GREAT ADAPTATIONS

Scientists have only begun to discover the health benefits of green tea. A recent study at the University of Purdue concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. And the Chinese have used green tea as medicine for over 4,000 years, treating everything from headaches to depression. There is also evidence that drinking green tea reduces total cholesterol and improves the balance of good-bad cholesterol in the bloodstream.

Studies vary in the recommended amounts of green tea, but to receive real benefit for the immune system, protection from cancer, relief of rheumatoid arthritis, and lowering of cholesterol, you would need to drink four to five cups per day.

Black tea has on average about 80% more antioxidant capacity than green tea. In one test by Italian researchers, drinking a single cup of strong black or green tea revved antioxidant activity in the blood by 41 to 48%.

You can benefit from just a couple of teaspoons of milk in your tea, as it releases the antioxidants. Any more than that will neutralize the value. Some sources claim that any milk neutralizes the antioxidants.

Studies indicate that eating antioxidants even late in life can help reverse mental decline that has already occurred. That’s really good news. So don’t hesitate to discover and begin your best brain routine.

Suzanna