Step 5: Drink at Least 3 Cups of High Quality Green Tea Each Day

Step five of the Clean Cuisine Natural Detox is as simple and enjoyable as having at least three cups of green tea each day. Everybody can do that.

Green Tea is Healthier than Water!!

In August 2006 a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrated that tea is a healthier choice than almost any beverage, including pure water, because tea not only rehydrates as well as water it also provides a rich supply of polyphenols (antioxidants) that are protective against heart disease and many other diseases, too.

What is more, a Japanese study published in the September 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, suggests that drinking green tea lowers risk of death due to all causes, including cardiovascular disease. (1) Green tea drinkers appear to have lower risk for a wide range of diseases, from simple bacterial or viral infections to chronic degenerative conditions including cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke, periodontal disease, and osteoporosis.

Natural Detox and Weight Loss Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea is rich in catechins, a special type of antioxidant that has actually been shown to  have far greater antioxidant potential than that of the more popular antioxidants vitamins E and C. (2) Green tea not only washes toxins out of the system through its liquid content but the catechins in green tea are known to improve liver function and augment weight loss by increasing the metabolism of fats by the liver (a thermogenic effect),inhibiting lipase (a fat absorption enzyme) in the digestive tract, and providing a feeling of satiety and fullness. (3)

Green Tea Can Help Your Skin Glow

A hoped-for “side benefit” of any natural detox is glowing skin and regular consumption of green tea can help with that in two important ways. In a 2011 study in the Journal of Nutrition green tea was shown to boost skin elasticity and hydration and also help protect against ultraviolet light-induced skin damage.  Also, because green tea has been shown to lower blood pressure (4) this effect can indirectly boost the appearance of your skin.  Keep in mind that your blood vessels are your “lifelines” that supply nourishment to your skin and if your blood vessels are in poor health you can rest assured you will look…and feel…older than your years. Any food or beverage that helps lowers blood pressure will improve your skin’s appearance.

A Squeeze of Fresh Lemon Juice Will Boost Green Tea Benefits

It’s worth noting that adding just a little squirt of vitamin C-rich freshly squeezed lemon juice (or freshly squeezed orange juice) to your green tea can significantly boost the amount of catechins your body absorbs, thus boosting the health, antioxidant and detoxifying benefits of green tea. But don’t add milk! The milk protein casein has been shown to bind to the catechins in tea, thus making them unavailable to the body.

Look for a High Quality Green Tea

Not all green tea is created equal—in health benefits or in taste. Although plenty of high quality green teas are out there, we particularly like Costco’s brand, Kirkland Signature Green Tea for taste and price. Kirkland tea is made from Sencha green tea from Japan. In keeping with the Japanese tradition, Kirkland Signature Green Tea is gently steamed, rolled and then dried. The minimal processing stops the oxidation and preserves the freshness, aroma and color of the tea leaf. If you compare Kirkland Signature Green Tea with a green tea such as Lipton you will notice a very big difference.

If you are not a member of Costco, Ito En Teas (Itoen.com) is a great online resource that enables you to choose from a wide variety of Japanese green teas. Some retailers (including Whole Foods Market and natural foods stores) also carry Ito En teas. Note: Ito En Teas manufacture Coscto’s Kirkland brand tea!!

Since most of the research showing the health benefits of green tea is based on the amount of green tea typically consumed in Asian countries, about three cups per day, we suggest you drink at least that much as part of the Clean Cuisine Natural Detox.

View [intlink id=”9880″ type=”post”]Clean Cuisine’s Natural Detox Step 6 Here[/intlink]

References

1. Kuriyama S, et. al. “Green tea consumption and mortality due to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all causes in Japan: the Ohsaki study.” JAMA. 2006 Sep 13; 296(10):1255-65.
2. Chen A, Zhang L. “The antioxidant (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits rat hepatic stellate cell proliferation in vitro by blocking the tyrosine phosphorylation and reduce the gene expression of platelet-derived growth factor-beta receptor. J Biol Chem 2003;278:23381-23389.
3. Dulloo AG, et. al., “Efficacy of a green tea extract rich in catechin polyphenols and caffeine in increasing 24-h energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans.” Am J Clin Nutr. 1999 Dec;70(6):1040-5.
4. Tijburg LBM, Mattern T, Folts JD, et al. “Tea flavonoids and cardiovascular diseases: a review.” Crit Rev Sci Nutr 1997;37:771-785.