For The Love Of Tea! – Health Benefits And Beyond

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tea types octagon

Tea- it is the most consumed beverage in the world besides water. There is nothing better than curling up on your couch with a cup of this ancient brew. Not only is it comforting and tastes great, but it has many health benefits that are worth the drink.

People are told time and again that tea is great for your body, but why? All tea originates from the plant Camellia sinensis. This plant contains substances called flavonoids and polyphenols which contain antioxidants. The antioxidants are the important part that helps your body stay healthy. The concentrations of these antioxidants are higher in the tea plant than in fruits and vegetables. The most significant polyphenol is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

EGCG could be the markers to fight off Alzheimer’s (due to decreases in beta-amyloid plaques), Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s disease (due to rises in dopamine levels). It prevents brain cells from dying and if damaged, promotes repair. It also binds with iron and blocks pathways that cause brain deterioration. Also if you’re looking for a new inexpensive way to have glowing, fresh skin, look no more. EGCG can regenerate skin cell growth for newer skin more quickly.

We all know the four major categories of teas- green, white, black, and oolong. Have you ever wondered what makes the flavours their own if they all come from the same plant? Each tea group goes through a different process to make it its own. Green tea leaves are steamed which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. Black and oolong tea are fermented which makes the EGCG turn into other compounds. White tea is said to be the purest in antioxidants due to its process of being steamed to inactivate polyphenol oxidation, and then dried from new growth buds and young leaves.

pouring tea

Due to the fermentation processes, the health benefits of tea are higher in white and green teas. This is because of the less EGCG that is taken away from the oxidation process. So if you are looking to get your maximal health benefits from tea go with the green or white before a black or oolong.

Research shows that antiviral and germ killers are higher in white teas than in green teas. Although green tea helps the metabolic system by getting rid of sugars quicker and not storing them as fat. Green tea kills cancer cells and inhibits growth of cancer cells. It does this without even damaging healthy tissue. Not only does this amazing brew fight off bad cells but it also helps you with weight loss!

Tea helps in the maintenance of blood pressure and blood vessels, fighting against cardiovascular disease. It is possible the reasoning why cardiovascular disease is reduced by tea is because flavonoids decrease inflammation and cholesterol which reduces the chances of blood clot formation. There is 11 times more flavonoid intake by tea drinkers than non tea drinkers. If you drink five or more cups of tea a day you are 31% more likely not to die from cardiovascular disease.

There are some things to keep in mind the next time you brew a cup. Decaf teas have less flavonoids so try to go for the natural blends. Iced teas have more sugars so either go with the naturally hot brew or try making your own so you can limit added sugars. The more processed the tea the less polyphenols present so try to go with a more organic and natural tea. Instead of added sweeteners try throwing in a slice of lemon, or a squeeze of some citrus juice, it boosts the absorption in the GI tract. Pepper does this as well if you want to add a little spice like a chai blend.

Overall you cannot go wrong with drinking tea. Even fitting a cup a day into your life will reward you with some amazing health benefits. From renewing your skin, to fighting off cancer and degenerative diseases, tea’s natural antioxidants are helpful and tasteful. So what are you waiting for? Go and make yourself a cup!

tea glass

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References

Schoenhals, K. (2005). Healthy indulgence: take time each day to sip this treasure from the orient — white tea. Better Nutrition, 67(7), 22-24.

Sinija, V., & Mishra, H. (2008). Green tea: health benefits. Journal Of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine, 17(4), 232-242.

Welland, D. (2007). The latest international research brews up more big benefits for tea. Environmental Nutrition,30(12), 1.

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How I Replaced My Income Over The Internet

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empower network

This past weekend I had the most eye opening experience at the Empower Network event in Chicago. The bottom line: Anyone can make $10K+ per month and the only person holding you back from it, is yourself.

When I first got started in this industry and more specifically with Empower, I was blessed to join a team of like minded individuals all striving for the same goal. Everyone supports each other, pools resources, tips and knowledge. The leadership is incredible and interactive. It’s one thing to be in a “team” with a major earner but never get to talk to them vs. being able to freely message them and actually get a real response. I began network marketing because I always knew there’s millions of dollars to be made over the internet, but the trick was finding the right vehicle that was genuine and legitimate.  I’ve found it. Not only the company/system, but the people AND the process.

For the people that think this is a “scam” or something illegal, STOP READING NOW! I don’t have time to waste with those that are going to sabotage their own success. Granted I know it’s hard to distinguish what is real or fake on the web, I can tell you from experience that this is 100% the real thing and is solely the reason why I make the money I do and can live the life I do. If, and only if you are truly serious about making money online and will do whatever it takes to succeed then email me, skype me, call me or just sign up and get started.

I’m a normal person, I didn’t come from a rich family and I certainly didn’t even have a couple thousand dollars saved up. What I did have though, was determination, dedication and desire (or the Three D’s as I’ll call it) to succeed in life and on my own terms. I didn’t want to have a boss that told me what to do while I slaved away for most of my life trying to potentially rise up the corporate ladder. I didn’t want to make someone else rich while I just fought to keep my J.O.B. (Just Over Broke). This is the single most important business opportunity I have and very well may ever come across in my entire life. I don’t know about you but I’m not one to let a possibility  this significant slip past, and I didn’t.

dave standing blue

Since starting four months ago, I’m now making more money than I did at my 9-5. I’ve met countless amazing, inspirational and more importantly successful people than I could have imagined. I’ve had the simple pleasure of shaking the owners of the company’s hand and saying, “thank you”. I’ve created freedom, opportunities and happiness all because of the small decision I made one day. The decision that I’m going to give this “internet thing” a shot. I’m going to give it my all, not just dabble here and there. Worst case scenario I learned how to market/promote any product or business better than I could have at any school. Best case scenario I started living my dreams instead of thinking of them as fantasies or unachievable feats. Guess what? I’m doing the latter, and in truth neither of those poles are “bad”. You win either way, it’s just up to you to decide how much you win.

I now have a recipe to replicate my results given you follow exactly in my footsteps. You don’t have to make the mistakes and waste years trying to find out what “works” like myself along with thousands of others did. The most important thing is, you don’t have to do it alone.

There are some massive things coming into play. The world, let alone this industry, is going to be turned upside down when they see what we’re doing. It’s not just me. It’s my team. What’s the point of being at the top when you are by yourself? Run with me. Don’t fumble behind. RUN with me. If a 12 year old kid that was at the event can make $12000 while going to school, doing homework and being a kid, then why can’t you? You can but the question really is: will you? I hope you do because my team and I are going to be succeeding more and more regardless. My goal is to help others transform their life just the same way that mine has, not “change” it. As Tony Rush basically said, “If you have some food and pour some spices on it you’ve changed it, but when a caterpillar turns into a butterfly, it’s been transformed”.

My team has put some ground breaking resources in place that are literally a first for this industry. We are the ONLY people that have a call floor dedicated to getting leads, converting them to sales and then delivering them to us, all WITHOUT talking to anyone or posting a single link yourself. The return on investment is extremely lucrative and the process is as simple as clicking a button. If that isn’t enough (and it really should be!) we’re actually going ahead and creating a TV show based on our team and our success. I don’t just mean a random YouTube video that we post on our own Facebook walls. I’m talking about a commercial quality show that’s currently in a bidding war between 5 different major networks. These are just two of the massive things we are exclusively doing and this is barely scratching the surface! Don’t be one of the millions of viewers that’s going to say, “I could have been one of those people…” once they see the TV show.

empower network logo

I’m going to put two links below here because I KNOW I’ll get hundreds of emails asking for more information anyway. The first will be an introduction into the world of Empower Network and the system that is proven to work, and the second will be a complete break down of network marketing and this opportunity. Watch these, sign up and get started right away.

Empower Introduction: Click Here

Project A.W.O.L. Break Down: Click Here

empower network chicago

The next event is in Denver, Colorado July 19-21, 2013 and I hope to see you all there. Trust me when I say you don’t want to miss this! I’m not going to try and convince or prove to you all the reasons why you need to get involved, I simply don’t have time for that. I’d rather spend my time working with the people that have already made a commitment to themselves and are doing whatever they can to make it happen. I’m grateful for the opportunity that I’ve been given and I’m even more grateful for being able to work alongside of all of you. Let’s make waves and show everyone how life should really be. I don’t mean be a rich snob and flaunt it, I mean make a difference and live prosperous. Live in wealth. Wealth doesn’t necessarily have to be only monetary. It can be knowledge, abundance and intangible, but the money part is definitely a plus!

If you want to talk to me directly before you dive in give me a shout here and we can chat through email, skype or phone. Looking forward to your journey reaching utopia, and I’ll be right there to brush off the path.

-Dave W. Hunter

Hope you liked this post! Please feel free to like, share, tweet and comment. If you want to discuss your favorite interests and make money while doing it then click here.

I write about anything and everything that crosses my path and end up making money from it. Check out this video to find out how. Click here to watch the video.

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Sleep Deprivation – Why Do We Get It And How Do We Get Rid Of It?

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Sleep deprivation- It’s a big problem our western culture has. In our younger years, we’d have to fight to stay up all night and now we are fighting to keep our eyes closed to doze off. Forty seven percent of American’s are getting less than a 7-8 hour sleep. A quick answer to our sleep deprivation diagnosis is usually insomnia. Really we need to start thinking of smaller issues like that large cappuccino we downed before supper or maybe how hot it is in the house. Sleep is very important for our bodies to process the information we have obtained throughout the day. This is a time where our memories are being developed from things we have learned and also endocrine and immune system activity is in action.

There are many diseases or conditions that also have a toll on our sleep. Cancer, diabetes, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux, and back pain are just some.

Caffeine can be a big reason on why we lose our sleep. It actually sends signals to our brains that block the sleep inducing hormones to our biological clocks. The best way to prevent this substance from affecting our zzz’s is to limit our intake- which should be about 16 ounces a day. Also ALWAYS drink in the morning or at least try to quit around lunch time. At least this will help to limit the amount of caffeine you still have in your system when it’s time to “hit the hay.”

Light, as no surprise, is another sleep killer. Melatonin is a hormone produced in our body that sets our biological clock and produces the initiation of sleep. Light stops the production of melatonin being produced, therefore blocking our sleep. So next time before you go to bed, try shutting off the T.V., laptop, and phone and wind down in a little darkness before you get into the covers.

Temperature is another factor to our sleep. Colder temperatures also stimulate a better production of melatonin to induce our sleep. Try taking a hot bath so when you come out, you have a cold rush that will help out this hormone. Or you could simply just turn down the temperature to that cool, medium!

group yawning

You know those times when you wake up in the middle of the night and start worrying you will never get back to sleep? The worries or stress may get the worst of you! By simply calming yourself, getting up to go to the washroom, or doing a small task like praying could calm your brain down and make you ready to go right back to sleep. Also try not to spend time in bed unless you are going to sleep, like the times when you’re sitting for a few hours in bed reading a book or watching T.V. The fact that you’re in bed and resting already may have something to do with your tough time getting to sleep. OH yeah, and as for the worries and depression, try to think positively and try some meditation techniques. This may help your ability to fall asleep.

Alcohol is known to help you pass right out, although it does have symptoms of disrupted sleep by waking up and having a hard time getting back to sleep. For the ladies, research has shown it’s worst for us! Try not to excessively drink, or drink earlier in the evening to avoid these effects.

Four random foods that surprisingly help well with activating your fatigue:

  • A bowl of cornflakes
  • Cherry juice, preferably tart
  • Trail mix with pumpkin seeds
  • White carbs; they can be good for something

Most of these foods have tryptophan or minerals that are melanin inducing. So give ‘em a try!

With the right amount of caffeine, light, temperature, alcohol, foods, and managing anxiety levels, you may have a good cure to your lack of sleep. Also check into any diseases or conditions you have been diagnosed for and see with your doctor what may help for your case.

Foley, D. (2013). Still awake at 3 a.m.?. Good Housekeeping, 256(1), 89.

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I write about anything and everything that crosses my path and end up making money from it. Check out this video to find out how. Click here to watch the video.

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How Does Caffeine Work And Is It Good Or Bad?

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caffeine coffee beans

A vast majority of people make or buy a nice cup of coffee as part of their ever lasting routine to “wake up” or get that boost of energy, but what’s the real deal with this drug?

It’s extremely common for someone to be tired and think that they need a beverage with caffeine because it will pick them up. This magical thing gives us a boost and makes our minds alert right? Actually it doesn’t! Caffeine in fact BLOCKS the receptors that make you feel tired. So all of a sudden you feel like you have all this energy when a moment ago you were tired, in reality you’ve just stopped feeling tired. Your brain has actually been tricked. There are some other side effects that the body endures but energy wise you’re not getting a real “boost” to your system.

Some effects that caffeine causes

  • Heart beats faster
  • Muscles tighten up
  • Pupils dialate
  • Breathing tubes open up
  • Blood flow to the stomach and some blood vessel slow down

How Does Caffeine Work?

Our brains produce a neuro-chemical called Adenosine which builds up throughout the day and finally gets to the point that you have to go to sleep to have it released. The trick that caffeine plays is that it resembles adenosine’s shape and size and enter the receptors without activating them. So instead of feeling sleepy those particular receptors are then effectively blocked. Once those receptors are blocked, your brain’s natural stimulants such as dopamine and glutamate can function more freely.

Stephen R. Braun, author of a 224 page paper in 1997 explained caffeine in an excellent metaphor. Think of it like a vehicle. Instead of hammering the gas, caffeine simply blocks the brake. This drug has many uses but it doesn’t boost your actual skill level but it can bump up your speed in certain abilities. For mundane tedious tasks you do everyday in the office, caffeine can actually improve your output and quality of work. On the other hand something more creative or complex doesn’t appear to have any benefit.

Offduty: Caffine Drinks

What products or drinks have the most caffeine?

  • Coffee
  • Energy drinks
  • Tea
  • Soda

How Does Caffeine Affect The Body?

Like many other consumables, you build up a tolerance. The first time you have coffee, tea or pop you might be feeling quite the “jolt”. After having these items for a while, the same amount doesn’t seem to give you as much of a boost. This isn’t that surprising really because that’s simply the way the body works. You build up a tolerance to anything that you continue to consume regularly.

Caffeine takes around 5 – 6 hours after ingestion before the dose wears off from the human body. Women who take oral birth control actually take around twice as long to process caffeine. Smokers take around HALF the time to process. This is actually a funny fact because all stereotypes aside, I tend to notice that smokers drink a lot of coffee and more often!

Something a little interesting is that you can feel withdrawal from caffeine fairly quickly. This can be anywhere between 12 – 24 hours after your last use. This is a huge indicator of why the first drink of coffee in the morning seems like such a big deal. It’s staving off that withdrawal in addition to the normal effects! Withdrawal is the same as with any substance. Your brain has become accustomed to functioning with this consumable and now all of a sudden things have changed.

Headaches are the most common side effect of killing off your caffeine intake. In fact you may have noticed that a lot of patients who come out of anesthesia after a major surgery feel a headache. This is usually because they’re not used to being without caffeine for so long. Depression, irritability, nausea, fatigue, lethargy, eye spasms and even vomiting can be a part of the caffeine cut off. This is something you’ll just have to deal with for around 10 days or so if you’re trying to quit cold turkey.

sad woman

What are the top health concerns from caffeine intake?

  • Cardiovascular problems
  • Stress
  • Emotional disturbances
  • Blood sugar and Insulin problems
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Adrenal exhaustion
  • Accelerated aging

When it comes down to it, caffeine seems a little more dangerous and undesirable once you know the facts. Sure all the drinks with it taste great and yes it does help with some fatigue but there is a cost. The cost isn’t all short term too. A lot of it is long term and can negatively impact you in a critical way. That being said, caffeine has it’s uses but should be taken in moderation and wisely. I’d recommend trying to limit your intake so that you can live a longer and healthier life, but I know it’s pretty hard to pass up a nice fresh cup of coffee!

Hope you liked this post! Please feel free to like, share, tweet and comment. If you want to discuss your favorite interests and make money while doing it then click here.

I write about anything and everything that crosses my path and end up making money from it. Check out this video to find out how. Click here to watch the video.

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