Green Tea Catechins Boost the Body’s Immune System

The Chinese have known the healing power of green tea for generations. Many believe that the unprocessed tea leaves can help to prevent or even cure many chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer and dementia. Volumes of scientific evidence now provide compelling proof that the active polyphenol found in green tea (EGCG) has the power to increase the number of regulatory immune support T-cells.

T-cells play a crucial role in the suppression of autoimmune diseases including the terminal condition ALS (Lou Gehrig`s disease). Research published in the journal Immunology Letters demonstrates that regular consumption of green tea can help your innate immune system to operate at peak efficiency to fight invading pathogens.

EGCG from Green Tea Consumption Improves Immune Response to Pathogens

Autoimmune diseases occur as the result of an imbalance in the immune system that results in the body mounting an attack against itself. Immune T-cells are critical in providing a defensive shield that can protect against cancer proliferation and a host of diseases where the body recognizes healthy cells and organs as foreign. T-cells also help to control systemic inflammation and can dampen the inappropriate response to normal cells seen in autoimmune conditions.

Scientists conducting this study found that EGCG found in green tea was responsible for a significantly higher number and frequency of regulatory T-cells found in the spleen and lymph nodes, helping to control the immune response. They found that EGCG did not directly affect the genetic DNA, but did influence gene expression that determines how the genetic material is switched on or off as a response to food consumption. Epigenetic regulation is a rapidly emerging science that explains the extensive health benefits seen with a natural diet.

Green Tea Polyphenols Fight Systemic Inflammation to Prevent Chronic Illnesses

Emily Ho, associate professor and research author from the Oregon State University Department of Nutrition commented with reference to EGCG “This appears to be a natural, plant-derived compound that can affect the number of regulatory T-cells, and in the process improve immune function.” Researchers found a dual role for green tea polyphenols include boosting T-cell production and fighting cellular inflammation. Both mechanisms are critical in fighting conditions exacerbated by chronic inflammation such as cancer and heart disease as well as autoimmune disorders.

Studies that involve regular consumption of naturally occurring foods and extracts are rapidly mounting to explain the importance of the foods we eat on our genetic health. Genes are expressed immediately following each meal and directly influence the progression of disease and the prevention of most chronic conditions.

Researchers conducting this study concluded “Epigenetic regulation can be potentially exploited in generating suppressive regulatory T cells for therapeutic purposes, and is of significant clinical importance for the suppression of autoimmune diseases.” Although this study did not publish the dietary equivalent of green tea used to achieve their results, similar studies have recommended consuming 2 to 4 cups of green tea daily or 500 mg of a standardized EGCG extract for optimal health benefits.

Green Tea and Cocoa Extracts Reduce Diabetes Risk, Extend Lifespan

New research published in the Journal of Nutrition provides evidence that potent epicatechin flavonoids from extracts of green tea and cocoa lower the destructive effects of high blood sugar. This can effectively prevent damage that ravages the major organs and especially the coronary arteries lining the heart muscle. Diabetes is a disease that is growing at an epidemic rate and decreases life expectancy by as much as eight years.

Death occurs as a result of complications from multiple chronic conditions. Scientists found that epicatechin flavonoids inhibit the cellular damage caused by rising blood sugar levels and can prevent damage to the heart and liver. Regular supplementation can improve life expectancy by halting organ damage leading to chronic illness.

Green Tea Extracts Shown to Lower Diabetes Risk in Later Life

This body of research was conducted using five-week old diabetic mice known to present similar metabolic characteristics to humans. Mice were provided drinking water containing .25% epicatechin flavonoids for a period of 15 weeks. This group was compared with lean mice acting as a control. At the end of the study, half of the non-diabetic control mice had died compared with only 8.4% of the diabetic mice provided the epicatechin-supplemented drink. Both groups received the same diet and there was no difference in body weight as the study concluded.

Treatment with the epicatechin-infused water resulted in a significant reduction in deterioration of the aortic vessel of the heart and the liver. Additionally less fat was found to accumulate in the liver of the treated mice, an important factor known to cause progression of metabolic diseases including diabetes and lipid abnormalities. One of the most striking findings in the supplemented animals was a reduced level of systemic inflammation caused by oxidized LDL cholesterol and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).

Cocoa and Green Tea Flavonoids Demonstrate Anti-Aging Properties

Many prior studies have demonstrated that sustained high levels of IGF-1 in the circulating blood are consistent with chronic disease and shortened life span. Because of the effect exerted by epicatechin compounds extracted from green tea and cocoa products, the study authors determined that the data derived "further suggests that epicatechin may be a food-derived, anti-aging compound given the important role of IGF-1 in regulating the life span of organisms."

The potent health-inducing nature of green tea has been in evidence for more than 5,000 years as countless Asian generations have cultivated the plant for medicinal purposes. Nutrition advisors recommend taking 2 to 4 cups of fresh brewed green tea each day or supplementing with 250 to 500 mg of the EGCG active compound found in green tea to lower disease risk and increase healthy lifespan.

Green Tea Consumption Shown to Lower Body Weight and Fat Accumulation

Compelling evidence presented in the journal Nutrition Research makes the firm connection between green tea consumption, lowered body weight and reduced levels of dangerous belly fat. Drinking between 5 and 8 cups of green tea each day was shown to lower body weight by 5.6% and decrease abdominal fat stores by 17.8% over a period of 8 weeks.

Green tea consumption has long been associated with lowered risk of cancer, metabolic syndrome and heart disease. This research provides compelling evidence that green tea boosts metabolism to target fat stores and assists weight loss efforts.

Green Tea is Shown to Help Weight Management Goals

Green tea extracts have been researched extensively over the past decade and are shown to dramatically lower the risk of Alzheimer`s disease and dementias, cardiovascular disease and many forms of cancer. Additional studies have shown that the polyphenols in green tea are a significant factor in improved oral health and can provide necessary support for weight management and control. Green tea is composed of four primary polyphenols (epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and epicatechin) that are shown to influence genetic signaling and metabolic rate.

The study was conducted by Polish researchers and used an animal model to determine weight loss and fat accumulation characteristics. The researchers also analyzed cardiovascular risk factors and atherogenesis over an 8 week period. The animals were fed a high fat diet and drank green tea made from either a 1.1% or 2% extract of the active phenolic compound. The results indicate that body weight and fat reduction are dose dependent with maximum results (5.6% lower body weight, 17.8% fat reduction) achieved with the 2% extract.

Green Tea Improves Arterial Elasticity and Reduces Cardiovascular Risks

Researchers also found that both concentrations of green tea extract reduced atherogenesis (initial loss of coronary artery elasticity leading to artery hardening and future heart disease) by 14.3% compared to non-supplemented subjects. The study authors did not determine the mechanism for cardiovascular risk reduction. Prior research has shown that the potent antioxidant content of green tea is responsible for significantly lowered levels of oxidized LDL cholesterol and increased particle size that are consistent with reduced heart disease risk.

This study used the equivalent of 5 to 8 cups of green tea consumed each day to achieve optimal weight management, fat reduction and cardiovascular risk reversal. Researchers found that the green tea concentration is important to achieve optimal weight lowering results. Drink 6 cups of fresh brewed, non-fluoridated green tea daily (or take a standardized green tea extract supplement) to help prevent coronary artery disease, assist weight loss and boost fat reduction efforts.

Compounds in Natural Fruits and Vegetables Lower Cancer Risk

Natural compounds commonly found in many fruits and vegetables are among the most powerful agents we have in our dietary arsenal to combat many forms of cancer. Flavonoids and proanthocyanidins have evolved as a protective mechanism for a variety of different plants and play a critical role in preventing disease in humans.

Our body uses these powerhouse nutrients to lower inflammation, reduce blood pressure and fight the aging effect of free radicals. New research shines a bright light on the cancer fighting capacity of flavonoids you need in your diet to provide optimal disease protection.

Study Finds Significant Risk Reduction for Many Cancer Lines

The results of a study published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer conducted in Italy over the past 20 years found that a high flavonoid diet played a key role in cancer prevention. Study participants with the highest intake of flavonoids and proanthocyanidins demonstrated a 44% lower risk of oral cancer and a 40% reduced occurrence of laryngeal cancer. Incidence of colon cancer was lowered by a third and reductions in breast, ovarian and kidney cancers were noted as well.

The study authors attributed the findings to the powerful antioxidant, anti-mutagenic and anti-proliferative properties of the dietary compounds commonly consumed by the participants in the study They conclude “The findings from this large network of Italian case-control studies have provided support for an apparent protective role of flavanones on upper aerodigestive tract cancers; flavonols, anthocyanidins, and proanthocyanidins on colorectal cancer; flavonols and flavones on breast cancer; isoflavones on ovarian cancer; and flavonols on renal cancer.”

Including Flavonoids in Your Diet to Prevent Cancer

Health conscious individuals will want to take advantage of these essential nutrients to achieve optimal disease protection. Include some of these flavorful options in your diet every day to lower your risk of many deadly cancer lines.

Black, Green and White Tea: All members of the tea family are packed with a special group of flavonoids known as flavonols (catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate). Research has shown that these powerful flavonoids work directly on replicating DNA sequences to prevent mutations that lead to cancer initiation. Drink 2 to 4 cups of fresh brewed tea daily.

Garlic, Leeks and Onions: Quercetin is the key flavonoid in this family of vegetables. Known for its ability to spark the immune system into action, quercetin is rapidly taking its place at the top of the antioxidant pyramid. Some people have trouble eating garlic and onions due to the sharp taste so supplementing may be a good option.

Blueberries, Acai Berries and Grapes: Humans have been eating berries and grapes since early in our history. The flavonoids in these foods have been shown to help our immune system attack and destroy rogue cancer cells before they have a chance develop and become malignant. Enjoy 1 to 2 servings of these super foods for maximum cancer protection.

Diet is our most powerful agent in the fight against many diseases. Adding natural foods including those packed with flavonoids gives our body the ammunition to fight many dangerous lines of cancer so we can live a life free of disease.

Green Tea and Fish Oil Promote Health and Assist Weight Loss

Green tea and the Omega-3 fatty acid DHA combine to provide a powerful natural shield against certain forms of cancer, heart disease, stroke and dementia while assisting weight loss and maintenance. Both of these nutrients directly target gene sequences which have been shown to lower disease risk while increasing base metabolism to burn more calories.

Include green tea and DHA in your nutritional arsenal to prevent a wide array of potentially lethal illnesses and reach your ideal weight loss goal.

Harness the Power of Green Tea Against Cancer

The active antioxidant compound in green and white tea is Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which has been shown to exert significant anti-cancer properties by fighting development and proliferation of rogue cells. EGCG works by switching off the genes responsible for cancer initiation while influencing natural cell death to prevent replication. Chemical components of green tea further help to cut off the blood supply cancer cells need to grow while lowering levels of dangerous systemic inflammation known to promote cancer as well as many other diseases.

Green Tea Boosts Metabolism

The results of a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition provide evidence that EGCG increases fat oxidation by 33% through accelerated metabolism. Green tea has also been shown to inhibit fat cell formation and improve excretion of fat from abdominal adipose tissue. This study found that fat was burned at a higher rate for 2 hours after eating and deceased rapidly after that point. The study authors recommend drinking green tea or supplementing with EGCG prior to eating for maximum benefit.

The researchers also noted that higher intake of green tea or EGCG does not necessarily translate into increased levels of fat oxidation. Fresh brew your own green tea or use low dose EGCG supplements (300 mg or less) to receive the full fat metabolism effect.

DHA Provides Support for the Heart and Brain

DHA is one of two Omega-3 fats found in fish and distilled fish oil. DHA has been shown to lower levels of inflammation, provide a thinning effect to blood platelets to prevent clotting and reduce dangerous triglycerides in the blood. These benefits all contribute to the heart health benefits of DHA as research demonstrates that supplementation can cut the risk of sudden death from a heart attack by one-third.

DHA is the preferred fat used in brain cell neurons as well as most other cells in the body. Its unique properties allow for oxygen and nutrients to easily pass through the cell wall. When this vital fat is deficient, other fats must be used which create a stiffer cell membrane leading to cellular death and disease.

DHA Prevents Fat Accumulation

DHA works by influencing genes which control blood sugar, insulin secretion and fat accumulation. This Omega-3 fat targets the bioactive white adipose cells and affects how triglycerides in the blood are either burned for fuel or allowed to be stored as fat. The results of a study published in the International Journal of Obesity demonstrate the addition of DHA and Omega-3 fats increased weight loss in a group of overweight men by 28% compared to those who didn`t supplement.

It’s no surprise that natural nutrients and supplements act to promote health and assist weight loss. Green tea and DHA fats are prime examples of an intricate mechanism evolved over generations which our body uses to support our health. Incorporate these powerful nutrients into your lifestyle for improved quality of life and longevity.

Curcumin, Garlic and Green Tea Lower Risk of Chronic Disease

(Article first published as Powerful Nutrient Trio Protects the Brain and Heart on Technorati.)

Humans have relied on natural extracts and powerful nutrients to prevent disease and maintain health for countless generations. The typical diet consists mostly of foods that have been heavily processed so that most of the vitamins and minerals we need to sustain optimal health have been eliminated. 

Estimates are that only 1 in 20 people consumes the minimum daily recommendation of 5 servings of vegetables and fruits. Most individuals are therefore deficient in a wide array of phytonutrients supplied by fresh produce that are essential for disease prevention. You can improve your health by adding these natural nutrients to your diet or supplemental arsenal.

Curcumin Shown to Protect the Brain and Liver

Curcumin is the active component of the Indian spice, tumeric that gives curry its deep yellow color. This potent antiviral is known to provide critical protection to the brain as it can easily cross the blood-brain barrier. Researchers have shown that the spice extract can effectively inhibit the formation of brain plaque that is associated with Alzheimer`s disease and other neurological disorders such as Parkinson's.

New research published in the journal Endocrinology confirms how curcumin can help prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver. Fatty liver disease is a potentially fatal affliction that worsens with excess body weight and obesity. The liver is our primary organ responsible for filtering toxins from the blood as well as hundreds of other important metabolic functions within our body. Any natural nutrient that can help keep fat from clogging the normal activity of our liver is critical to our health.

Garlic Dramatically Lowers Risk from Many Cancer Lines

Sulfur is the active compound that makes garlic difficult for many to eat raw and also contributes to its long list of health benefits. Our body uses the breakdown of sulfur to power a process known as methylation. Through this chain of chemical reactions our body is able to perform many critical functions that promote healthy immune response and clear waste products from our cells.

The result of a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrates that a diet including garlic (and onions) was inversely related to the risk of many forms of cancer. Pancreatic cancer risk was lowered by 54%, prostate cancer by 51% and colon cancer rates were cut in half. Researchers believe that an improved immune response is behind the cancer fighting ability associated with garlic.

Green Tea in the Fight Against Obesity and Heart Disease

The catechins in green tea (EGCG) have been known for their ability to fight diseases ranging from cancer to dementia and heart disease. Extensive research has shown that EGCG can effectively inhibit the blood supply required for the development and proliferation of cancer cells. Risk for developing deadly lung cancer was reduced by 66% in participants taking a concentrated form of green tea extract.

Green tea is also a powerful tool in the fight against heart disease. Information published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition explains how EGCG increases the oxidation of fat by boosting metabolism. This action assists in weight loss by increasing base metabolic rate. Green tea also lowers the risk of coronary artery disease by limiting oxidized LDL cholesterol that causes arterial plaque.

Natural antiviral nutrients are vital to our health. Those interested in lowering their risk of cancer, heart disease, dementia and liver dysfunction should be certain to include these powerful compounds through diet or supplementation.

Green Tea Lowers Risk of Alzheimer's Disease and Cognitive Decline

(Article first published as Harness the Healing Capacity of Green Tea to Prevent Chronic Disease on Technorati.)

The healing capacity of green tea has been understood and cultivated by the Chinese for more than 5,000 years. Western medicine has been very slow to embrace the many health benefits attributed to drinking green tea, as it has been with many super foods known to lower the risk of chronic disease.

Researchers now have conclusive scientific evidence that green tea can protect the brain against developing Alzheimer`s disease and can play a vital role in protecting the body against cancer. Health-minded individuals can take advantage of the ancient Chinese tradition of drinking green tea each day to naturally protect their health.

Green Tea Becomes a Powerful Antioxidant When Digested

Green tea contains compounds known as catechins (EGCG) that are powerful antioxidants known to scavenge free radicals and lower the risk from many illnesses. In the past, scientists have been unable to validate the specific effect of these catechins once they are broken down in the body through digestion. We now have confirmation that EGCG becomes more potent when subjected to post-digestive enzymes in the stomach.

Scientific research conducted at Newcastle University and published in the journal Phytomedicine explains how our body activates green tea compounds to provide enhanced disease protection. Lead researcher Dr. Ed Okello found “when green tea is digested by enzymes in the gut, the resulting chemicals are actually more effective against key triggers of Alzheimer's development than the undigested form of the tea."

The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer`s disease that is known to be a progressive and irreversible disorder resulting in loss of cognitive function. It is widely accepted that the disease is the result of damage from hydrogen peroxide free radicals and an inability to efficiently clear amyloid beta proteins that form brain plaques.

Green Tea Extract Shown to Protect the Aging Brain

In this study, researchers showed that compounds in the post-digestive tea extract were able to selectively bind with toxic chemicals in the brain and protect the delicate neurons and synapses that are essential to learning and forming new memories. Dr. Okello explained “green tea has been used in Traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and what we have here provides the scientific evidence why it may be effective against some of the key diseases we face today."

In addition to being a powerful neuroprotective agent, green tea compounds are effective anti-cancer agents. The study authors were able to show that the digested tea catechins were able to slow the growth of tumor cells in an experimental cancer model. A strong association has always existed between green tea consumption and lowered risk from cancer and this study provides conclusive evidence of the healing power of this natural agent.

Green tea has stood the test of time for more than five millennia and is finally validated as a critical tool in our health management regimen. Most adults will want to drink 2 to 4 cups of green tea each day to take advantage of the healing benefits of this natural super food.

Add Green Tea to Your Anti-Aging and Weight Loss Nutrient Arsenal

(Article first published as Add Green Tea to Your Anti-Aging and Weight Loss Nutrient Arsenal on Technorati.)

Would you drink a beverage that has repeatedly been shown to fight cancer initiation and proliferation, prevent damaging genetic mutations and negate the effects of free radicals that cause the outward signs of aging? Green tea and members of the tea family including black and white teas have passed the test of time dating back countless generations and have demonstrated essential health advantages in extensive research studies over the past decade. You can take advantage of the numerous anti-aging benefits from drinking 2 to 4 cups of fresh brewed tea each day.

Green Tea Shields Against Free Radicals

Most health experts agree that free radicals are the root cause of aging. Free radicals are created through the normal processes of breathing, eating and physical activity. The negatively charged particles rip through the cell nucleus where they can knock out critical components to the DNA sequence. Mutations follow and the risk of many types of cancer is dramatically heightened. Anything that can neutralize these particles before they have a chance to damage our genetic material will slow the aging process and protect us from disease.

Two Cups of Green Tea Daily Protects Against DNA Damage

Green tea has been shown to provide needed protection against free radicals. The results of a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition shows that subjects that consumed just 2 cups of green tea daily for a month were able to lower their level of DNA damage by 20%. The natural polyphenol in green tea known as ECGC has been shown to be particularly effective in lowering risk in a host of cancer cell lines including prostate, colon, esophagus, bladder and pancreas.

ECGC Shown to Halt Cancer Growth

The results of a study published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research demonstrated that men with prostate cancer were able to lower predictive markers of cancer progression by as much as 30%. Participants supplemented with 1.3 grams of green tea extract each day which is the equivalent of 12 cups of fresh brewed tea. ECGC has been shown to protect cells from DNA damage and can also inhibit new blood vessel formation that cancer cells need to proliferate.

Green Tea Assists in Weight Management

One of the serious effects of obesity is a dramatic rise in systemic inflammation that leads to the onset of many potentially fatal diseases. The body activates our white T-cells in an attempt to calm the flames of inflammation. Researchers reporting in the British Journal of Nutrition have discovered that T-cells are fewer and less efficient in overweight and obese individuals. When obese subjects were supplemented with ECGC, their T-cell numbers multiplied and were activated to fight inflammation. This boosted immune response against pathogens and assisted natural weight loss efforts.

Many people take aging in stride with the misinformed belief that it is normal and inevitable. Forward thinking alternative health advocates understand that aging is a disease that can be prevented and treated with a healthy diet and targeted natural supplementation. Green tea provides a host of essential polyphenol nutrients that have been used for generations to protect us from disease and the ravages of aging.

Diet Soda Doesn't Help Weight Loss Efforts

(Article first published as Diet Soda Shown to Hinder Weight Loss Efforts on Technorati.)

With millions of Americans crossing from the overweight to obese classification each year, it’s no wonder that so many people are looking for an aid to ensure their weight loss success. In addition to diet pills, formulas and bariatric surgery, one of the most popular tools that people use are artificially sweetened beverages.

At first glance this makes sense. After all, a 12 ounce serving of the typical sugary soft drink tips the scales around 150 calories. And most people drink more than one each day. When doing the math, sweetened beverage calories can really have a significant impact on your ability to lose weight. But are diet drinks really the answer?

Diet Drinks Lead to Calorie Misconceptions

The mind is a powerful tool to harness in your quest for weight loss success. It can also lead to failure, especially when using weight loss substitutes such as diet drinks. The problem arises when you consciously make the effort to replace a day’s worth of sweetened beverage calories with a diet alternative. Many people underestimate the number of calories they cut and eat more food thinking they can make up some of the difference.

In reality, research has shown that people take in up to 20% more calories than they eliminate from sweetened drinks. In theory, cutting calories from sugared drinks makes sense, but in reality our brain is accustomed to the extra calories and will ultimately coax you into subconsciously making up the difference. People with rock solid will power may be able to make drink substitution work, but there may still be another problem related to our body’s metabolism of sweets.

Artificial Sweeteners Trick the Brain

Humans have evolved an affinity toward eating sweet foods. From a survival perspective, sweet foods were usually a good source of high energy and helped our early ancestors thrive in an environment void of quick food sources. Today we live in a much different world with easy access to high calorie foods. Our genes are still programmed toward sweet tasting foods and manufacturers are more than willing to infuse our food and drink with massive amounts of sugar.

Artificially sweetened items have been shown to trick our body into thinking other sweet foods don’t have many calories and we are much more inclined to overeat as a consequence. The results of a study published in the International Journal of Obesity and reported on WebMD shows that when subjects are given artificially sweetened drinks over a period of 10 days, they are much more likely to overeat to compensate. Participants allowed to drink sweetened drinks registered the calories and did not overeat as a result.

Make the Switch to Black and Green Tea

Diet drinks are a popular tool used by many people trying to lose weight. Research has shown that they may be ineffective and can actually lead to weight gain. The best plan would be to substitute sugared and artificially sweetened drinks with health promoting tea. Both black and green teas are naturally low in calories and have a direct impact on lowering disease risk. Sweeten with stevia extract for a beverage that increases resting metabolism and can deliver successful weight loss results.

Super Foods That Help Weight Loss

(Article first published as Super Foods Assist Weight Loss and Control Diet on Technorati.)
While it may be true there’s no magical fat burning food, there are a number of super foods which assist the body to lose weight, or help to maintain a weight range once you’ve achieved your goal. These foods work by naturally controlling your hunger, increasing fat metabolism and burning extra calories for use as energy.

Fill Up on Fresh Vegetables and Limited Fruits

Fresh vegetables are the key to any healthy, well balanced weight loss program. No other food group can provide you with that important satisfied feeling which makes you stop eating. Vegetables are naturally low in calories and high in fiber which helps send the satiety signal to your brain that you’ve finished eating.

Equally important, vegetables are naturally low in sugars so your blood glucose remains stable and you won’t be tempted to snack on junk food between meals. Most fruits are high in fiber and nutrients, but should be limited in the diet due to their relatively high sugar content.

Include Healthy Protein Sources

Protein has rapidly taken on the status of super food for those looking to lose weight. This is because proteins are very complex molecules which require considerable energy for the body to break down. Because of this long protein breakdown cycle, the signal to stop eating is sent to your brain sooner, and you remain satisfied longer, meaning you’re less likely stray from your healthy diet plan.

Information published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition provides insight into foods which help to naturally increase our fat burning metabolism and allow us to better establish and maintain our target weight goal. Try incorporating these foods into your daily menu, as you slowly eliminate sugar, refined carbs, snacks and sweetened beverages.

Fresh Brewed Green and White Tea
Green and white teas are at the top of any food list which promotes weight loss. Very few food items have been studied as much as green tea for both their ability to naturally boost metabolism and the added health benefit of reduced cancer risk. Green tea, and to an even greater extent, the less processed white tea are packed with phytochemicals called catechins, known to stimulate metabolism and release stored fat.

Low Calorie, Fresh Green Salads

A fresh green salad is your best bet to fill your stomach without making a considerable dent in your daily calorie budget. The key here is to keep it low calorie. Many people include cheese, processed meats, potato salad, croutons and then top it off with a creamy dressing. Nutritional researchers found that those who ate a reduced calorie salad consisting of fresh greens, cucumbers, tomatoes and carrots ate 12% fewer calories at that meal. By comparison, those who consumed a high calorie salad took in 17% more calories.

Drink Plenty of Fresh Water
Water is considered a super weight loss food for a variety of reasons, but the most important is that it quenches thirst, replacing sweetened beverages which provide no nutrition and plenty of calories. Water is the fluid of life and drives virtually every cellular function in our body, including fat metabolism. There’s no need to count how many glasses you drink each day, just be sure to have some ready for when you become thirsty.

Selecting the correct foods to aid in your new weight loss lifestyle is an important first step which will deliver big rewards. Substitute these super foods into your diet, and slowly drop the high calorie alternatives which were the likely cause of your weight gain. Eating copious quantities of fresh greens and vegetables will not only help you realize your weight goal quicker, but you’ll feel more alive and energized for your efforts.

Burn Belly Fat and Lower Risk of Heart Disease

(Article first published as Tips to Help Burn Belly Fat on Technorati.)

Few people understand the health implications from a few extra pounds packed on the belly. Many consider weight gain a natural component to aging, yet nothing could be farther from the truth. Although metabolism decreases as we age, people continue to eat as they did when they were younger and the extra pounds suddenly appear.

Belly Fat Jumps Risk of Heart Disease
The most common area for fat to be deposited is in the abdomen, as this provided an evolutionary advantage to our early ancestors. Today, it’s much more than just an inconvenience as abdominal fat is metabolically active and causes the body to mount an immune attack leading to systemic inflammation and increased risk for heart disease.

Gaining 9 Pounds Initiates Heart Disease

The results of a study conducted at the Mayo Clinic and published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, highlight the importance of gaining weight, especially in the belly. Researchers studied young adults, and compared the changes in their arteries when they put on as little as 9 pounds. They were able to detect significant decreases in arterial blood flow which signaled the beginning of the process known as atherosclerosis. Losing the weight returned blood flow to normal.

Unfortunately most people don’t lose the weight and after decades of layering abdominal fat, heart disease takes root. The human body has an amazing capacity to heal itself when we provide the necessary tools through proper diet, regular exercise and stress reduction principles. Fitness experts encourage people to recognize the dire health risks of excess abdominal fat, and provide tips to target stubborn belly fat.

Tip 1: Eat Smaller Meals More Frequently

Eating several large high carbohydrate meals each day causes blood sugar levels to rise significantly, remaining elevated for hours as the content of the meal are digested. This ultimately leads to insulin resistance, increased cortisol levels and fat stored in the belly. Break meals down to 5 or 6 smaller portions eaten throughout the day, and cut the refined carbs and sugar. This will help to stabilize your blood sugar level, avoiding dangerous surges which can lead to metabolic dysfunction and diabetes.

Tip 2: Don’t Skip Breakfast and Include Protein
It’s amazing how many people avoid breakfast because they believe they’ll lose weight by avoiding the extra calories. Your body will instinctively signal you to eat more to compensate, and those calories are much more likely to be high calorie snack foods. Set aside time each morning to start your day with a healthy breakfast which will jump start your metabolism and drive calories burned for energy. Include a protein source, as this further stimulates fat metabolism.

Tip 3: Stay Hydrated, Drink Water and Green Tea
Water and non-sweetened drinks are your best tool to combat hunger and enable the body to release fat. While you don’t have to count the cups of water, always have some fluids near and dink whenever you feel hungry. Fluids have been shown to assist liver function, a key player in determining whether fat is stored or used for energy. Most teas and especially green and white tea are packed with antioxidants which naturally boost metabolism and drive fat release.

Excess belly fat is a significant cause for concern as it’s been demonstrated to decrease arterial blood flow, leading to the development of heart disease. Small amounts of weight packed around the abdomen are enough to initiate atherosclerosis, as it continues to progress over the years. Fortunately we can target belly fat using common sense lifestyle changes which encourage weight loss and help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Reduce Waist Size and Live Longer

(Article first published as Weight Loss Supplements: Which Work, Why? on Technorati.)

It’s no secret that American waistlines are continuing to expand, increasing the risk of disease and sudden death from an early age. The vast majority of overweight and obese individuals are conscious of their excess girth and would like to lose weight, but don’t fully understand the dire health consequences they face from those extra pounds.

Risk of Death Doubles with Waist Size
Large waist size is much more than an inconvenience, as it’s been shown to double the risk of death from all causes in both men and women. According to a report published in the Archives of Internal Medicine which reviewed more 100,000 people aged 50 or older, a waist size above 47” in men or 42” in women doubled the risk of dying.

While the study did not form a conclusion for the increased mortality rate, researchers recognize that abdominal fat is metabolically active and leads to hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance.

Control Your Diet, Extend Your Life

It’s important to understand the implications of this report, and how you can modify your diet and use targeted natural supplements to dramatically lower your risk of dying prematurely. A 100% increase in the risk of death is a very high price to pay for dietary indulgence, yet a large waist size is really the leading preventable cause of death.

Most people know that fresh vegetables are healthy and too much sugar is bad, but it’s very difficult to make the necessary changes to diet, even it could lower your chances of dying early. Begin by taking small steps and use substitutions, and don’t keep tempting foods in the kitchen! Remember that excess junk food is the reason your waist has expanded, and a well balanced diet is the key to reversal.

Replace pancakes each morning with a bowl of berries, eliminate refined carbs at a meal and replace with a serving of broccoli and forget sugary drinks and sweet desserts. You’ll find that after a couple of weeks you won’t even miss those unhealthy staples, and you’ll feel better as your waist size decreases.

Naturally Fuel Weight Loss

Once you’ve learned to control your diet and your waist size has begun to shrink, you should incorporate targeted natural supplements which have been proven effective in stimulating fat release. Stay far away from synthetic diet pills which will ultimately ruin your health. Natural supplements work with your own metabolism as they guide the release of fat from storage.

EGCG from Green Tea: Green tea extract specifically targets abdominal fat stores by inhibiting a brain neurotransmitter which controls metabolic rate and fat burn ability. Interestingly, research has shown that taking the extract in supplement form with meals is more effective than drinking green tea.

L-Carnitine: L-Carnitine is an amino acid which transports fats around the body, and is responsible for ushering fat into the cells where it’s used for energy, rather than being stored as fat. Taken with meals, L-Carnitine has demonstrated significant weight loss results when combined with proper diet.

Capsaicin: Capsaicin in the natural chemical responsible for that spicy kick when eating jalapenos and hot peppers. Capsaicin increases your base metabolic rate for hours, meaning you burn more calories at rest. Fortunately it’s best taken as a coated tablet to avoid potential digestive discomfort.

Sobering research provides important evidence that the excess size of your waist will ultimately determine your risk of dying, regardless of cause. This information should be sufficient to prompt health conscious individuals to correct their dietary shortcomings. Look to assistance from natural supplements in an effort to decrease your risk of unnatural death, lose weight and shrink your waistline for an improved quality of life.

Cut Sugar and Lose Weight Fast

(Article first published as Eliminate Sugar, Cut These Foods, Lose Weight Fast on Technorati.)

Americans consume 156 pounds of sugar for every man, woman and child each year, and this number is continuing to grow at an alarming rate. The vast majority doesn’t come from the sugar jar, but is conveniently hidden in foods you may never suspect. Sugar, and its evil cousin high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), are lurking in virtually every processed food available on supermarket shelves today, including salad dressings, soups and breads.

According to the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, diets high in fructose, the inexpensive sweetener used in soft drinks, candy, cookies and cakes, increases blood pressure and leads to increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Further, excessive sugar wreaks havoc on our blood sugar and insulin leading to metabolic diseases such as diabetes and certain forms of cancer.

While many people find it difficult to kick the sugar habit, mounting evidence indicates that long term health and weight loss goals can be significantly improved by eliminating sweets and replacing them with natural foods that we have evolved to eat. Cut as many foods as possible from the following list, and you’ll achieve rapid weight loss and reduced risk from disease.

1. Soft Drinks and Carbonated Beverages

The average can of soda contains 150 calories and 15 teaspoons of sugar. Many people drink 2 or 3 cans a day, and the worst part is the sweetener is HFCS which has been shown to alter how fat is stored, rather than burned by the body. Diet soda is not a good substitute, as it contains artificial sweeteners which can affect brain chemistry, mood and excitability. The best choice is black, green or white tea. All are packed with healthy antioxidants, and naturally increase the fat burning metabolism in your body.

2. White Flour and Wheat Based Foods

Flour based wheat breads and pasta are quickly transformed to glucose (sugar) in the mouth. Saliva breaks down these processed foods to extract the energy for immediate use, having the same effect as if you had eaten pure sugar. Since most flour has been highly refined, any nutrition is stripped away using a toxic bleach process. People find that when they eliminate wheat from their diet, they feel more energetic, have less brain fog and are finally able to lose weight effortlessly.

3. French Fries and Doughnuts
These foods are largely refined carbohydrates which have been fried. At 250 to 300 calories for an average serving they are a major contributor to the growing obesity problem in the US. They break down into simple sugars in minutes, and the worst part is the frying process produces glycated end products known to accelerate aging in the body.

4. Breakfast Cereals
Marketing efforts would make you believe that breakfast cereal is a healthy way to start your day. A single serving has 13 grams of sugar, and most have little nutritional value.

5. Cookies, Candy, Ice Cream and Desserts
Dessert items are loaded with 40 to 60 grams of sugar per serving, and many baked products contain deadly trans fats which are shown to increase the risk of developing heart disease by 25%. Be sure to fill up at each meal with plenty of leafy greens and vegetable to avoid the temptation of dessert.

Many of the foods we eat today have changed considerably from a generation ago. Most food was made at home from natural ingredients and eaten in much smaller quantities. More than 80% of the food eaten today is manufactured in a food laboratory, created to appeal to our insatiable desire for sugar and salt.

Sugar consumption has increased at a staggering rate, and our obesity epidemic has followed in its tracks. Eliminating the worst offending food groups will have a major impact on our risk from disease, with natural weight loss as a healthy lifestyle benefit.

Permanent Weight Loss For Life

(Article first published as Lose Weight and Keep it Off on Technorati.)

Many people understand the basic mechanics of weight loss – reduce calories and increase physical activity. If the solution is that simple, why has the number of overweight and obese individuals swollen to nearly three-quarters of the US adult population? The answer is far from simple, but clearly our nutrient poor diet and sedentary lifestyle are having a significant impact on our health and inability to drop weight.

Permanent weight loss is achieved by controlling calories and increasing physical activity. While these steps are proven to work, only a very small percentage of dieters are able to keep the weight off for good. Those who have tried to lose weight and failed can benefit from a multi-step approach which targets the root cause of stubborn fat deposits.

Don’t Drink Your Calories

Sugared drinks are a significant source of empty calories, and many people don’t even realize that as much as 25% of their total calories each day come in liquid form. Diet sodas are not the answer either, as research indicates that artificial sweeteners can alter our metabolism, halting weight loss. The best choice is to drink plenty of water (filtered if from a municipal system) or tea. Drinking 3 to 5 cups of tea each day has been shown to help trigger the release of stored fat, as well as improving chemical biomarkers for heart disease risk.

No Diet Pills: Use Natural Supplements

Diet pills marketers have created a multi-billion dollar industry which rarely produces weight loss results, and can jeopardize your health. These products work by artificially increasing heart rate and metabolism. This can result in a small temporary weight loss which is quickly regained after stopping the program. DHA Omega 3 fats from fish oil have been shown to reduce levels of inflammation in fat cells, meaning digested fat is burned instead of being stored. CLA is another addition to your weight loss arsenal, as it is proven to convert stored fat into lean muscle mass.

Eat Only When Hungry

This may sound like common sense, but we eat huge quantities of food out of boredom and not hunger. Eat 3 to 5 small meals per day, being certain to monitor portion and total calories. You should not become hungry between meals. Frequently we mistake thirst for hunger. When you think you’re receiving a hunger signal outside of meal time, drink an 8 ounce glass of water or tea and wait 10 minutes. More often than not, the hunger sensation was a misinterpreted demand for fluids. Feed your thirst and the sensation will disappear, as you avoid the high calorie snack attack.

There’s no substitute for calorie restriction and regular exercise when trying to lose weight, and any suggestion that a fad diet or pill will cause permanent weight loss is not in your best interest. Compliment your weight loss efforts with the addition of these important steps which will help you to shed those pounds for good. You’ll find you can keep the weight off for good as you improve your overall health and quality of life.

Natural Weight Loss Supplements

(Article First Published as Best Supplements for Natural Weight Loss on Technorati.)
Americans continue to lose the weight loss battle which is placing an ever increasing burden on personal health and our failing health care system. Many people have a strong desire to lose weight but are unable to make the dietary changes which will positively impact their well being and lifespan.

Medical researchers agree that the best way to achieve permanent weight loss is through calorie restriction and physical activity. Many people will turn to diet pills which work by artificially stimulating the body’s metabolism in an effort to trim weight.

Quick weight loss pills are not only dangerous, as they can lead to increased risk of heart disease and diabetes, but ultimately they fail to deliver the promised weight loss goal. In addition to diet and exercise, there are two types of natural supplements which can compliment your healthy lifestyle and deliver weight loss results: carb blockers and metabolism boosters.

Carb Blockers Aid Weight Loss

Refined carbohydrates rapidly turn to glucose immediately after being consumed. This can signal the beginning of metabolic dysfunction which leads to diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers through a process known as insulin resistance. Eventually, excess sugar from carbohydrates leads to weight gain as the body’s cells are unable to take up all the glucose from the blood, and the excess remains as sugar in circulation and eventually is converted to triglycerides and on to storage as fat.

Carbohydrate inhibitors work by blocking enzymes which are necessary to break down sugars during digestion. The sugar molecules remain intact and are less likely to remain in the blood and convert to fat. The two most common natural supplements are l-arabinose and chromium. Both have demonstrated the ability to reduce blood sugar levels by blocking sugar enzyme activity and by pushing glucose out of the blood and into the cells for conversion to energy. These supplements have been shown to be safe and effective and are also credited with controlling insulin spikes and naturally reducing blood pressure.

Another type of natural supplement assists in weight loss due to its effect on blocking the breakdown of starches in the stomach. Since starch is not fully broken down during digestion, calories are not completely extracted from those foods and are less likely to lead to weight gain. White bean extract and irvingia are the best known starch blockers which have powerful anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects.

Boost Metabolism for Day-Long Fat Burn Effect

Increased metabolism, where the body uses additional calories for energy while at rest and during physical activity is an important mechanism for encouraging weight loss and preventing weight gain. Green Tea Extract is the best known and most powerful supplement to kick-start a sluggish metabolism.

Research indicates that green tea can increase calories burned at rest by 4%. At first this may not seem like a significant amount, but studies confirm that this translates into a 40% increase in thermogenesis, which is a measure of the body’s own energy requirements. Further, green tea extract has been found to boost metabolism by increasing the fat burning capacity of the cells and doesn’t raise blood pressure.

Many people turn to dangerous fad diets and pills in an effort to lose weight. These drastic measures not only lead to increased risks from medical complications, but rarely lead to permanent weight loss. By combining proper diet, exercise and stress management with targeted carb blocker and metabolism boosting supplements, the reality of healthy weight loss is now within the reach of many who need to drop pounds without potential side effects.

Top Natural Weight Loss Supplements

As children and adults continue to wage a losing battle against excessive weight and obesity, the impact to health and longevity is beginning to take it's toll.  Dietary excess, lack of exercise and stress are contributing to skyrocketing levels of the major killers.  

Heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke and Alzheimer's account for over 60% of deaths annually.  Children and teens are the largest growing segment of this epidemic, as they are increasingly raised on a processed diet of sugar, refined carbohydrates and trans fats which have been stripped of essential nutrients and are directly linked to disease when consumed for extended periods.  Targeted supplementation has been shown to be effective as a compliment to a healthy diet and can fuel weight loss through unique metabolic mechanisms.

Green Tea Steps Up Metabolism

Green tea is packed with natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds known as polyphenol catechins.  EGCG is a catechin which combines with caffeine in the minimally processed green tea and is effective in increasing the Base Metabolic Rate in the body.  This means that calories are continually being burned at a higher rate resulting in reduced fat storage and weight loss.  

Green Tea has the added advantage of modulating the effect of insulin which determines whether carbohydrate calories are stored as fat or burned for fuel.  This is especially important for diabetics as the disorder is characterized by insulin resistance and improper uptake of glucose by the cells. 

Green Tea has been shown to assist in weight loss when combined with a regular fitness program and a diet which drastically restricts refined carbohydrates and highly processed manufactured foods in favor of plenty of raw vegetables, nuts, seeds, lean protein and healthy fats.

Resveratrol Mimics Calorie Restriction

Calorie Restriction has long been known as an effective means to extend lifespan in animals and can also lead to healthy weight loss as a result.  By reducing calories consumed by 25%, certain genetic survival mechanisms are triggered in the body.  Specifically, a group of genes called SIRT1 are sensitive to how much food we are eating, and can slow down or speed up our longevity genetics to ensure reproduction during times of famine.  

Most people today eat enough calories to prevent SIRT1 from activating, but studies are demonstrating that we can mimic Calorie Restriction by taking a powerful grape skin extract called Resveratrol.  Resveratrol works best as an adjunct to continued weight loss after calorie intake has been reduced, as it activates the SIRT1 genes to fuel fat metabolism.

 

DHA From Fish Oil Supports Weight Loss

Omega-3 fats from fish and fish oil have been credited with supporting heart and brain health, and now natural weight loss can be added to the impressive list of benefits.  The DHA component of fish oil is used by the body to construct the outer membrane of each cell, and when this fat is available from diet or supplementation, it creates a healthy cell wall which allows the proper influx of oxygen and nutrients.  

This permits the cell to operate efficiently, and in addition to helping prevent potentially serious diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's, DHA increases the metabolic rate of the cell which burns additional calories.  DHA directly influences how fat stores are released for use as energy and the regulation of blood sugar by the body.  Proper diet and exercise are essential to maximize the effectiveness of DHA.

A solid weight loss strategy is essential for every health conscious child and adult.  Hundreds of thousands of unnecessary deaths are recorded each year from the major killers, and lives can be spared by a sensible approach to diet and exercise.  Additionally, targeted powerhouse dietary supplements help to fuel fat burn and weight loss naturally, while providing major health benefits.  As with any health regime, supplements are only a part of the overall program, but they can provide key support toward an extended, disease-free life.