White tea has been shown to have possible anti-obesity effects based on a series of experiments on human fat cells, known as adipocytes. An extract of the tea inhibits the production and growth of new adipocytes and stimulates fat mobilization from mature fat cells.
A research team from Beiersdorf AG, Germany, studied the biological effects of an extract of white tea. This kind of tea, relatively unknown in the West, is the least processed version of the tea plant Camellia sinensis. It is less oxidized than the other teas and contains more of the compounds, especially epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), thought to be active on human cells.
After treating lab-cultured human pre-adipocytes with the tea extract, the authors found that fat incorporation during the genesis of new adipocytes was reduced. Researcher Marc Winnefeld said, “We've shown that white tea may be an ideal natural source of slimming substances."
Any westerner who travels to Asian countries is immediately struck by how relatively slender average citizens there tend to be. There are likely many reasons for this, including a cultural preference for daily physical activity, smaller portions, and foods lower in sugar and fat. But it now appears that teas of all kinds, and perhaps especially white tea, may be at least part of the reason as well.
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Vitamin D, Too?
Vitamin D can help strengthen bones and lower risks of cancer, multiple sclerosis and other diseases, but here’s what may prove to be its biggest attraction: it may speed weight loss among dieters. Findings from the University of Minnesota suggest that taking vitamin D while trying to lose weight will boost your chances of success.
Investigators measured circulating blood levels of “D” before and after 38 men and women dieted for 11 weeks. On average, all of the dieters started out with insufficient levels of vitamin D. Then, for every increase of one nanogram per milliliter (ng/mL) in levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (an indicator of vitamin D status) the participants lost almost half a pound on their diets. And for each increase of l ng/mL of the active form of vitamin D the dieters lost another quarter pound. What’s more, the higher a dieter’s initial vitamin D levels, the greater the loss of abdominal fat. These results have to be confirmed by further study. But if you’re dieting, consider increasing your daily vitamin D intake to 2,000 IU as it could help you to lose weight.
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Meditation for Better Sleep
Relaxation or sedation may seem like the obvious short term solutions to sleeping problems, but learning to meditate may help overcome insomnia and lead to lasting improvements in all aspects of sleep, according to study findings presented in June at the annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies. All of the 11 participants in a meditation study suffered from insomnia but were otherwise healthy. The principal investigator noted that insomnia is not just a night-time problem - effects such as hyperarousal and elevated measures of arousal are seen all day. For the study, the participants were divided into two groups. Both were taught about sleep hygiene. Then one group learned Kriya yoga, a form of meditation that has been shown to reduce measures of arousal. The other group received health education. After two months, the researchers assessed sleep quality, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, depression and other measures of sleep quality. All of these factors improved among the group that learned to meditate.
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Featured Recipe
Tomato, Corn and Basil Soup
Normally, this is a soup for summer, when you can get wonderful fresh corn and tomatoes. But the quality of the new frozen supersweet corn, both yellow and white, is very good, and canned, organic tomatoes (the Lucini Organics brand especially) are very flavorful and convenient. So as long as you can get fresh basil, you can make this satisfying soup any time of year. It is very easy to do.
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Healthy Aging Tip
Courtesy of Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging
Seasonal Foods: June - Beets. A healthy addition to any summer meal, beets are a good source of folate, manganese, potassium, fiber and vitamin C, and contain nutrients that help protect against heart disease, birth defects, and certain cancers. While these root vegetables are known for their purple-red color, beets come in other hues, including white and golden-yellow. Their sweet, earthy flavor is wonderful in salads, on a cheese plate, or pureed in a cool, summer soup.
Featured Discussion:
“Are anchovies healthy?” asks lindestar.
Where do anchovies stand as a fish of choice? I usually do not like something so salty; however, I like them on salads … What do they offer nutrition-wise?
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What's New
Dr. Weil at the Napa Fresh Aire Festival 2009
Napa, California, August, 28-30
Celebrate at the Napa Fresh Aire Festival with three days of empowering programs and activities that purify the body, educate the mind, and renew the spirit all in the beautiful setting of Napa, California. Join Dr. Weil, and world-renowned wellness and eco-conscious living experts for inspiring lectures and activities devoted to outdoor experiences, yoga, nutrition, fitness, eco-conscious awareness, meditation, wine tasting, music, and more.Learn more.
Healthy Aging Workshop, Miraval Resort
Tucson, Arizona, October 25 - 28, 2009
Join us for this special educational offering featuring Dr. Andrew Weil and the faculty and directors of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at Miraval Resort and Spa, in Tucson, Arizona. This unique four-day healthy aging workshop was developed by Dr. Andrew Weil and will feature the latest information from leading experts in the field of integrative medicine. For rates, reservations and availability for this event, visit the Miraval website.
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