Green Tea: Top 5 Health Benefits

The leaves of the Camellia sinensis is the source from which green tea comes from and originated in China and since has been connected with other cultures around the world. There are many countries now growing green tea and at the same time has resulted in a variety of different types of green tea as this is due to viable growing methods as well as harvesting methods.

Many people drink green tea to lower their risk of heart disease. It has also been noted that when drinking green tea consistently, it will not develop certain types of cancer.

Green tea is useful when it comes to weight loss management. There are numerous anti oxidants known as Catechins which encourage health benefits to people such as the prevention of cancer especially of the colon, skin, lung’s and prostrate as the Catechins contain extremely powerful anti oxidants which protect the human cells from damage. So in a nutshell, here are the top 5 benefits of green tea.

1. Green tea lowers cholesterol levels and prevents arteries from becoming blocked which ultimately prevent heart disease as well as strokes.

2. Green tea, apparently, can also balances the blood sugar levels which help patients that suffer from Type I and Type II diabetes.

3. Green tea speeds up the body’s metabolic rate which in turn burns fat while exercising which means one can burn up far more calories and lose weight effectively.

4. Green tea aids the digestive system and this was one of the foremost discoveries as well as prevents people from getting ulcers and other stomach ailments. 

5. Green tea has been noted to have far more health benefits than any other food or beverage as this tea helps with headaches to nausea even depression and has also been used medicinally in China for around four thousand years.

Weekend Peer Pressure

So it’s Friday or Saturday night, and you are tempted to go out and socialise and be dragged into the peer pressure of having an alcoholic drink.

One way in which to counter the pressure is simply to tell yourself you are doing what you are doing for the greater good. You will look like the odd one out when not drinking a beer, wine or not having a meal a local restaurant, which shows your determination and will to be successful with your goals.

When it comes to alcohol there are 6 golden rules, or shall I say quotes, which you should apply when socialising. You have to be strict otherwise, if you give in, you will certainly give in next time.

Number 1: Simply say “No thanks.”

Number 2: If more pressure is being applied, say something like; “I don’t feel like it, I can have non-alcoholic drinks.”

Number 3: “Alcohol isn’t my thing”

Number 4: “Are you talking to me? Forget it”

Number 5: “Why do you keep pressuring me when I’ve said no?”

Number 6: “Back off”

And if they continue to persist you with pressure you then have to question your friendship or relation to the individual. Don’t let anyone come between you and your fitness goals in life. Be the best person you can possibly be and then be better than him.

Overcoming peer pressure can be tough, but with a little strategic planning ahead, you can pre plan what to say and even what to drink or what to take with you.

A few quotes I’ve read today which I’ve found useful and you may find them useful aswell. 

“Exercise is bad, Excuses are worse”

“Men’s best successes come after their disappointments”

“Fortune favours the brave”

“Believe with all of your heat, that you will do what you were made to do.”

TOP 10 WEIGHT LOSS TIPS

Weight loss can be difficult. One tends to be frustrated when not seeing any results over time; this could be due to inconsistent dieting and lack of exercise. So I’ve come up with my TOP 10 simple ways to lose those extra few pounds. Remember, these tips are to those who are passionate, determined and committed to staying at a weight they desire FOR LIFE!

Here are my personal top 10 ways to lose fat. The top 5 are CRITICAL to your weight loss plan.

10.          Cut out sugar!

Sugar is a major factor in why America has become a ‘fat nation’. Obesity and diabetes are a major cause from sugar. When you have too much sugar in your RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) it spikes your insulin hormone. When this happens your body configures from fat burn mode, to fat storage mode. This means your body adapts to the high level of sugar and instead of burning fat, your body reacts to store fat. Sugars that are acceptable are those that come naturally from fruits for example, a banana or peach.

9.            Eat low Glycaemic Load Carbohydrates

This reduces hunger as well as your tendency to store fat. This means eating a combination of fish or lean meat such as chicken or turkey, accompanied with BROWN rice or wholemeal BROWN pasta and as many vegetables as you can fit on your plate, they are essential low GL carbs.

8.            If you have a craving, have almonds

Almonds are a rich source of vitamin E, containing 26 mg per 100 g (Table) They are also rich in dietary fiber, B vitamins and essential minerals. They flatten your need for sugar so have a hand full of almonds and the cravings will stop. Trust me they do stop.

7.            Stay away from Alcohol

This is a given. Alcohol has no nutritional benefits. Even vodka is loaded with calories because it’s a drug, a chemical substance, stay away from all types of alcohol especially beer. A pint of Beer has between 300-700 calories depending on the beer, think how many you have in one night and add up the calories, which I’m guessing isprobably over your RDA for the day right?

6.            Eat protein with every meal

Eating a source of protein in each of your meals is essential to maximizing your fat burning state. I recommend alternating proteins so you won’t get bored or plateau. Diets higher in protein, along with a lifestyle of regular exercise are often supported by experts to reduce blood fats and maintain lean tissue while burning fat for fuel without dieters being side tracked with constant hunger.

HERE ARE THE TOP 5 WAYS TO LOSE WEIGHT

5.            DRINK WATER

Drinking water throughout the day will benefit not only fat loss but also retained water hanging inside your body. Your body is not used to water coming in, so it retains is in a state of emergency, which is added weight. So drinking water will help shift the retained water. Drinking a glass of water every two hours is an option. Drinking lots of water will help you lose weight. Keeping hydrated is key, and not only will it help you shift unwanted weight, it will purify your skin making you look healthier.

4.            Eat 3-5 meals per day

Include protein and a slow digesting carb (GL carb) with fruit, nuts and vegetables. Eating 3-5 meals per day keeps your body in a high metabolic state. A high metabolism equals rapid weight loss. If you eat 1-2 big meals per day it will not help you burn fat. The more frequently you eat, the more your body has to digest and even digestion is calorie burning.

3.            Have a good quality multivitamin and fish oil

These vitamins minerals and fish oils are your sustainability. In other words, they will keep you balanced and healthy throughout your journey. I recommend taking the fish oils at night when you are resting. In my personal experience I’ve felt better taking them before I go to sleep and I wake up feeling nourished and refreshed.

2.            Strength Training & Cardio

ESSENTIAL! Both are equally good and have their benefits. For a more metabolic reaction after you work out, try strength training with a barbell or dumbbells. The after effect is that your body will be burning calories when you are sitting down. The metabolic effect is that powerful. Cardio is ideally what you want to do when you want to shed the remaining few pounds or kilos. Interval training would be the most effective. Studies have shown that people doing interval training burn 30% more fat than people on a steady endurance pace.

1.            Rest.

I know you were expecting a breakthrough at number 1. When do you think you lose weight? In the gym? When you eat? While you are running?
No, you lose weight when you are resting, or sleeping. When your body is relaxed, THAT is when the body starts to adapt to the change its just embarked throughout the day. Get about 7-8 hours sleep per night.


Keep these 10 things in mind or print them out and stick them on your wall as a reminder of what you need to do to sustain your weight.