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Bet You Didn’t Know This Drink Can Help You Digest Better

green teaTwo new studies have confirmed that green tea extract can increase fat oxidation and improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, even in healthy young adults.

In the first study, 12 healthy men performed a 30-minute cycling exercise before and after taking green tea extract. In the second, 11 healthy men took an oral-glucose-tolerance test before and after taking green tea extract. In both cases, their results improved after consuming the tea.

On average, fat oxidation rates were 17 percent higher, and insulin sensitivity 13 percent higher, after participants drank green tea extract, compared with taking a placebo.

Sources:

Dr. Mercola''s Comments Dr. Mercola's Comments:

This study is the first to show that green tea extract can increase the amount of fat burned during moderate-intensity exercise. The researchers observed a 17 percent greater fat contribution to total energy expenditure during exercise when the extract was taken, compared to taking a placebo.

Even though it’s known that fat breakdown and oxidation increases during exercise, this study found that green tea extract can boost your fat metabolism even more by increasing the availability of fat as a fuel.

Other than water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world, and if you choose a high-quality variety, it can also be one of the healthiest. Perhaps because of all the recent positive press green tea has been getting, tea purchases increased for the 16th year in a row in 2007, and now bring in nearly $2 billion in supermarket sales, according to the Tea Association of the USA.

Green tea is still in the minority in the United States, as it made up just 17 percent of the tea consumed by Americans last year. Its “claim to fame” is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a catechin polyphenol that’s a powerful antioxidant.

Have You Heard About EGCG?

EGCG is really quite remarkable in the breadth of ailments it seems to benefit. The following is just a sampling of what’s been discovered so far:
Several studies have also found that EGCG can improve exercise performance, increase fat oxidation and prevent obesity, as it’s known to have a regulatory effect on fat metabolism.

Is Your Green Tea Actually Brown?

Next to pure water, green tea from 100 percent, quality tea leaves is one of the most nutritious beverages you can consume. However, have you noticed how most green tea is not green at all, but actually is a muted brown?

This is likely a sign that the tea has been oxidized, and it may not be giving you the health benefits you seek. When I drink green tea, I drink matcha tea, and the color is a vibrant bright green.

If you’re not familiar with tea, you may have never heard of matcha tea. Rather than being steeped and strained like typical tea, matcha tea is made of tea leaves ground into a powder, and the powder gets added right into the water.

Because you are actually consuming the whole leaf, matcha tea is said to be one of the healthiest green teas out there.

High-quality teas should also be free of the potentially high levels of fluoride, lead, and aluminum that can be found in other, inferior green tea.

So please do keep pure water as your primary beverage, but feel free to indulge in some high-quality green tea as well. Just remember that, as with most things you put into your body, it’s important to be very picky about the tea you drink.


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Comment on This Article Community Comments (70)
 
 
Posted On Mar 25, 2008

Normally I don't comment on anything much, but in this posting from Dr Mercola there was a comment about always drinking "pure water".  I have been researching the health benefits of water for the past 6 months for buisness related purposes.  Although I have been serioulsy interested in health for the past 7 years, I was very surprised at what I discovered.  There is a large debate going on in the water industry regarding the use of "pure water", "filtered water", "distilled water", "bottled water", and "mineral water".  The fact is that the WHO (World Health Organisation) has released several documents outlining the dangers of drinking "demineralised water" (distilled, filtered, or low mineral content) but are under significant pressure to not release firm guidelines due to serious pressure from the water industry.  A long and complex background.

There is a reason why water treatment companies add a certain levels of minerals to the water they produce.  It is to stop it corroding metal pipes, fittings and storage vessels.  Very pure water "absorbs" minerals easily, it is a very agressive substance.  The studies that have been carried out, which some argue are not extensive enough or specific enough, indicate that a certain range and composition of minerals in water is important for good health.  But there is enough evidence for "the German Society for Nutrition to warn the public against drinking distilled water" (WHO document) and for International Symposiums to be held on this subject.

The Rome Nutrient Minerals in Drinking Water WHO Workshop - November11-13, 2003

International Symposium on Health Aspects of Calcium and Magnesium in Drinking Water - April24-26, 2006

WHO - Nutrients in Drinking Water 2005 - pg148 (document)

These are just a few.  Please research this yourself, the subject is more detailed than you might think.  I was shocked that the current evidence could be "overlooked as very, very important by the powers that be".

live well


 
heimdall
Novice User Novice User, Joined On 11/2007
heimdall  
Replied

VedicCity
Novice User Novice User Joined On 3/2008
VedicCity  
 
Posted On Mar 25, 2008

I figured out on my own that water is our natural source of minerals, therefore, I avoid RO (reverse osmosis). My concern is, how do I find a water filter that filters out the harmful chemicals and "bad" minerals without removing the good minerals? Any suggestions anyone? Thanks.



LHen
Novice User Novice User Joined On 1/2008
LHen  
 
Posted On Mar 25, 2008

You can add natural salt (containing minerals) to your water (which is what Heimdall says companies do anyway) . Beware the "Himalayan" salts as they can contain a lot of fluoride, which you want to avoid. We use "real salt" which is from ancient beds in Utah, which I love as I have been trying to buy American anyway! I add some to our distilled drinking water, and we also use it liberally on/in foods. Sometimes I add extra for my own consumption as I have very low blood pressure.



mrose
Novice User Novice User Joined On 9/2006
mrose  
 
Posted On Mar 25, 2008

I too would like to know about which filter to use?  And LHen, how does the flouride get in the "Himalayan" salts? Is it a natural occurence?   I use "Real Salt" (brand name?, I think) from our healthfood store.  How much do you add to your water without making it taste salty?  I sprinkle a little over my coffee grounds when making coffee in the morning without increased salt taste.  



Alro
Novice User Novice User Joined On 9/2006
Alro  
 
Posted On Mar 25, 2008

what the heck?!?!?    himalayan salt contains fluoride?  but Utah salt does not?  its getting to the point where you don't know who to believe.  so......howzabout some documentation on that?  who says himalayan salt is high in fluoride?  isnt it just as ancient as your utah salt?  and why would there be more fluoride in the himalayas?  



DitchDiggingDave
Novice User Novice User Joined On 8/2006
DitchDiggingDave  
 
Posted On Mar 25, 2008

VedicCity see www.berkeywater.com/start.main.html



mrose
Novice User Novice User Joined On 9/2006
mrose  
 
Posted On Mar 25, 2008

do you have any websites available on this subject:  If so, please post or email to mrosedawson@gmail.com - thanks...



mark davis
Novice User Novice User Joined On 9/2006
mark davis  
 
Posted On Mar 25, 2008

For information on the best water that you can possibly drink go to www.knowyourwater.com



ohnaturel
Novice User Novice User Joined On 6/2006
ohnaturel  
 
Posted On Mar 25, 2008

LHen, there has been many articles about the himalayan salts, and yes there is fluoride, but it is calcium fluoride, not the kind that harm you, and there is likely some in the salts from Utah. Stick to the real Himalayan salts and you'll be good to go.



veronica_3
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 11/2006
veronica_3  
 
Posted On Mar 25, 2008

VerdicCity: I buy deep well spring water. It has minerals (that is why I buy it) and I check the water supplier. The have test results on the wells they tap water from. Mine does not have fluoride, lead, etc. so I buy it. My supplier is Culligan (southern Nevada). I also buy Arrowhead springs, (deep well Canada), Crystal Geyser and Trader Joe's (original California Arrowhead well) in the market. There are many other deep well water resources. Spring water can turn green with algae if left in the sun, but it is not poisonous. Just keep your dispenser away from the sun.

I avoid purified because it pulls needful minerals from the body also. I have read that it is especially harmful for people with heart problems who need those minerals and my guess would be for osteo patients and ADD/ADHD too. Mineral deficiency is an important problem is the US because of our diet.

Just a note that sodium fluoride is the "bad" fluoride. All mineral forms are not alike. Just like sodium bicarbonate is not the same as sodium chloride other forms of fluoride are not the same a soduim fluoride. The original studies about fluoride and teeth were regarding stannous fluoride and it is not harmful.

Despite the fluoride, I drink green tea regularly. Since I started, I rarely get colds, flu, and my allergies improved. The anti-oxidants are awesome and prevent bad breath and cancer too! Drink up!



ozone Jerry
Novice User Novice User Joined On 9/2007
ozone Jerry  
 
Posted On Mar 25, 2008

WE have been working with ozone for years and feel it is the best way to clean water.



vrbaetim
Novice User Novice User Joined On 6/2006
vrbaetim  
 
Posted On Mar 26, 2008

I've often wondered about making distilled water from a solar distiller then adding food gradediatomaceous earth to distilled water(not swimming pool stuff).

I researched buying DE and the company provided the tested results of all the minerals in it-quite a few. I wonder if there's a way to determine whether or how much would change distilled water to a less corrosive acceptable drinking water?

What do you think?

Kerry



otgary
Users with negative points NoviceUser Joined On 6/2006
otgary  
 
Posted On Mar 26, 2008

It's safer and under your control to start with pure water and add organic minerals, such as organic fulvic minerals, etc.



worldwellness
Novice User Novice User Joined On 6/2006
worldwellness  
 
Posted On Apr 21, 2008

I am a water consultant and have been studying water for ten years i agree wholeheartedly. Please check out the website watercure2.org and a fantastic book called The Bodies Many Cries For Water. The only water filter i recommend that really does the job is Nikken's PiMag and Optimiser


 
 
 
Posted On Mar 10, 2008
They used "extract" that's probably alot more potent than drinking the tea.
Anyway, they could've just asked Oprah.

 
Dekalb
Savvy User Savvy User, Joined On 6/2006
Dekalb  
Replied

LMRATS
Novice User Novice User Joined On 3/2008
LMRATS  
 
Posted On Mar 11, 2008
I see others share my concern. I like Green Tea but I am concerned with the processing also. Any one brand better than another or can I take a Green Tea supplement an be ahead of the processing (harms)?
TIA


qualitygeek
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 10/2007
qualitygeek  
 
Posted On Mar 11, 2008
LMRATS:

they are not organic, but I like STASH green chai tea & Good Earth Green Tea blend - I don't normally add anything except ice (if I am wanting a cold drink rather than a hot one)

 
 
 
Posted On Mar 10, 2008
I am suspicious of a lot the green teas currently on the market that contain other flavours, presumably to try and make them more interesting. On the odd occasion that I do drink green tea, I prefer to have the pure unadulterated tea.

 
Aaltrude
Moderator User Moderator User, Joined On 4/2007
Aaltrude  
Replied

qualitygeek
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 10/2007
qualitygeek  
 
Posted On Mar 11, 2008
I only add a slice of lemon to my tea -  I'm not fond of sweet tea...

There are no bottled teas on the market I'd buy...I've participated in a couple of beverage surveys & I always provide FB encouraging less processing & no sweetening (artifical or otherwise)

 
 
 
Posted On Mar 11, 2008
I am, like Aaltrude, suspicious of the marketing aspects.  Nothing against green tea, but if it has been grown with pesticides, run through the mill and processed, and flavor "enhanced" it becomes JUNK food.

 
mama bear
Apprentice User Apprentice User, Joined On 6/2006
mama bear  
 
 
 
Posted On Mar 11, 2008
If you have acne or rosacea, you may want to consider avoiding green tea and any other caffeine-laced food product altogether.

 
savagesteve13
Novice User Novice User, Joined On 6/2007
savagesteve13  
 
 
 
 
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