The Green Tea Wellness
The health benefit that green tea drinkers get has long been enjoyed by both the Japanese and Chinese cultures. In Western countries, black tea is more famous than green tea because it is a much strong counterpart of the latter. However, green tea is notably a much healthier option.
This kind of tea, which is made from tea leaves, is very rich in antioxidants called catechin polyphenols. These phytochemicals are beneficial for the heart as well as for the circulatory system. It creates natural resistance to different kinds of cancer related diseases and is more potent than other essential vitamins such as C and E in building immunity. Both the green and black tea are derived from the same source. The only difference is that the black tea undergoes fermentation and therefore contains a higher amount of caffeine as compared to the green tea. This is why green tea has more beneficial nutrients in it, which makes it a healthy drink at any given time of the day.
Here are some benefits that green tea provides to its drinkers:
- it reduces cholesterol level and triglycerides
- it ca be used as an aid for weight loss when consumed on a regular basis
- it helps stabilize diabetes
- it promotes a stronger immune system
- it replenishes the skin and slows down aging process
- it improves dental health
- it increases body metabolism
Our bodies are already affected by free radicals that are found in the polluted environment we live in. They make us more vulnerable to diseases and infection. Antioxidants that are present in tea can neutralize and at the same time eliminate the dangerous free radicals present in our body. Three cups of green tea may be enough to provide you with enough antioxidants to combat these harmful substances. Green tea capsules are also available for those who are not into drinking tea. Given the prescribed number of capsules that you must take each day, the same benefits are guaranteed.
Swine Flu Outbreak hits United States
Scientist still do not know how the swine influenza affects humans. Five U.S states have reported that swine flu is present in their state. Almost 40 cases are reported but only one case led to hospitalization according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. The states that are hit by the swine flu outbreak are New York, Texas, Kansas, Ohio and California.
In Mexico, where the outbreak started, hundreds were reportedly ill and 149 of them have died with the same strain of virus that hit United States. Reports also emerged telling that the outbreak has reached other countries like Britain, Canada, New Zealand and France. Scientist now know the virus’ main component and found out that this kind of influenza strain contains genetic materials from swine, bird and human influenza. But it still remains a mystery how lethal this combination does to humans.
An epidemiologist in Atlanta says that until the biological properties of this influenza strain is understood, it is better for the people to refrain from going to Mexico where the outbreak started. Some officials also told the public to limit interpersonal contact, close the school of the affected areas, cancel all social events and quarantine the suspected people exposed to the virus.
The scientists are hoping that the timing of the influenza outbreak will limit the impact and they also said that as of now no existing vaccines are effective against this kind of strain. They believed that the outbreak will continue but they are positive that they can find a cure for this disease in time.
Yoga Craze
Each individual sees a need to be fit, healthy and sexy. This has been a goal of many persons, especially the women. Alongside this goal, diet and exercise programs have mushroomed in practically every state. Beauty and health clinics, for example, have started offering nutrition service while body-building clubs have started several fitness programs like yoga.
Yoga is an addictive exercise that started in India and has been around for centuries now. It is a meditative exercise that relaxes and rejuvenates the body. It incorporates various stretch and strength building exercises that increases the body’s flexibility and shapes the muscles. Yoga is also excellent in burning fat.
While it is true that yoga is relatively difficult for some individuals, the benefits of yoga can never be outdone. Yoga is used as a warm up exercise before starting cardiovascular and strength-training exercises. It also teaches proper breathing and helps in keeping the spirit calm. As stated previously, yoga increases the flexibility of a person. Eventually, yoga helps prevent future injuries that may occur while doing sports or exercises.
Researches claim that yoga effectively reduces stress. It also helps develop good posture. Yoga is also used in the treatment of eating disorders and asthma. Aside from that, yoga also effectively reduces cholesterol and blood sugar levels and is also used to treat heart disease and high blood pressure. This form of exercise provides elasticity to the spine removes tension from the body and strengthens the abdominal muscle. It also improves muscle tone and body posture.
Regular yoga exercises helps balance emotions and sharpen mental faculties aside from keeping the body fit and strong. It helps achieve optimum health in mind and body.
How to Eat a Balanced Diet
A health advisory organization recommends eating at least five portions of fruits and vegetables a day. This is to help decrease the risk of cancer, viral infections, chronic illnesses and heart diseases. Fruits and vegetables mainly have a zero fat content and are important parts of a balanced diet. A fruit is an important source of vitamins and minerals. A person needs a daily dose of vitamin C, folic acid, beta carotene, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients improve and strengthen the condition of bones, eyes, skin, blood, and other vital organs of our body. Bananas are rich in potassium, which can help lower our blood pressure. Eating three bananas a day can supply a person with adequate amounts of energy to perform a 90 minute strenuous activity or workout.
Kiwi is known to be the most nutritious fruit. It contains the same amount of potassium as bananas. It is also rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, magnesium, fiber and antioxidants. The soluble fibers found in fruits, beans, lentils, and vegetables help lessen the amount of cholesterol in our blood vessels. A balanced diet is composed of a healthy combination of fruits and vegetables, cereals and potatoes, milk and dairy products, meat and fish and some fatty foods. A healthy weight can be achieved by maintaining a physically active lifestyle and consuming the right amount of calories on a daily basis.
High Probability of Getting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
While occupied with mounds of paperwork, you suddenly experience a tingling sensation on your right hand. In short while the sensation is replaced by a stabbing pain that climbs up from your wrist to your arms. You brush it off as fatigue, probably a passing cramp. You’re lucky if it was.
The hands are probably two of the most overused parts of the human body, most especially in relation to work and leisure. There is no occupation that excludes the utilization of the hands. With this fact, we are all made susceptible to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when a nerve that runs from the forearm to the hand (called the median nerve) is compressed at the wrist by swollen, irritated tendons. This, in turn, blocks the passage of impulses from the nerve to the parts of hand it controls. As a result, numbness, weakness and pain are experienced on the affected arm; and to a certain degree, a decrease in strength, muscle wastage and immobility is observed. Carpal Tunnel syndrome may be brought about by a number of medical conditions including diabetes, structural abnormalities and autoimmune disease to name a few. And it is most likely developed through pursuit of repetitive movements and bad posture of the hand and wrist. It
People who work in the sewing, cleaning, assembly and meat packaging industry run the highest risk of acquiring Carpal Tunnel syndrome. In a 1998 study, it was found out that Carpal Tunnel syndrome significantly affected the productivity of 3 out of 10,000 workers; half of them missing about 10 days of work. Carpal Tunnel syndrome can be fixed through the use drugs, implementation of exercise (stretching and yoga), acupuncture and surgery.
Though it has been proven that heavy use of computers did not significantly amplify the risk of developing Carpal Tunnel syndrome, it would still be in everyone’s best interest to practice means in preventing it. It wouldn’t hurt to rest your hands once in while and improving hand posture by using a keyboard tray or adjusting your chair so the keyboard and mouse are below your elbows and your wrists are level. It would also be beneficial if the hands are regularly stretched and conditioned. Though Carpal Tunnel syndrome may not be a serious ailment, it should be considered as a forewarning and treated as early as possible.