It's April Fools Day! Have you played a trick on anyone yet? I did (hehehe). Ok, it was kind of lousy, but I had to come out with something very early in the morning till my sister was sort of awake and aware of the day.
Play a trick on someone today! Here are the ground rules:
- the joke should not cause long-term harm
- you should expose the joke during the same day, preferably quickly enough
- play the trick before mid-day
- keep it in good taste i.e. don't hurt people's feelings too much
- take it all in good fun, even if someone plays a trick on you before yourself!
More on my thoughts on April Fools Day on my other blog http://www.esotericoffeehouse.com
Tuesday 31 March 2009
Thursday 26 March 2009
Iron Defficiency Anemia: What Iron-Rich Foods to Eat and What to Avoid
The first thing you should know is that there are several types of anemia, including:
- iron-deficiency anemia (the most common)
- sickle cell anemia (a disorder affecting African Americans)
- vitamin deficiency anemia
- blood loss anemia (due to internal bleeding)
This article will deal with iron-deficiency anemia, which is more common with women due to menstruation and pregnancy problems, but can occur in men as well.
Iron-deficiency anemia is usually detected through blood tests, as in case of an anemia the hemoglobin and red blood cells (RBCs) are lower than normal. Depending on the gravity of the anemia, the doctor you’re seeing might recommend iron tablets and other medication. In addition to this, you can help yourself recover faster by eating certain foods that will help restore the balance of iron in your body.
The following foods are recommended:
1. Liver: if you can stand it, liver is a great source of iron. Do not eat liver if you are pregnant, as it contains high traces of vitamin A, which may be harmful to the baby.
2. Red meats: eat plenty of steaks, as ‘rare’ as you can stand them. Beef and lamb steaks are particularly rich in iron.
3. Steamed mussels and oysters
4. Baked beans and chick peas
5. Iron-enhanced cereal, like Bran and Branflakes
6. Boiled Spinach
7. Boiled egg
8. Wholemeal bread
9. Canned Sardines
10. Tofu
11. Pumpkin and Sesame Seeds
12. Beets
Other foods that contain decent amounts of iron include: asparagus, broccoli, brown rice, banana, honey and lentils.
An important aspect to remember is that the iron from meat products (‘heme’ iron) is easily absorbed in the blood, while the one in vegetables is not. In order to improve the absorption of iron, vitamin C is needed, which you can procure from orange juice, tomatoes and lemons.
Another issue to recall is that polyphenol-rich foods deter the absorption of non-heme iron into the body. Examples include teas, coffee, cola-based products and chocolate.
Whatever iron-rich foods you choose to eat, it is important to remember that they may not be enough to restore your iron levels. Therefore, it is important to consult with your doctor about the necessity of taking any iron tablets, as well as to share with him the diet you would like to employ.
- iron-deficiency anemia (the most common)
- sickle cell anemia (a disorder affecting African Americans)
- vitamin deficiency anemia
- blood loss anemia (due to internal bleeding)
This article will deal with iron-deficiency anemia, which is more common with women due to menstruation and pregnancy problems, but can occur in men as well.
Iron-deficiency anemia is usually detected through blood tests, as in case of an anemia the hemoglobin and red blood cells (RBCs) are lower than normal. Depending on the gravity of the anemia, the doctor you’re seeing might recommend iron tablets and other medication. In addition to this, you can help yourself recover faster by eating certain foods that will help restore the balance of iron in your body.
The following foods are recommended:
1. Liver: if you can stand it, liver is a great source of iron. Do not eat liver if you are pregnant, as it contains high traces of vitamin A, which may be harmful to the baby.
2. Red meats: eat plenty of steaks, as ‘rare’ as you can stand them. Beef and lamb steaks are particularly rich in iron.
3. Steamed mussels and oysters
4. Baked beans and chick peas
5. Iron-enhanced cereal, like Bran and Branflakes
6. Boiled Spinach
7. Boiled egg
8. Wholemeal bread
9. Canned Sardines
10. Tofu
11. Pumpkin and Sesame Seeds
12. Beets
Other foods that contain decent amounts of iron include: asparagus, broccoli, brown rice, banana, honey and lentils.
An important aspect to remember is that the iron from meat products (‘heme’ iron) is easily absorbed in the blood, while the one in vegetables is not. In order to improve the absorption of iron, vitamin C is needed, which you can procure from orange juice, tomatoes and lemons.
Another issue to recall is that polyphenol-rich foods deter the absorption of non-heme iron into the body. Examples include teas, coffee, cola-based products and chocolate.
Whatever iron-rich foods you choose to eat, it is important to remember that they may not be enough to restore your iron levels. Therefore, it is important to consult with your doctor about the necessity of taking any iron tablets, as well as to share with him the diet you would like to employ.
Saturday 21 March 2009
Spring Troubles: Spring Fever, Asthenia, and Other Seasonal Disorders
Spring is almost here and I usually feel a bit moody this uncertain time of year as seasons change. A lot of people around me seem affected by similar ‘mood swings’ that include fatigue, insomnia, hyperactivity, or nervousness.
Spring-induced disorder is scientifically termed alternatively as “spring asthenia”, “spring fever”, “seasonal affective disorder (SAD)”, or even “spring depression” if symptoms become serious. Despite the flurry of names, not a whole lot of research has been dedicated to it (and for that matter, not a lot of obnoxious health-related web pages!). The truth is, I think, that spring moodiness is generally a phenomenon without long-term health effects that medicine and science are not so concerned about. Still, it is part of quintessential human existence, and has an impact on our sense of wellness in this period of year.
Spring Fever . Apparently, it has to do with the impact increasing amounts of light have on our body. The eye captures the extra amount of light, sends the information to the brain, which reacts by commanding hormonal changes, particularly melatonin levels. As you know, melatonin is related to sleepiness; so the less melatonin we produce, the more we stay awake and the more active we get. This of course makes us become hyperactive, nervous and sometimes, sexually exacerbated. We can all recall the famous saying “mad as a March hare”. Other symptoms include the loss of weight due to heightened chemical processes, increased appetite, or anxiety. Sometimes the attempt to overexert ourselves becomes too much: hence many heart attacks, suicides and depressions occur in this time of year. If you feel that your seasonal disorder is turning into something more serious, please consult a doctor.
Spring Asthenia. Although much more publicized, spring fever is not the only way that spring can affect us. Changes in temperature, sunlight or atmospheric pressure in spring can cause asthenia, a disorder when people feel very tired, fatigued, and lacking vitality. Migraines are associated with this as well. So paradoxically, spring that can cause hyperactive tendencies may provoke low vitality as well – sometimes in the same person!
Other Temporary Disorders. Besides this, I have noticed that spring causes temporary gastrointestinal disorders - stomach and colon problems, including increased acid due to hyperactivity, increased or decreased colon function. I haven’t found much evidence of this on the web, but I think it’s all part of the adjusting period of spring.
How can we successfully and quickly pass over these spring troubles? Normally, these things tend to ‘sort themselves out’ as our body adapts to the sunlight and increased temperature. However, there are some things we can do to help ourselves:
- expose ourselves to the sun (or natural light) for about 30 minutes a day. This helps the build-up of vitamin D, which is vital for the health of our bones, teeth and the prevention of serious diseases
- follow a balanced diet.
- exercise preferably outdoors; however, be careful not to over-exert yourself.
- if you suffer from asthenia, you should eat high energy foods like pasta, chocolate, coffee. Royal jelly and yeast are also recommended. Iron-rich foods like spinach, red meat, cranberries, beet root help as well.
- if you suffer from spring fever, try relaxation exercises
- eat new vegetables and fruit
- sleep sufficient hours a night
- drink sufficient water or tea (2 l a day)
- if you find that symptoms worsen or do not pass away consult a doctor.
I'm actually curious to hear if other people are suffering from spring disorders, as I really think that it is a much more common phenomenon than witnessed by doctors (most do not come to their attention anyway).
Spring-induced disorder is scientifically termed alternatively as “spring asthenia”, “spring fever”, “seasonal affective disorder (SAD)”, or even “spring depression” if symptoms become serious. Despite the flurry of names, not a whole lot of research has been dedicated to it (and for that matter, not a lot of obnoxious health-related web pages!). The truth is, I think, that spring moodiness is generally a phenomenon without long-term health effects that medicine and science are not so concerned about. Still, it is part of quintessential human existence, and has an impact on our sense of wellness in this period of year.
Spring Fever . Apparently, it has to do with the impact increasing amounts of light have on our body. The eye captures the extra amount of light, sends the information to the brain, which reacts by commanding hormonal changes, particularly melatonin levels. As you know, melatonin is related to sleepiness; so the less melatonin we produce, the more we stay awake and the more active we get. This of course makes us become hyperactive, nervous and sometimes, sexually exacerbated. We can all recall the famous saying “mad as a March hare”. Other symptoms include the loss of weight due to heightened chemical processes, increased appetite, or anxiety. Sometimes the attempt to overexert ourselves becomes too much: hence many heart attacks, suicides and depressions occur in this time of year. If you feel that your seasonal disorder is turning into something more serious, please consult a doctor.
Spring Asthenia. Although much more publicized, spring fever is not the only way that spring can affect us. Changes in temperature, sunlight or atmospheric pressure in spring can cause asthenia, a disorder when people feel very tired, fatigued, and lacking vitality. Migraines are associated with this as well. So paradoxically, spring that can cause hyperactive tendencies may provoke low vitality as well – sometimes in the same person!
Other Temporary Disorders. Besides this, I have noticed that spring causes temporary gastrointestinal disorders - stomach and colon problems, including increased acid due to hyperactivity, increased or decreased colon function. I haven’t found much evidence of this on the web, but I think it’s all part of the adjusting period of spring.
How can we successfully and quickly pass over these spring troubles? Normally, these things tend to ‘sort themselves out’ as our body adapts to the sunlight and increased temperature. However, there are some things we can do to help ourselves:
- expose ourselves to the sun (or natural light) for about 30 minutes a day. This helps the build-up of vitamin D, which is vital for the health of our bones, teeth and the prevention of serious diseases
- follow a balanced diet.
- exercise preferably outdoors; however, be careful not to over-exert yourself.
- if you suffer from asthenia, you should eat high energy foods like pasta, chocolate, coffee. Royal jelly and yeast are also recommended. Iron-rich foods like spinach, red meat, cranberries, beet root help as well.
- if you suffer from spring fever, try relaxation exercises
- eat new vegetables and fruit
- sleep sufficient hours a night
- drink sufficient water or tea (2 l a day)
- if you find that symptoms worsen or do not pass away consult a doctor.
I'm actually curious to hear if other people are suffering from spring disorders, as I really think that it is a much more common phenomenon than witnessed by doctors (most do not come to their attention anyway).
Wednesday 18 March 2009
Natasha Richardson Passes Away in Absurd Accident
I have just heard that actress Natasha Richardson, 45, the daughter of Vanessa Redgrave and wife of Liam Neeson, has passed away. God rest her in peace.
This has really saddened me. I mean, how absurd. She went to a ski lesson on a beginner ski slope, and died. There was no major fall, she just fell and hit her head; then got up and started laughing. I'm not privy on the details, but it is fairly obvious that it didn't seem like a big deal. I mean, falling down when skiing or doing some other sport happens all the time, even hurting one's head. My mother had a similar incident on a ski slope about twenty years ago; she fell down and hit her head. But nothing happened; she too laughed, we laughed and went home to the hotel.
Freak accidents are a really awful way to go. Sure, they probably happen more often than we think: but only when they happen to celebrities we realize how weird life really is sometimes. I remember when I was small I was really impressed by an article I saw in a newspaper about a man that was walking home from work, stepped into a pond and got electrocuted because there had been a storm and the electricity line had fallen right into that pond.
What can I say? Life is short, and sometimes very twisted, just as it is beautiful and brilliant. You have to live it to know it.
PS. Now I hear on BBC News that she did not even hit her head. This makes it even more absurd, if at all possible.
This has really saddened me. I mean, how absurd. She went to a ski lesson on a beginner ski slope, and died. There was no major fall, she just fell and hit her head; then got up and started laughing. I'm not privy on the details, but it is fairly obvious that it didn't seem like a big deal. I mean, falling down when skiing or doing some other sport happens all the time, even hurting one's head. My mother had a similar incident on a ski slope about twenty years ago; she fell down and hit her head. But nothing happened; she too laughed, we laughed and went home to the hotel.
Freak accidents are a really awful way to go. Sure, they probably happen more often than we think: but only when they happen to celebrities we realize how weird life really is sometimes. I remember when I was small I was really impressed by an article I saw in a newspaper about a man that was walking home from work, stepped into a pond and got electrocuted because there had been a storm and the electricity line had fallen right into that pond.
What can I say? Life is short, and sometimes very twisted, just as it is beautiful and brilliant. You have to live it to know it.
PS. Now I hear on BBC News that she did not even hit her head. This makes it even more absurd, if at all possible.
Monday 16 March 2009
Mondays Suck - Or Do They?
Mondays suck. There's no doubt about it. The question is why. People tend to think: oh, that's because Mondays we start work / school again. I used to think this too. But today, when I had neither work nor school, and it still sucked, it occurred to me that perhaps this goes deeper than it seems. This made me ponder that Mondays are the days of the Moon. Mind you, that's not only in English cultures, but in French, German and so on. Obviously, there's a sharp contrast between the brilliant Sun-days and the darker Mon-days. Sun-days are meant to be warm, bright, homey. By contrast, the Moon-day is cold, dark, obscure.
Then again, if you look at it in Christian Bible terms, Monday is the first day of creation. Have you thought about it that way? It's actually the first day when God rolled up his sleeves and said, ok, how will I make this happen? On Monday he decided that light was a good thing. So Monday is when chaos starts to be dismantled, and order begins to appear. Yet it is still hovering there, the darkness at the edge of your eye, the spiritual beginnings. So I think Monday, even in Christian terms, is a muddled time of incertitude, governing darkness and the glimpse (and hope) of a new creative week.
Doesn't it strike you funny that the day of the first creation would actually come after Sunday, the day of the last creation and of rest? In other words, creation keeps repeating itself, every single week. The darkness of a new beginning comes after the brightness of an ending.
Then again, if you look at it in Christian Bible terms, Monday is the first day of creation. Have you thought about it that way? It's actually the first day when God rolled up his sleeves and said, ok, how will I make this happen? On Monday he decided that light was a good thing. So Monday is when chaos starts to be dismantled, and order begins to appear. Yet it is still hovering there, the darkness at the edge of your eye, the spiritual beginnings. So I think Monday, even in Christian terms, is a muddled time of incertitude, governing darkness and the glimpse (and hope) of a new creative week.
Doesn't it strike you funny that the day of the first creation would actually come after Sunday, the day of the last creation and of rest? In other words, creation keeps repeating itself, every single week. The darkness of a new beginning comes after the brightness of an ending.
Friday 13 March 2009
The Meaning of Trivia and Horizontal Knowledge
I like to know things. I like to pick up any piece of data or information that flies by my ear. I would use any opportunity to put another file into that almighty library that is our brain. I shove in there all shapes and sizes of bits and bytes. I'm a trivia collector, I guess.
But what good is it in the end? Does it really serve any serious purpose? The only meaningful application I can see is if you win the "I want to be a millionaire" programme or the like. But apart from that there's no real reason for it - it's more like an addiction than anything else. It's what I call "horizontal" knowledge.
The internet is full of horizontal knowledge - tons and tons of trivia posted by so many addicted knowledge seekers. Wikipedia, blogs, websites, it's all out there. Yet I think behind all this trivia search there's a more hidden yearning - that of "vertical" knowledge - information that would go into the heart of things and give meaning to our lives.
But what good is it in the end? Does it really serve any serious purpose? The only meaningful application I can see is if you win the "I want to be a millionaire" programme or the like. But apart from that there's no real reason for it - it's more like an addiction than anything else. It's what I call "horizontal" knowledge.
The internet is full of horizontal knowledge - tons and tons of trivia posted by so many addicted knowledge seekers. Wikipedia, blogs, websites, it's all out there. Yet I think behind all this trivia search there's a more hidden yearning - that of "vertical" knowledge - information that would go into the heart of things and give meaning to our lives.
Saturday 7 March 2009
The Health Benefits of Tea: White Tea Might Be the Best
I didn’t use to drink a lot of tea in the past, preferring to indulge in coffee, soft drinks and others. Yet, for a reason or another, about two years ago I began drinking more and more tea every day, perhaps because I was surrounded by roommates doing the same thing. Now, I knew that tea was good for your health, but I never looked too much into it. What type of tea, how much and on what occasions? As I have become quite health-conscious recently, I decided to do my research homework.
Choosing Tea
All tea types come from the leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), which was originally cultivated in Southeast Asia. The difference between teas rests almost exclusively on the amount of processing being done to the leaves. White tea is processed the least, green tea – medium, while black tea – the most. The potency of positive health effects have to do with this length of processing. Basically, tea that is least processed contains the most catechins, an antioxidant that has been shown to inhibit bacteria and virus growth and other health problems. According to this, the healthiest tea should be the white tea, which is however rare and more expensive. Green tea comes second-best, and least is black tea. Nevertheless, it should not be understood that black tea is ‘bad’ or inefficient; its consumption has been shown to produce some promising health effects.
Health Studies on Tea
First of all, it must be noted that not a lot of scientific research has been done on tea until very recent years. Often, I have found these studies to be incomprehensive and unconnected, being undertaken in different institutions from Egypt to Croatia to the US. This is what I have gathered:
• Teeth: Green tea apparently reduces teeth and gum disease. A separate black tea research reported similar reductions in mouth-related diseases.
• Immune system: all forms of tea seem to be good in helping the immune system fight bacteria and viruses. However, research shows that white tea may be the most effective.
• Antibiotics: a 2008 study from Egypt shows that taking antibiotics with green tea increases the potency of the medicine. No similar research was undertaken for other types of tea.
• Bones and joints: research shows that green tea prevents and eases arthritis inflammation, cartilage breakdown and may improve bone mineral content for older women
• Cancer: so far, white tea has been shown to be most effective in cancer prevention, as it prevents cancer-mutating DNA in cells. Researchers consider white tea is most effective against colon, stomach, esophageal and other gastrointestinal cancer. Other research shows that the risk of ovarian cancer is reduced by 46% for women that consume at least 2 cups of tea (any type) per day. A Japanese study also affirms that lung cancer may be prevented or inhibited by green tea.
• Heart disease: research has shown that both green tea reduce risk of heart attack, and both green and black tea lower the danger of atherosclerosis. A 2006 Japanese study also showed that green tea is associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease.
• Diabetes: both green and black tea prevent diabetes and reduce its ensuing complications.
• Stress Levels: research performed on black tea shows that it reduces stress hormones.
How to Keep Healthy with Tea
This brief review of several scientific studies shows that tea is a good prevention and disease-reducer for a number of serious diseases. However, as the Mayo Clinic emphasizes, further in-depth studies are required before science will admit the qualities of tea. In the meantime, perhaps there is wisdom in the health benefits Asian cultures have always attributed to tea.
So, how to keep health with tea?
• Drink more than 2-3 cups of tea per day but do not exaggerate (even if you wanted to, probably your bladder wouldn’t be able to take it!)
• Don’t forget that all tea (except herbal) contains caffeine: black tea contains roughly 1/3 of a cup of coffee, and green tea 1/6.
• As with everything consumed in excess, drinking too much (particularly black) tea may have adverse effects on health including caffeine-related problems (anxiety, sleep disorders, arrhythmias) and high fluoride-related problems (arthritis, osteoporosis, or even cancer)
• Drink tea, refrain from tea supplements. Research points out to the fact that too many tea antioxidants could cause chromosome damage and leukemia
• To the best extent, drink white tea; green tea is second best.
References
Kushiyama et al. Relationship Between Intake of Green Tea and Periodontal Disease. Journal of Periodontology, 2009; 80 (3): 372
American Society For Microbiology (2001, May 24). Tea Fights Cavities, Reduces Plaque. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 7, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2001/05/010523072047.htm
Society for General Microbiology (2008, April 1). Green Tea Helps Beat Superbugs, Study Suggests. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 7, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2008/03/080330200640.htm
National Institute Of Chemistry, Slovenia (2007, January 16). Cup Of Green Tea To Keep The Bacteria Away. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 7, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2007/01/070116132946.htm
Mayo Clinic (2008, April 6). Drinking Tea May Offer Health Benefits, But Evidence Still Limited. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 7, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2008/04/080402212206.htm
American Chemical Society (2000, April 13). Cancer-Preventive Potential Of White Tea. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 7, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2000/04/000410084553.htm
American Society For Microbiology (2004, May 28). White Tea Beats Green Tea In Fighting Germs. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 7, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2004/05/040526070934.htm
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (2008, April 10). Digestive Process Affects Anti-cancer Activity Of Tea In Gastrointestinal Cells. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 7, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2008/04/080407172713.htm
University Of Southern California (2002, April 9). Polyphenols In Tea May Reduce Risk Of Stomach, Esophagus Cancers. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 7, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2002/04/020409073717.htm
JAMA and Archives Journals (2006, January 3). Drinking Tea Associated With Lower Risk Of Ovarian Cancer. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 7, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2006/01/060103085358.htm
University College London (2006, October 4). Black Tea Soothes Away Stress. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 7, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2006/10/061004173749.htm
American Chemical Society (2005, April 19). Tea May Help Prevent Diabetes And Cataracts. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 7, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2005/04/050419094700.htm
Alexopoulos et al. The acute effect of green tea consumption on endothelial function in healthy individuals. European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation, 2008; 15 (3): 300 DOI: 10.1097/HJR.0b013e3282f4832f
"The combination of green tea and tamoxifen is effective against breast cancer." Sartippour MR, et al. Carcinogenesis. 2006 Dec;27(12):2424-33. Epub 2006 Jun 19.
Dangerous Side Effects of Tea Exposed. Bio-Medicine. Online. Available at: http://www.bio-medicine.org/medicine-news/Dangerous-Side-Effects-of-Tea-Exposed-20270-1/
Choosing Tea
All tea types come from the leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), which was originally cultivated in Southeast Asia. The difference between teas rests almost exclusively on the amount of processing being done to the leaves. White tea is processed the least, green tea – medium, while black tea – the most. The potency of positive health effects have to do with this length of processing. Basically, tea that is least processed contains the most catechins, an antioxidant that has been shown to inhibit bacteria and virus growth and other health problems. According to this, the healthiest tea should be the white tea, which is however rare and more expensive. Green tea comes second-best, and least is black tea. Nevertheless, it should not be understood that black tea is ‘bad’ or inefficient; its consumption has been shown to produce some promising health effects.
Health Studies on Tea
First of all, it must be noted that not a lot of scientific research has been done on tea until very recent years. Often, I have found these studies to be incomprehensive and unconnected, being undertaken in different institutions from Egypt to Croatia to the US. This is what I have gathered:
• Teeth: Green tea apparently reduces teeth and gum disease. A separate black tea research reported similar reductions in mouth-related diseases.
• Immune system: all forms of tea seem to be good in helping the immune system fight bacteria and viruses. However, research shows that white tea may be the most effective.
• Antibiotics: a 2008 study from Egypt shows that taking antibiotics with green tea increases the potency of the medicine. No similar research was undertaken for other types of tea.
• Bones and joints: research shows that green tea prevents and eases arthritis inflammation, cartilage breakdown and may improve bone mineral content for older women
• Cancer: so far, white tea has been shown to be most effective in cancer prevention, as it prevents cancer-mutating DNA in cells. Researchers consider white tea is most effective against colon, stomach, esophageal and other gastrointestinal cancer. Other research shows that the risk of ovarian cancer is reduced by 46% for women that consume at least 2 cups of tea (any type) per day. A Japanese study also affirms that lung cancer may be prevented or inhibited by green tea.
• Heart disease: research has shown that both green tea reduce risk of heart attack, and both green and black tea lower the danger of atherosclerosis. A 2006 Japanese study also showed that green tea is associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease.
• Diabetes: both green and black tea prevent diabetes and reduce its ensuing complications.
• Stress Levels: research performed on black tea shows that it reduces stress hormones.
How to Keep Healthy with Tea
This brief review of several scientific studies shows that tea is a good prevention and disease-reducer for a number of serious diseases. However, as the Mayo Clinic emphasizes, further in-depth studies are required before science will admit the qualities of tea. In the meantime, perhaps there is wisdom in the health benefits Asian cultures have always attributed to tea.
So, how to keep health with tea?
• Drink more than 2-3 cups of tea per day but do not exaggerate (even if you wanted to, probably your bladder wouldn’t be able to take it!)
• Don’t forget that all tea (except herbal) contains caffeine: black tea contains roughly 1/3 of a cup of coffee, and green tea 1/6.
• As with everything consumed in excess, drinking too much (particularly black) tea may have adverse effects on health including caffeine-related problems (anxiety, sleep disorders, arrhythmias) and high fluoride-related problems (arthritis, osteoporosis, or even cancer)
• Drink tea, refrain from tea supplements. Research points out to the fact that too many tea antioxidants could cause chromosome damage and leukemia
• To the best extent, drink white tea; green tea is second best.
References
Kushiyama et al. Relationship Between Intake of Green Tea and Periodontal Disease. Journal of Periodontology, 2009; 80 (3): 372
American Society For Microbiology (2001, May 24). Tea Fights Cavities, Reduces Plaque. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 7, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2001/05/010523072047.htm
Society for General Microbiology (2008, April 1). Green Tea Helps Beat Superbugs, Study Suggests. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 7, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2008/03/080330200640.htm
National Institute Of Chemistry, Slovenia (2007, January 16). Cup Of Green Tea To Keep The Bacteria Away. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 7, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2007/01/070116132946.htm
Mayo Clinic (2008, April 6). Drinking Tea May Offer Health Benefits, But Evidence Still Limited. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 7, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2008/04/080402212206.htm
American Chemical Society (2000, April 13). Cancer-Preventive Potential Of White Tea. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 7, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2000/04/000410084553.htm
American Society For Microbiology (2004, May 28). White Tea Beats Green Tea In Fighting Germs. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 7, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2004/05/040526070934.htm
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (2008, April 10). Digestive Process Affects Anti-cancer Activity Of Tea In Gastrointestinal Cells. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 7, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2008/04/080407172713.htm
University Of Southern California (2002, April 9). Polyphenols In Tea May Reduce Risk Of Stomach, Esophagus Cancers. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 7, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2002/04/020409073717.htm
JAMA and Archives Journals (2006, January 3). Drinking Tea Associated With Lower Risk Of Ovarian Cancer. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 7, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2006/01/060103085358.htm
University College London (2006, October 4). Black Tea Soothes Away Stress. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 7, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2006/10/061004173749.htm
American Chemical Society (2005, April 19). Tea May Help Prevent Diabetes And Cataracts. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 7, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2005/04/050419094700.htm
Alexopoulos et al. The acute effect of green tea consumption on endothelial function in healthy individuals. European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation, 2008; 15 (3): 300 DOI: 10.1097/HJR.0b013e3282f4832f
"The combination of green tea and tamoxifen is effective against breast cancer." Sartippour MR, et al. Carcinogenesis. 2006 Dec;27(12):2424-33. Epub 2006 Jun 19.
Dangerous Side Effects of Tea Exposed. Bio-Medicine. Online. Available at: http://www.bio-medicine.org/medicine-news/Dangerous-Side-Effects-of-Tea-Exposed-20270-1/
Sunday 1 March 2009
The Ugly Recession and the Beautiful TV
The darker it gets outside, the lighter is the TV. Outside, companies are failing, people are getting fired, banks are going bust, but the TV continues to live in an idyllic world of funny shows, light movies, or so-called "reality" shows that has some blondes fighting over the lipstick brand. The funniest things are the bank ads. It appears that, the more banks go down, the happier their ads get. I open the TV, and all I see is light, dancing people, happy music and flowers. How lovely! I can't wait to open the doors of a bank and dance into a sunny Garden of Eden, where butterfly-clad cashiers would flip their wand and pour money at my feet.
Alas that all this make-believe only exists inside the little TV box. In the real world, in the banks' Garden of Eden there be serpents that always manage to sneak in and whisper some insider trading information into your ear. And then, just as you started to float on feel-good music, the paradise goes poof! and there you are, all alone, with all your savings miraculously transformed into the pension of some former bank CEO.
And then what's left to do? Why, you can always open the TV and immerse yourselves into more happy thoughts delivered (almost) free. Because, since the world spun around, there is some profit to be made from other's people's misfortune, and the entertainment business knows all about it.
Alas that all this make-believe only exists inside the little TV box. In the real world, in the banks' Garden of Eden there be serpents that always manage to sneak in and whisper some insider trading information into your ear. And then, just as you started to float on feel-good music, the paradise goes poof! and there you are, all alone, with all your savings miraculously transformed into the pension of some former bank CEO.
And then what's left to do? Why, you can always open the TV and immerse yourselves into more happy thoughts delivered (almost) free. Because, since the world spun around, there is some profit to be made from other's people's misfortune, and the entertainment business knows all about it.
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