My Healthy Heart Blogs
Green Tea May Improve Circulation
07/08/08
Nutrition & Exercise
If you think tea is reserved for your grandmother or high society, you’re missing out on an increasingly popular beverage as well as some health benefits.
Green tea can increase circulation within 30 minutes of consumption, according to research published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation. It is thought the effects are a result of the high levels of flavonoids, an anti-oxidant.
Flavonoids reduce oxidation, inflammation, and appear to prevent certain types of cancer. Green tea by its nature is higher in antioxidants like flavonoids than black tea. Green and black tea are processed differently. Green tea leaves go through limited processing whereas black tea leaves go through different preparation to preserve their taste. Green tea is not herbal tea and is high in caffeine. The published research did not use decaf. Decaf green tea may not have the same affect because of the extra processing to remove caffeine.
The study is interesting. Even though green tea has been gaining popularity in Western culture, its health advantages are probably similar to other foods or supplements with equally high flavonoid content.
There is a problem with consistency when purchasing teas. Generally, the less expensive brands found in the grocery store are made from pieces of the tea plant, which is the reason they are cheaper. They will have lower flavonoid levels and a lower quality of taste. For full health benefits and taste, you may want to check out one of the many online or local tea purveyors. You will be surprised at the difference between store shelve mass market taste and deep, rich flavor. Be sure to check with your doctor before adding a new supplement to your diet.
Corie Richter is a nurse and physician's assistant who started her career as a health educator. The survivor of a myocardial infarction (heart attack) and partially successful quadruple bypass surgery, she did not let her health challenges hamper her. Neither the limitations of spinal surgery nor of diabetes have deterred her from a mission of service. She now encourages others through writing and speaking engagements to master their disabilities through education and a proactive attitude.
