Clinton honors 43 schools for anti-obesity efforts (AP)

AP - Former President Clinton is honoring 43 schools for their anti-obesity efforts, including one that banished candy from its building and another that offers a student fitness club.

The Japanese have a reputation for health and longevity. Is that because they drink up to ten cups of green tea every day?

The polyphenols, or catechins, in green tea are twice as beneficial as red wine's resveratrol. However, when it comes to fully enumerating the health benefits of green tea, there is much more to be said. Green tea . . .

- helps weight loss,

- prevents buy branched chain amino acid forms of cancer,

- slows aging,

- lowers blood pressure, bad cholesterol and blood sugar levels,

- prevents heart disease and other serious illnesses

- delays the onset of diabetes,

- minimizes Alzheimer's Disease,

- slows allergic responses,

- strengthens the body's immune system, and

- prevents arthritis and tooth decay.

The list is almost too good to be true, but the literature is replete with research studies supporting these green tea health benefits. The antioxidant, free radical scavenging properties of green tea act through multiple mechanisms to support overall health and well-being. Free radicals are highly reactive oxygen molecules that can damage cells and make an individual more susceptible to cancer, heart disease, and many other degenerative diseases.

Population studies in Japan have proven the health benefits derived from regular consumption of green tea (Camellia Sinensis). These benefits are due to the presence of polyphenols, or catechins, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is the primary substance responsible for green tea's powerful antioxidant protection in the body. Polyphenols are a powerful class of bioflavonoids that have been shown to greatly assist in the destruction of oxidation forming free radicals. Although present in teas, aromatherapy and tinctures, the highest concentrations of Green Tea's active ingredients can be found in capsule form.

Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) has been known and cultivated in China for centuries. Green tea has a slightly bitter taste. To be sure to get all the benefits of green tea, scientists say 8-10 cups are needed every day. There is a better way for most people to realize the benefits of green tea, and that is through the use of green tea extracts. Doses can be regulated and taken dhea a regular schedule, usually once a day.

According to the University of bcaa Medical Center, if one is being currently treated with any of the following medications, one should not drink green tea or take green tea extract without first consulting a physician:

- adenosine,

- antibiotics including beta-lactam,

- aspirin,

- benzodiazepines,

- beta-blockers including propranolol and metoprolol,

- blood thinning medications including warfarin,

- chemotherapy medications,

- clozapine,

- ephedrine,

- lithium,

- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs),

- oral contraceptives, and

- phenylpropanolamine.

Any herbal extract should be standardized. Standardization of an extract assures specific, measurable levels of the important compounds that benefit the body. Standardized extracts need to be GMP compliant. (GMP is a subset of Food and Drug Administration regulations.)

Check with your doctor before taking herbal or diet supplements and starting a weight loss program. Always consult a health professional for your healthcare needs. Content is for informational purposes only and not for treating a health problem or concern.

DietVantage.com offers eleven different brands of green tea tablets, pills and capsules; http://www.dietvantage.com

Mel Thompson
http://www.dietvantage.com/
-offering eleven different brands of green tea tablets, pills and capsules, each discounted and with a detailed description. mel@dietvantage.com