Todayshealthsite.com » “Tea” http://todayshealthsite.com This site provides new health articles, concerning your health, todays diets, and general wellness. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:58:05 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Grampa's "Tea of Nutrients" from the Farm http://todayshealthsite.com/grampas-tea-of-nutrients-from-the-farm.html http://todayshealthsite.com/grampas-tea-of-nutrients-from-the-farm.html#comments Wed, 09 Nov 2011 03:36:59 +0000 d68452s http://todayshealthsite.com/?p=4506

Todays Health Article

November8th, 2011

Todays article takes me back to the day when we had acres of hay fields. Though we cut the hay for our dairy cows, who found the hay very nutritious and their large milk production was the result of  it. Although I never was a great fan of tea when I was a child, my grampa would always show up after the hay was drying in the fields, and gather bundles and tie them up and place the stems face down into burlap bags, so not to loose the leaves.  As to curiosity one day, I thought they were taking the Alfalfa hay to feed their rabbits, who seemed to enjoy it as well, but  I was wrong!  Come to find out later, they received the remainder of the plant, after grampa had removed the leaves from the shaken bag. The leaves were treated just like tea leaves and Alfalfa tea became the drink. Having come from across the sea, he explained to me, it was a tea drank regularly back in the days.

   Alfalfa

  Alfalfa (play /ælˈfælfə/; Also known as (Medicago sativa, lucerne, holy-hay, and trefoil, )    seen at the right, is a flowering plant, belonging in the pea family, Fabaceae. As mentioned above, it is cultivated as an important forage crop through out the world. It perhaps in some ways resembles clover, with it’s clusters of small purple flowers.

Alfalfa is a perennial plant, which normally lives 4–8 years, but can live more than twenty years, depending on it’s variety and  the climate. The plant grows to a height of up to  3 ft, sometimes higher, with the right weather conditions. Alfalfa has a very deep root system, sometimes stretching more than 49 ft  underground, capturing the moisture necessary to survive those dry spells.

History Of Alfalfa

May be dated back to a Roman writer by the name, Palladius, who in the 4th century AD, includes a section about alfalfa, in his book on agriculture. Palladius says: “One sow-down lasts ten years. The crop may be cut four or six times a year…. An [Roman] acre of it is abundantly sufficient for three horses all the year…. It may be given to cattle, but new provender is at first to be administered very sparingly, because it bloats up the cattle.” Palladius called alfalfa “medica”, a name that referred to the Medes, a people who lived in ancient Iran.

 A Timeline in the progressive spread of Alfalfa through out the world

  • The 13th century Arabic dictionary Lisan al-Arab says that “al-fiṣfiṣa” (alfalfa) is cultivated as an animal feed and consumed in both fresh and dried form.
  • In medieval Spain, the Arabic name “al-fisfisa” mutated into the Spanish name “alfalfa”
  • Alfalfa in medieval Spain was cultivated as fodder for horses and had a reputation as the best fodder for them.
  • In the 16th century, Spanish colonizers introduced alfalfa to the Americas as fodder for their horses.
  • The English name “alfalfa” dates from mid-19th century far-west USA, from the Spanish.
  • Alfalfa seeds were imported to California from Chile in the 1850s. That was the beginning of a rapid and extensive introduction of the crop over the western US States

Alfalfa Tea

Grampa’s Alfalfa Tea was made from the dried leaves that were soaked in boiling water anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes.  Now Grampa’s formula was not very scientific but seemed to satisfy his taste. This was usually a handful of leaves grabbed from the bag. I guess the formula today may be similar but more specific.The recommended dose today is 40 mg of alfalfa seed or 5,000 to 10,000 mg of alfalfa leaves and stems drank a  couple times a day.

Capsules and tablets of whole alfalfa may be substituted for Grampa’s drink, but somehow it seems to take all the nostalgia out of  making the tea that has been drank by our past heritage.Alfalfa

Alfalfa Tea  Nutrients

Perhaps before Grampa days, and civilizations in the past,  they both may have  been well informed of the nutrients of Alfalfa tea.  Alfalfa is considered highly versatile due to its nutritional content. The alfalfa plant has all the known vitamins such as vitamin K and vitamin D, has a high chlorophyll content, and a balanced group of minerals including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Alfalfa leaves likewise contain eight essential amino acids and high protein content. For this reason, tea made from the alfalfa plant, provides a good nutritional source for us, too.

 Alfalfa Benefits

Some of the healthy properties of alfalfa tea include:

  •  Helping in the  lowering of your cholesterol levels.
  •  Keeping the calcium in bones and out of artery linings.
  •  May help to lower blood sugar levels.
  •  Help in treatment of upset stomach.
  • Found to be useful in the treatment of arthritis.
  • Alfalfa Tea is a diuretic to alleviate kidney and bladder woes.
  • May help stimulate the immune system.
  • Alfalfa Tea may help purify your blood

Other Benefits

 Antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that can protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, highly reactive chemicals that can change the structure of molecules, causing mutations. Antioxidants can slow, prevent or repair damage to cells. Cells that are damaged may mutate into precancerous or cancerous cells.As of 2010, a food’s antioxidant capacity is measured using an ORAC score. Clemson University states that alfalfa has a very high ORAC score, 930.Drinking alfalfa tea can provide beneficial antioxidants that may help reduce risk for cardiovascular and other diseases.

Since antioxidants may be able to prevent damage to cells, drinking alfalfa tea may help prevent some of the signs of aging such as cognitive decline and poor eyesight.

Crohn’s Disease

According to a discussion published by the Baylor School of Medicine, alfalfa may be a beneficial alternative in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, or Crohn’s Disease.The abundance of nutrients and antioxidants along with the minimal processing of green grasses may contribute to the efficacy of alfalfa, including alfalfa tea, in treating bowel diseases.
 Drinking teaDisplaces the consumption of nutrient-poor beverages such as sodas and alcohol, the Center for New Crops & Plants Products states that alfalfa may help prevent or aid with the management of certain conditions such as scurvy, constipation, high cholesterol and hormonal issues. Because of its ecbolic and stimulant properties, alfalfa tea may be helpful during childbirth.

Today’s Health Comments

Today, Alfalfa Tea may not being served up in your favorite Tea House, but perhaps it should. It is a Tea of Nutrients and health benefits that most everyone could take advantage of. Grampa certainly acclaimed how well he enjoyed the benefits of his Alfalfa tea. He was probably right, since he did almost live to 102 yrs. of age. However, this  is not like all tea’s as it strongly enriched and too much of a good thing… can go bad. You may experience bloating and should not be drank if you are a kidney transplant patient, with out contacting your doctor.  For those who wish to boost your immune system or enrich the nutrients into your system… Alfalfa tea maybe the answer.

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]]> http://todayshealthsite.com/grampas-tea-of-nutrients-from-the-farm.html/feed 1739 Herbal and Amla, It's Remedies Today http://todayshealthsite.com/herbal-and-amla-its-remedies-today.html http://todayshealthsite.com/herbal-and-amla-its-remedies-today.html#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:42:07 +0000 d68452s http://todayshealthsite.com/?p=3860

 

Today Health Article

October 3rd, 2011

Todays advantages of herbal beverages, is that they rarely do any harm to the body. They are unlike the flavored sodas of today, which are loaded with sugar, calories, artificial flavors, and preservatives.  The herbal beverages come with health benefits along with healing properties.

 One of the most admired herbal beverages today is the green tea.Green tea is popular because of its antioxidant properties which are clinically proven to postpone aging and fight cancer. Green tea is recommended for diabetic patients too. It has a unique aroma and is very refreshing after a long day at work. Teas blended with herbs, seed, roots and dried flowers like basil, ginger, camomile and so on, herbal tea is considered to have therapeutic benefits. Though these are on a little higher side when compared with conventional black tea, the money spent on them is worthwhile for healthy living.

Amla juice

 Amla, the Indan Gooseberry, is another herbal beverage today that has attracted attention to many health conscious people. The tree is small to medium in size, reaching 8 to 18 m in height, with a crooked trunk and spreading branches. The branches  are 10–20 cm long and are usually deciduous. The leaves are simple, and are closely set along  the branch, and are light green in color.

The flowers are greenish-yellow, with the fruit being nearly spherical, light greenish yellow in color. The fruit is also quite smooth and hard on appearance, with six vertical stripes or furrows.

The berries ripening in autumn, and are harvested by hand, after climbing to upper branches bearing the fruits. The taste of Indian gooseberry is sour, bitter and astringent, and is quite fibrous.

In India, it is common to eat gooseberries steeped in salt water and turmeric to make the sour fruits palatable.

Amla

This fresh-green berry is a remedy to scores of diseases and infections. It is claimed to also delay aging. Loaded with vitamin C, amla juice is recommend for skin, hairs and joints. If  drank regularly it boasts the immune system and the metabolic system, which fine tunes the body to be fit and healthy.

Finding this magical juice at your nearest store might be a remote possibility. You can still benefit from the amla juice concentrate by buying it over the Internet. It is normally suitable for consumption by people of all ages. You can have it as many times in a day and enjoy the renewed energy within you. It is recommended for premature hair greying. Amla juice is an effectual hair tonic. Mix the juice with water and use it for the last rinse on shampooed hairs. Leave to dry naturally for soft and tangle free hairs.

Aloe juice is next on the list of healthy beverages. A lot has been said about the wonderful qualities of aloe. From skin problems to cancer, aloe has been clinically proven to reduce symptoms of many life-threatening diseases. Aloe juice is recommended for relieving joint pain. Mixture of aloe and amla juice is an effective remedy for stomach related problems. Add it with water and have it at least once a day to keep health problems a bay.

Perhaps owing to its medicinal qualities, the Hindus, treat it as a very sacred tree and worship on ‘Akshaya Navami’. In the Kartik month (mid Oct. to mid Nov.) if one takes its dose regularly it provides complete protection against all the disorders due to cold. Amla is unique as it doesn’t leave its chemical ingredient even if it is heated. It is a tree whose no part is useless. It also has the atmosphere purifying qualities. Chemically, besides being the best source to get Vitamin C from, it also has gallic acid, tannic acid, sugar, albumen, calcium, protein, phosphorus, carbohydrates, irons etc.

Amla and Health Remedies Offered

  It seems that taking Amla and Black Til (black sesame seeds) in equal quantity with honey or ghee is linked to increasing mental and physical weaknesses. By taking a cupful of sugarless milk with the murraba of Amla, it helps to revitalize the brain. Some suggest taking every morning with water makes one’s resistant enough to fight off various ailments.

Also the suggestion of taking milk in the morning after licking one teaspoon of ground Amla powder mixed with honey imparts freshness and strength to the body.

 Intellect gets sharpened if one takes the pulp of fresh Amla or Amla juice with honey or ghee every morning and evening.

Other Remedy Facts to Consider

  • As an eye tonic and cure of eye ailments
  • For curing relief in  heart ailment
  • Relieves Pain of Migraine.
  • Curing involuntary nocturnal emission
  •  Remedies for Sexual Impotence
  •  Problems connected with uro generative system
  • Acidity and digestive problems
  • Female ailments
  • Blood impurities
  • Diabetes
  • Piles
  • Stone-problem
  • Constipations
  • Cold and cough
  • Skin troubles
  • Baldness and other allied problems
  • Gives relief in Jaundice
  • Gout
  • Removing the spots left by measels, chicken pox, small-pox etc.
  • Boils in mouth
  • Lice in hair
  • Amla as the beautifying agent
  • Checking menstrual disorder
  • Insect-bite

What you might find so amazing is this gooseberry has  so many benefits regarding our health, and so many remedies, I believe one could write a book on this very subject. Some have studied this berry with great interest and have found what the Hindu’s may have already learned, that this gooseberry is perhaps very key to our longevity  and good health.

Todays Health Comments

This article today made believe I should run out and buy some Amla juice, but knowing we just do not have these trees growing in our backyard, the health food stores or the Internet is the most probable resource to purchase. Although we actually grew native gooseberries, I had no idea that their were others with such health benefits, so I will have to check out our local gooseberries as well. There is numerous health remedies which have included this juice or other parts of the plant, which have aided in our health.

Further Reading

 Yokozawa T, Kim HY, Kim HJ, et al. (Sep 2007). “Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) attenuates age-related renal dysfunction by oxidative stress”. J Agric Food Chem. 55 (19): 7744–52. doi:10.1021/jf072105s. PMID 17715896.

 
]]> http://todayshealthsite.com/herbal-and-amla-its-remedies-today.html/feed 241 How May You Become Green Tea Smart? http://todayshealthsite.com/how-may-you-become-green-tea-smart.html http://todayshealthsite.com/how-may-you-become-green-tea-smart.html#comments Sat, 29 Jan 2011 00:41:25 +0000 d68452s http://todayshealthsite.com/?p=2259

Todays Health Article

January 28th, 2011

We all get caught up sometimes, more often than not, in the media or marketing hype of certain foods or drinks. What may be good for one person may not be for another. How may we become Green Tea smart?  This article is presenting, what I have found to be beneficial for you, “Green Tea Lovers”, and also perhaps, some surprising facts that may have an impact on how Green Tea may relate to one’s health. 

Green Tea Is…

Made solely with the leaves of Camellia sinensis that have undergone minimal oxidation during processing. Green tea originates from the country of China. Green Tea has become familiar with many cultures in Asia, Japan, South Korea to the Middle East.

It was not til recently, Green Tea has become more widespread in this country, where black tea  has  traditionally been the tea drank. There are many varieties of green tea have been created in countries where they are grown. These varieties can differ substantially due to various growing conditions, production processing, and harvesting time.

How many Varieties Can You Name?

Many varieties have been provided here with their links.Aracha · Bancha · Bi Luo Chun · Chun Mee · Da Fang · Genmaicha · Guapian · Gunpowder · Gyokuro · Hojicha · Hou Kui · Huang Shan Mao Feng · Hyson · Kabusecha · Kamairicha · Konacha · Kukicha · Longjing · Matcha · Mao Jian · Mecha · Meng Ding Gan Lu · Sencha · Shincha · Tamaryokucha

 How Many Health Benefits Can you Name?

Over several decades green tea has been the subject of  many scientific and medical studies.Why, to determine the extent of it’s long-purported health benefits. There are some evidence, suggesting that regular green tea drinkers have:

  • A  lower chances of heart disease and developing certain types of cancer.
  •  Green tea does not raise the metabolic rate enough to produce immediate weight loss. Green tea extract containing polyphenols and caffeine. This has been shown to induce thermogenesis and stimulate fat oxidation,  boosting the metabolic rate 4% without increasing the heart rate.
  • According to a survey released by United States Department of Agriculture in 2007, “The average content of flavonoids in a cup of green tea is higher than that in the same volume of other food and drink items that are traditionally considered of health contributing nature, including fresh fruits, vegetable juices or wine.”
  • Flavonoids are a group of phytochemicals in most plant products that are responsible for such health effects as anti-oxidative and anticarcinogenic functions.
  • Green Tea contains a special compound called theanine, which has been known to stimulate alpha brain waves, calm the body, and promote relaxed awareness
  • Theanine and Caffeine – The  2007 breakthrough studies found that green tea regenerates damaged brain cells and is a viable treatment option for multiple sclerosis patients
  • Tea and High Blood Pressure… A 2004 study found that regular tea drinkers are 65% less likely to develop high blood pressure if they drink more than two cups a day.
  • Tea and Insulin Sensitivity. A study discovered that drinking 6 cups of tea per day for 8 weeks reduces blood sugar levels by 15% to 20%.
  • Tea and Smoking. A study conducted by the University of Arizona found that it reduces cellular damage by 25%.
  •  Tea can help. Unlike soft drinks, tea is non-erosive. It also fights mouth viruses and reduces bad breath.
  • UK Scientists found that tea is healthier than pure water. They dispelled the common belief that tea dehydrates. Tea not only rehydrates as well as water does, it also has many other health benefits.

 

What are the Side Effects of Green Tea?

Tea contains about half the amount of caffeine found in coffee, The consumption of green tea is unlikely to cause problems for the majority of people, however if you are sensitive to caffeine, here are the symptoms to watch out for: restlessness, irritability, sleeping problems, tremor, heart palpitations, loss of appetite, upset stomach, nausea, frequent urination, and skin rash may occur.

  • If you have a sensitive stomach. Stomach upset is the second most common complaint after caffeine. A 1984 study concluded that “tea is a potent stimulant of gastric acid, and this can be reduced by adding milk and sugar.” Tea and Stomach Gastric Irritation
  •  Green tea contains caffeine, catechins and tannic acids. All three substances have been linked to pregnancy risks.
  • Tea is known as a “negative calories” beverage. Not only does it contain virtually no calories, it also block the absorption of certain nutrients.
  • One concern is iron mal absorption. A 2001 study reports that green tea extract reduces the absorption of non-heme iron by 25%.
  • A 2005 study found that long-term drinkers develop protective mechanism by having heavier parotic glands. The protein rich saliva neutralises the harmful effect of tea tannin
  • Drinking too much tea can be dangerous. Especially if the tea is low quality or contains Fluoride
  • Green tea, like any other tea beverages, can interfere and interact with certain medications.

Tea and Medical Interaction

Green tea contains caffeine which can increase heart rate and blood pressure, though people who consume caffeine regularly, don’t seem to experience  long-term effects. Caffeine can also increase blood sugar level and Diabetics patients should drink it cautiously.

 Those with psychological disorders, especially anxiety or panic disorders, and overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism.

Finally, if you have any other health concerns,  Consult with your health adviser before drinking green tea.

Todays Health Comments

Today more and more varieties of drinks have become available  literally, at our finger tips, just ready to drink. The task is to become Green Tea Smart, understand the fine print on their labels, and understand there are health benefits as well as side effects from these drinks. If you are taking medications, understand the complications and consult with your Doctor. For those loving your Green Tea, I hope this Article has made you Green Tea smarter.

 

]]> http://todayshealthsite.com/how-may-you-become-green-tea-smart.html/feed 764 The Perfect Cup of Tea... Organic http://todayshealthsite.com/the-perfect-cup-of-tea-organic.html http://todayshealthsite.com/the-perfect-cup-of-tea-organic.html#comments Fri, 07 Jan 2011 18:32:04 +0000 d68452s http://todayshealthsite.com/?p=1965

Todays Health Article

January 7th, 2011  

Today, many tea lovers have come to the conclusion that organic tea is not only the safest tea you can buy but that it might  be the tastiest.  Tea lovers love their tea, and continue to seek out that Perfect Cup of Tea. Of course this level may only found in its very nature or by being organic grown. Since it is not very practical for most tea lovers to seek out the tea bush, unless they live where they can be grown, people who are looking for that Perfect Cup of Tea are going organic.

Organic Definition

In 1939, Lord Northbourne coined the term organic farming in his book Look to the Land (1940), out of his conception of “the farm as organism,” to describe a holistic, ecologically-balanced approach to farming—in contrast to what he called chemical farming.

Organic are produced in a manner that complies with organic standards. These standards are by our national governments and international organizations. In the United States, organic production  is managed in accordance with the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990 and regulations in Title 7, Part 205 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

 The  site-specific conditions , where this tea is grown, must integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that are fostering the cycling of resources, promoting ecological balance, and conserving  biodiversity.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_food

Organic Tea Plant

It all  begins with the soil  being used, that it can be considered organic! Soil quality has a great deal to do with the tea  harvested, chemically fed and sprayed or organic grown. Many tea lovers are choosing the organic grown for these reasons.

 The Tea Plant Can live more than a hundred years and is generally tightly rooted into the ground, eliminating the chance for crop rotation.   Nutrients must be directly added to the tea bush and, in organic tea plants, these nutrients must be natural products.  In organic tea estates, nutrients added to the soil are typically made from manure, compost or plant cuttings.  Microbes in the soil break down the fertilizer, making it useful to the organic tea plant.  Some organic tea gardens practice a custom called permaculture, in which plants are grown between the tea plants to allow for an interconnected and sustainable soil system. some of the plants used in this practice are legumes, which rejuvenate the soil by adding nitrogen to it.  

Some tea gardens practice biodynamic agriculture in which the entire area is considered a holistic, self-nourishing soil system. Carefully-aged soil preparations use plants like dandelion, yarrow and chamomile, which are worked into the soil in harmony with local conditions. Organic soil is kept healthy and nutritious without the addition of harmful chemicals. tea leaves  

Organic Tea… Certified

Is labeled as such by being Certified 100% Organic. This applies to loose leaf tea and to tea inside teabags. Certified organic tea is grown, handled, processed, stored and packaged in accordance with the standards set forth by the National Organic Program. This type of food is also regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration.  File:National Organic Program.jpg

  •  Certified organic tea is grown on farms that have been inspected on a yearly basis by the certifying agency.  
  • The tea handler and the processor of the tea leaves are also inspected and must meet the regulations of the certifying body.  
  •  Some products, simply labeled “organic” are not 100% organic but must contain at least 95% organic food product.  
  •  The organic tea producer is also audited yearly and is issued a certificate that says the producer have met USDA-National Organic Standards for handling organic tea.  
  • A certificate is required for each type of tea labeled and sold as 100% organic.  
  • Steps are taken to prevent the commingling of non-organic and organic ingredients at all times and

Organic Tea, Where May Be Found

The search for that “Perfect Cup of Tea”  has brought the demand for organic tea to most market places, health food stores, organic speciality markets and the Internet. There are the local Tea houses, and now even Tea clubs that allow you to try various flavors of tea. For most it is or has become a social event and adventure to find just that perfect cup of tea.

Todays Health Comments

Although Todays Health Article did not cover any of the health benefits, we have in the past and if you click on Tea here, you may find further reading. Though I am not a big tea enthusiats, the health benefits are great. Many people today enjoy their tea on a regular basis and perhaps this may be helpful for those who are still in the hunt for that perfect cup of tea. Organic seems to be the first step to a healthier drink.
]]> http://todayshealthsite.com/the-perfect-cup-of-tea-organic.html/feed 0 "Todays Health Shares Healthy Choices " http://todayshealthsite.com/todays-health-shares-healthy-choices.html http://todayshealthsite.com/todays-health-shares-healthy-choices.html#comments Tue, 08 Dec 2009 03:10:22 +0000 d68452s http://todayshealthsite.com/?p=793

Todays Health

After several articles, we have put together three articles covering some of our  healthy beverages, healthy fruits and nuts, and healthy foods that perhaps have stood out for their health benefits.

If you search through this site and my blogroll sites, you will find some of these foods and drinks covered in more detail.

This first segment is going to list… “Drinks Good For You”

WATER

MILK

CHOCOLATE MILK

SOY MILK

GREEN TEA

MINT TEA

 TOMATO JUICE

 ORANGE JUICE

Most people think of  “WATER” as the most needed for a healthy body. Water is crucial for survival — it’s the foundation for your body fluids such as your  blood and digestive juices.

Water helps nutrients get absorbed and be transported, and it helps eliminate waste. If you should lose as little as 1 percent to 2 percent of your body weight, it can seriously impact your body’s ability to function. It’s commonly said that you should drink eight eight-ounce glasses of water a day to stay healthy. This is just a common rule, as so many factors can affect how much water your body needs.

CAUTION: not all water is EQUAL, or even good for you.  Some Tap water can be potentially contaminated with chemicals, pesticides or even pharmaceutical drugs.

 And bottled water, which is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has weaker regulations than the Environmental Protection Agency requires for tap water.Purifing your water through various processes, sometimes the need to boiling your water, or filtration of water may provide a healthier water.

This comes down to reading the fine print.

Milk curbs food cravings, helps protect against osteoporosis, stabilizes blood sugar,  is the ideal source of calcium,  it contains vitamin D, which is needed for maximum calcium absorption. ‘The calcium causes your body’s cells to burn the fat,allowing  those who are seeking to loose weight, to  choose this drink.   See also our Past article on Chocalate Milk.

 Green Tea it helps reduce risk of osteoporosis, cancer, heart disease and cavities. Green tea contains a rich concentration of flavonoids and polyphenols, natural antioxidants that mayprotect cells from carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) and inhibit tumor growth by helping to neutralize free radicals in the body.

Mint Tea eases cramps and helps ward off indigestion. “Mint is an antispasmodic, so it can relax muscles, which combats stiffness and aches.

Soy Milk lowers risk of heart disease, contains soluble fiber and soy protein, which lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and triglycerides, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, but Soy contains phytoestrogens, which may be linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. 

 Tomato Juice may protect against several cancers. Tomato products are the richest source of the antioxidant lycopene, reducing the risk of lung and stomach cancer, as well as pancreatic, colorectal, esophageal, oral, breast and cervical cancers. Lycopene also appears to protect the lungs and heart against oxidative damage.

Cranberry Juice helps prevent gum disease. Research suggests that the same anti-bacterial properties present in cranberry juice that fight off urinary tract infections may also protect against periodontal disease. Experts theorize that a component of the juice called nondialysable material (NDM) inhibits bacteria from sticking to the gums.

Orange Juice is an excellent source of vitamin C, may also ward off cataracts, cancers and birth defects. It can boost your immunity.  Orange juice is also a potent antioxidant that may protect you against a variety of diseases. Vitamin C  improves immune-cell functioning, enabling your body to fight off infections more efficiently. It’s a good source of folate, which protects against neural-tube defects in fetuses. 

High-Antioxidant 100% Fruit Juice 

There are many nutritionists who continue to debate whether  fruit juices, because of their sugar content, are really healthy. Most would agree that eating whole fruit is always better for you than drinking their juice.You may want to limit your intake to no more than one glass (six to eight ounces) daily. “Make sure the label says 100 percent juice, not ‘juice drink’ or ‘cocktail.”‘

However drinking fruit juice, certain types of juice do have their benefits.

A Study by the University of California, Los Angeles, ranked 10 beverages according to their levels of disease-fighting antioxidants. The conclusion was that the 10 best antioxidant-rich beverages  were mostly fruit juices.

  1. Pomegranate juice

  2. Red wine

  3. Concord grape juice

  4. Blueberry juice

  5. Black cherry juice

  6. Açaí juice

  7. Cranberry juice

  8. Orange juice

  9. Tea

  10. Apple juice

Todays Health Suggests… if you choose to drink juice, to do so so in moderation. Further, ”Read the Fine Print”, as there are major differences in juice quality out there.

Always remember, if you get dehydrated, it will make you feel sluggish and can lead to a host of health problems. So be sure to drink up and drink healthy!

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