily diet as they are abundant in B-vitamins, which is imperative for the maintenance of cells, tissues, and other vital organs. Moreover, B-vitamins help out in supporting the well being of brain strength, red blood cell health, cardiac function, and body resistance. The high consumption of B-vitamin will assist the mind and body in suffering less pressure and strain.

11. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is loaded with dietary fibre and these rich qualities let the body absorb oats at a slower pace. This procedure extends the serotonin boost up. Even to watch over the fluctuating sugar level, oats may prove to be a benefit.

12. Yogurt

The dairy product, yogurt, is calcium enriched food. Calcium is not only good for teeth and bones, but it also counterbalances emotions, and keep petulance aside. Yogurt is also of use for those women, who face a lot of PMS trouble. Other dairy products, like cottage cheese and milk are equally beneficial.

13. Broccoli

This tasty vegetable whether consumed boiled or fried, can alleviate your stress, depression, anxiety, and fret. It is packed with the munificent quantity of folic acid that fights stress.

14.  Sunflower Seeds

The high quantity of folate in sunflower seeds fabricates high-spirited brain chemicals. Additionally, they also manages the emotional reactions of the individuals

15. Oranges

Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, oranges help in fighting with the free radicals, which boost the stress hormones to release. Fresh orange juice on a daily basis can help you better to enjoy the benefit of the nutrients present in it.

16. Whole Grain Bread

Whole grain bread, when combined with jam or honey, provides you a great stress busting snack to nibble on. It is complex carbohydrate-rich food that elevates the level of serotonin, which relaxes and calms you down.

17. Soup

Soups are soothing stress relieving foods that are easy to digest and nutritious. The vegetables in the soup make it even healthier, rendering it the benefits that can check on the level of stress.

18. Desserts

An ice cream, pastry, cake, pie or any dessert can drop off the intensity of anxiety-producing hormones, like Glucocorticoid, from having any hazardous effect on the brain and thereby, reducing irritation and fretfulness.

19. Asparagus

The slender asparagus stalks provide folic acid to the body and appease the mood. Asparagus stimulates the healthy chemical “serotonin” to release, which aids an individual to keep the mind mollified.

20. Coffee

Feeling low and stressed out??? Sip a hot cup of coffee! The cocoa contents of coffee can alleviate the mood within a few minutes. However, caffeinated drinks are not considered good for health, but over-indulgence of anything has never been proved good. It has been found that those, who drink coffee twice a day, are likely to get less depressed.

10 Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

10 Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolates are considered as the best of both worlds. The yummy flavor is just an added bonus over its numerous health benefits. They are made from cocoa seed, which is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet. They are not only good for your taste buds, but also for your overall health. It can be used in smoothies, cakes, desserts or you can simply munch on a bar of dark chocolate for crude pleasure.

Here are 10 more reasons to give in to your temptation and grab a bar of dark chocolate.

1. Rich in Nutrients

A good quality dark chocolate is pretty rich in nutrients and will definitely benefit you in many ways. A 100 gm bar of dark chocolate usually contains plenty of potassium, fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, zinc, selenium and much more. But, make sure you have it in moderation since all these nutrients come with 600 calories, as well.

2. Good for Heart

Recent studies have shown how taking small amounts of dark chocolate twice or thrice a week can lower your blood pressure and regulate your heart. It also improves the blood flow and prevents the formation of blood clots. Dark chocolate also prevents the situation of arteriosclerosis where the arteries become hard and stop functioning properly.

3. Good for Brain

Dark chocolate is known to boost the blood flow, whether it is your heart or your brain. It has cognitive benefits as well, like it prevents strokes. A research showed that dark chocolates have phenylethylamine (PEA), the same component that your body releases when you are falling in love. It makes your brain release endorphin, which takes you in a state of happiness. A happy mind is a healthy mind!

4. Lose Weight

What could be better than eating chocolates and losing weight? Sounds like a dream come true? A research at the University of Copenhagen found that dark chocolates are much more filling and control the cravings for sweet and fatty food. So, instead of going for the high calorie fat desserts, just pick a piece of dark chocolate to end your cravings in a non-fattening way.

5. Blood Sugar

Since dark chocolate regulates the blood flow in the arteries, it’s also good for regulating your blood sugar level. Dark chocolates are especially beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. Moreover, dark chocolates have a low GI index, so it won’t shoot up the blood sugar levels. The flavonoids in chocolates help your cell to function normally and use the body’s insulin effectively.

6. Antioxidants

Dark chocolates are rich in antioxidants, which reduce oxidative damage of your cells due to free radicals. If your body is able to fight off the free radicals, it’s protected against ageing and various types of cancers too. Therefore, a little bar of dark chocolate twice or thrice a week will not only keep your mood light, but will also safeguard you against ageing and cancer.

7. During Pregnancy

A research reported that women, who ate dark chocolates during their pregnancy, were better at handling stress than those, who didn’t. Also, the babies were found happier, and they smiled more often. So, if you are expecting, eat dark chocolates to get a happy baby.

8. Stress Buster

Ever wondered why you feel like indulging in chocolates right after a break-up or a fight with the boss? It turns out that emotional eating isn’t so bad after all. A research by Swiss people confirmed that when people in stress ate 1½ ounce of dark chocolates for a week, their stress hormone got down significantly. Hence, it is proved that dark chocolates are your ever ready stress busters.

9. Protection against Sun

Yes! You heard it right. Eating dark chocolates will also protect you against sunburns. A team of London researchers carried out a study and found that people, who were eating dark chocolates with high flavonoids, took twice the time to develop the reddening that indicates sunburn.  There are many chocolate-based facials and massages, which make it very clear that chocolate is good for your skin too.

10. Higher Intelligence

Remember how you want to grab a piece of chocolate when you have a high pressure of completing a project? Well, next time, grab it because it will not only placate your stress level, but also increase your brain’s capacity for a while. A researcher at the University of Nottingham found that drinking or eating flavonoids-rich cocoa increases the blood flow in certain parts of the brain, which improves your productivity and concentration for about 2-3 hours.