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[ February 2, 2009 ]
Health Benefits of Tea
Tea is the most commonly consumed beverage in the world after water. Among all varieties of tea - black, green, white, oolong, red, herbal - which one offers the most health benefits?
Numerous studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer properties of antioxidant polyphenols. Some studies have suggested that tea's polyphenols may reduce the risk of gastric, esophageal and skin cancers, if one consumes 4 to 6 cups daily. Another study showed that just 2 cups of tea may lower the risk of ovarian cancer by 46 percent in women. Other studies have found that polyphenols help prevent blood clotting and lower cholesterol levels. One Japanese study found that green tea lowers death rates from heart disease. Black, green, white, and oolong teas derive their leaves from a warm-weather evergreen tree known as Camellia sinensis. The leaves from this tree contain polyphenols. The more processing tea leaves undergo, the darker they will turn. Green tea and white tea are the least processed tea. They are simply steamed quickly. White tea is derived from the young new leaves from the Camellia plant in early spring. These young leaves contain no chlorophyll, so they are silvery white. Black and oolong teas are partially dried, crushed and fermented. Regardless of the processing method, black, green, white and oolong teas all contain polyphenols. In fact, tea ranks as high as or higher than many fruits and vegetables in the ORAC score, a score that measures antioxidant potential of plant-based foods.
Herbal tea is not derived from the leaves of the Camellia plant and so does not have the particular health-promoting properties. Indeed, most herbal teas in the market are NOT tea at all. They are only infusions made with herbs, flowers, roots, spices or other parts of some plants. The proper term for this type of beverage is "tisane." Herbal teas may not contain the same beneficial flavonoid compounds as found in black and green teas but they do promote other various health qualities such as relaxation.
Gifts for Your Sweetie
Valentine's Day is just around the corner and Pilates Plus offers great gifts for that special person in your life. We carry unique clothes, jewelry and skin care products and always offer gift certificates for classes, private sessions, massages and facials. We are also offering a very special Valentine's Day bonus this year. If you purchase a gift certificate for a facial, a massage with Colleen Coss or a private or semi-private Pilates session you get a coupon for a free Pilates or Yoga mat class. This offer is good on all gift certificate purchases through February 14, 2009.
The Biggest Loser
Pilates Plus is looking for participants to be part of our own "Biggest Loser" competition. People will be paired up into random teams and will work with our Pilates Plus trainers in a friendly competition to see who can lose the most inches and weight. If you are interested in joining our 2 month competition please call the studio to be entered into our random drawing.
Call us at 585.586.3410 or CONTACT US for more information and assistance.
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