0 Green Tea Catechins Boost the Body’s Immune System

The Chinese have known the healing power of green tea for generations. Many believe that the unprocessed tea leaves can help to prevent or even cure many chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer and dementia. Volumes of scientific evidence now provide compelling proof that the active polyphenol found in green tea (EGCG) has the power to increase the number of regulatory immune support T-cells.

T-cells play a crucial role in the suppression of autoimmune diseases including the terminal condition ALS (Lou Gehrig`s disease). Research published in the journal Immunology Letters demonstrates that regular consumption of green tea can help your innate immune system to operate at peak efficiency to fight invading pathogens.

EGCG from Green Tea Consumption Improves Immune Response to Pathogens

Autoimmune diseases occur as the result of an imbalance in the immune system that results in the body mounting an attack against itself. Immune T-cells are critical in providing a defensive shield that can protect against cancer proliferation and a host of diseases where the body recognizes healthy cells and organs as foreign. T-cells also help to control systemic inflammation and can dampen the inappropriate response to normal cells seen in autoimmune conditions.

Scientists conducting this study found that EGCG found in green tea was responsible for a significantly higher number and frequency of regulatory T-cells found in the spleen and lymph nodes, helping to control the immune response. They found that EGCG did not directly affect the genetic DNA, but did influence gene expression that determines how the genetic material is switched on or off as a response to food consumption. Epigenetic regulation is a rapidly emerging science that explains the extensive health benefits seen with a natural diet.

Green Tea Polyphenols Fight Systemic Inflammation to Prevent Chronic Illnesses

Emily Ho, associate professor and research author from the Oregon State University Department of Nutrition commented with erence to EGCG “This appears to be a natural, plant-derived compound that can affect the number of regulatory T-cells, and in the process improve immune function.” Researchers found a dual role for green tea polyphenols include boosting T-cell production and fighting cellular inflammation. Both mechanisms are critical in fighting conditions exacerbated by chronic inflammation such as cancer and heart disease as well as autoimmune disorders.

Studies that involve regular consumption of naturally occurring foods and extracts are rapidly mounting to explain the importance of the foods we eat on our genetic health. Genes are expressed immediately following each meal and directly influence the progression of disease and the prevention of most chronic conditions.

Researchers conducting this study concluded “Epigenetic regulation can be potentially exploited in generating suppressive regulatory T cells for therapeutic purposes, and is of significant clinical importance for the suppression of autoimmune diseases.” Although this study did not publish the dietary equivalent of green tea used to achieve their results, similar studies have recommended consuming 2 to 4 cups of green tea daily or 500 mg of a standardized EGCG extract for optimal health benefits.

0 Active Dancing Can Boost Mental Health

Active Dancing Can Boost Mental Health - Teenagers who are active, known to be very good for health. Now the girls are actively involved dancing classes not only good for physical health, but also good for mental health.

The new study conducted by researchers from Sweden shows take dance classes and perform some movements can provide a pretty good addition to the mental health of women, especially adolescents.

Researchers reveal the dance is one of the popular forms of physical activity, especially among young women. Researchers used this opportunity to improve your posture as well as low self-perception common among adolescent girls.

The study, led by Anna Duberg of the Centre for Health Care Sciences included 112 girls aged 13-18 years. These girls have a problem such as depression, low self esteem and constant fatigue.

Girls were included in our dance classes for 8 months, and the researchers assessed the levels of health of each adolescent using a scale of 1-5 and measured before the study, 3 times during the study and after 8 months.

As a result girls who attend dance classes had more improvement in their mental health status even after dance class ends, compared with teens who entered in the control group.

In addition, about 91 percent of teenage girls who attend dance classes have a positive experience better. These results are reported in the journal Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, as quoted by LiveScience, Tuesday (11/13/2012).

This is possible because the dance class fun and no pressure is felt by teenagers. As well as the social aspect is very important because it makes the girls had the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy the time doing his favorite thing.

The researchers revealed the role of physical activity a fun social could affect the health, not only physical but also the mental health of adolescents themselves.