SD's Tea (Green Tea) - 30 Tea Bags

Green Tea

The difference is that black tea is fermented to produce the characteristic flavour and this process destroys most of its medicinal benefits. Green tea's catechins have been well studied, and EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) in particular has become a household name.
Green tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxed brain waves in humans. At the same time, green tea contains some caffeine and nutrients that help to boost mental-alertness. This helps to explain why green tea helps to improve presence of mind while still having a calming effect.

Cardiovascular Benefits
Green tea has many benefits for cardiovascular health. Intake of green tea is shown to decrease levels of LDL cholesterol, which is responsible for cholesterol plaques and the storage of fat, and triglycerides. Green tea also increases levels of HDL cholesterol, which is responsible for moving stored fat to the liver for processing and excretion from the body. HDL cholesterol protects against plaque formation. It also improves blood circulation and decreases inflammation in vessels. Thus green tea can be used to help prevent stroke and heart attack. The polyphenols are also antioxidants, protecting cells from oxidative damage by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules with an unpaired electron that are extremely reactive and damage surrounding cell membranes, fats, and fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients.

Anti-aging, Anti-bacterial, Anti-arthritis and Protective against Osteoporosis
Free radical damage is a major cause of the physical signs and symptoms of aging. Because of this, many natural health practitioners may also recommend green tea for many age-related diseases due to its anti-oxidant power. Recent research has shown the EGCG in green tea to be anti-inflammatory and effective for preventing joint degeneration in arthritis, and long-term consumption of green tea has been linked with decreased bone loss and reduced osteoporosis in the elderly. The catechins in green tea are also anti-bacterial and anti-viral, thus helping to protect drinkers against infection.

Constipation

Constipation is not a disease in itself but it is a symptom of another problem. It is defined as difficulty in passing stool or the infrequent passage of stool. The resulting stool may cause pain and bleeding as it passes, because it is so hard and dry. Constipation is very unhealthy because it impedes the ability of your body to release toxins. Most cases of constipation can be improved with lifestyle and diet changes. If those changes do not seem to help then a further investigation should be performed to rule out more serious pathology.

Natural and conventional treatment of constipation involves the use of laxatives. Just because a laxative is natural does not mean that you cannot become dependant on it.

Bulk forming agents increase the bulk and water content of stool. They are the only laxatives that are safe to use every day. Psyllium, bran, flaxseeds, apple pectin and chicory root are examples of natural bulk formers.

Stool softeners soften fecal matter so that it passes more easily. Pharmaceutical stool softeners, like mineral oil and docusate sodium, should not be taken daily because they can decrease vitamin absorption, alter drug concentrations and cause liver damage. Natural stool softeners are cold pressed oils. They also provide essential fatty acids for the health of the intestinal cells.

Osmotic agents pull more water into the intestine to stimulate bowel movements. They can cause dependency with repeated use. Examples are magnesium, milk of magnesia, Epsom salts and sorbitol. Stimulant laxatives irritate the intestine to cause a bowel movement. They can cause damage and dependency with repeated usage. Natural and pharmaceutical examples are bisacodyl, senna, cascara sagrada and castor oil.

Lifestyle changes to help with constipation include regular exercise and stress reduction. Never suppress the urge to defecate. Do not strain to pass stool because it can contribute to hemorrhoid formation.

Minimize straining by ensuring that your thighs are parallel to the floor when sitting on the toilet. Use a footstool if necessary.

Tackling the emotional aspects of constipation should also be undertaken. It can sometimes reflect the inability to "let go" of certain things that have happened in a person's life. Sometimes this emotional connection can even go back to trauma in childhood. Abdominal massage and hydrotherapy can be helpful to regulate bowel movements.

Assess your diet for irritating substances that may contribute to constipation. Perform intestinal cleansing to rid the colon of build-up and optimize its functioning. Drink 8-10, 8oz glasses of water each day. Start your day with a bowel stimulating glass of warm water with lemon juice. Consume a low fat and high fibre diet. Include fresh fruits (with skin) and vegetables, prunes, figs and whole grains in your diet. Avoid dairy products, spicy food, fats, processed foods, salt, coffee and alcohol.