According to a study by the University of Michigan Health Systems, one specific compound found in Green Tea can be the key to preventing & treating Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The Green Tea compound that has researchers excited is called Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).

EGCG shows promise because scientists believe that it could restrict the amount of inflammatory molecules associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers also believe that EGCG can also decrease the joint damage associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

“Our research is a very promising step in the search for therapies for the joint destruction experienced by people who have rheumatoid arthritis,” said Salah-uddin Ahmed, Ph.D., the head researcher for this study.

While researchers are very optimistic about the long-term benefits of EGCG, it is still unknown how it will truly effect humans, as only animal tests have been done. However, the results of the primary tests look very promising for eventual human benefits.

According to a new report published in American Journal of Public Health, the answer is an astounding yes!

The Brown School of Medicine examined nearly 6,000 interviews of European adults, conducted by the World Health Organization, and found that those adults who live in damp or moldy homes were more likely to report symptoms of depression. As well as a variety of other health conditions, such as asthma, coughing, fatigue, nausea, headaches, etc.

While it is commonly known that mold can cause a variety of health problems, the connection between mold & depression is still widely debated.

The importance of this study, is not that mold may cause depression, it’s the fact that a clean household will lead to a healthier lifestyle. It is important to keep the air in your house clean from allergens such as mold.

Peppermint is one of the most popular and useful herbs of all-time. It’s rich in natural menthol concentrates, which have been used both medicinally and commercially since Ancient Times.

Facts about Peppermint:

• The chief element of peppermint oil is Menthol
• Commonly used as a both a flavoring and a therapeutic agent
• Peppermint oil has been widely used since Egyptian times
• 2 dozen species and hundreds of sub-varieties within the mint family
• Easy to grow: likes plenty of water and does great in just about any soil
• All mints are native to Europe but now grown the world over

Healing Powers of Peppermint:

• Causes constriction of blood vessels
• Provides mental clarity and elevates mood
• A natural insect repellent
• Induces perspiration
• Acts as an analgesic and is cooling to the skin

Uses of Peppermint (just to name a few):

• Expels gas and aids in calming indigestion
• Great at easing nerves and helps to de-stress
• Promotes easy breathing
• Aids in reducing fevers
• Natural astringent
• Relieves smooth muscle spasms

Take time to enjoy the many benefits of using peppermint both for medicinal use and to add flavor to your favorite items.

**Cautions: Do not ingest peppermint oil unless otherwise specified by a health care professional and be very careful if using it topically, as it may cause skin irritation in some individuals.

Dieting can be such a struggle. Many people think that in order to lose weight, they need to stop eating. And while it is important to cut back on sweets and other high calorie foods, it’s just as important to eat more of the foods that promote weight loss. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Organic Citrus Fruits:

Citrus fruits, like oranges, lemons, grapefruit, tangerines, and limes are foods that promote weight loss as they contain high concentrations of vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. This vitamin is an excellent fat burner. Vitamin C reduces the effectiveness of fat by reducing it content and liquefying or diluting fat. Vitamin C also helps to reduce the levels of harmful cholesterol in the blood. Boost the vitamin C in your diet by adding one or two citrus fruits to your diet every day. This will not only help you break down fat, it will also help reduce your cholesterol level.

2. Whole Grains:

Whole grains are high in fiber have a low glycemic index. This means that they raise blood sugar levels relatively slowly after eating. Foods with a low glycemic index can help curb the appetite and help you to feel full for longer. Whole grain foods that promote weight loss include whole wheat bread, fortified whole grain cereal, and brown rice.

3. Organic Non-GMO Soybeans:

Soybeans contain a chemical called lecithin that can shield your cells from accumulating fat. Lecithin prevents fat from forming on your cells and breaks down fat before it can accumulate in your body. Try adding soybeans to your diet once or twice a week. You can find soybeans at most health food stores or even in the frozen foods section of your local market.

4. Organic Apples & Berries:

Apples and many berries promote weight loss because they contain large amounts of pectin. This chemical is found in the cell walls of these fruits. When it enters the body, it helps to limit the amount of fat that the cells can absorb. Pectin is a soluble fiber that provides bulk and digests slowly, helping you to feel full.

Pectin also has a water binding property that allows it to absorb watery substances and carry them directly to the cells. These watery substances then bombard the cells and cause them to release fat deposits. You can get more pectin in your diet by eating loads of fresh apples and berries as well as applesauce. You can also try starting your day with a homemade smoothie that includes apples and berries to get your day started right.

5. Organic Garlic:

Garlic oil helps to protect the cells from the accumulation of fatty deposits. Garlic is also has a potent antibiotic that can be used to strengthen the immune system. You can add garlic as a flavor enhancer to a wide variety of foods that you normally eat.

6. Organic Black Beans:

Like most legumes, black beans are low in fat and packed with fiber. Black beans actually contain 15 grams of fiber per cup. This fiber fills you up and takes longer to digest so you feel fuller longer, which means you are less likely to snack.

7. Spicy Foods:

Many spicy foods, such as peppers, contain a chemical called capsaicin. Capsaicin has been shown to increase your body’s ability to burn fat and curb your appetite.

There are many foods that promote weight loss by filling you up so you feel satisfied, regulating your blood sugar levels, and stimulating your metabolism to help you burn fat. Boost your intake of these foods and you’ll have a better chance of losing the weight you need to lose.

Along with a healthy weight loss plan rich in foods that will help your body to shed excess fat more quickly, you may want to consider a weight loss supplement to give yourself an extra edge.

Slowly but surely, the world is coming to realize the harmful effects of pesticides and fertilizers. As a result, organic products are increasing in popularity – and for good reasons. Grown without the intervention of dangerous chemicals, consumers can enjoy improved health and a clear conscious when using organic products, which aren’t only better for their health but are also better for the planet. Plus, products such as organic tea provide a richer flavor that isn’t hindered by trace amounts of chemical flavors.

How Organic Tea is Grown

Organic tea is made from plants grown without chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Instead, only natural fertilizers, such as compost, are used. Other well-established organic agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, are also followed. Crop rotation, naturally replenishes nutrients in the soil, which means farmers don’t have to depend on chemical amendments to produce bountiful crops.

Why Organic Tea is Good for You

Tea, in general, has long been known for its healing properties and for its ability to calm and soothe nerves. Drinking non-organic tea, however, includes also ingesting the harmful chemicals used to grow the plants. As a result, the benefits of the tea are wasted. Why ruin such an amazing natural product by throwing harmful chemicals into the mix?

Why Organic Tea is Good for the Planet

Organic tea is beneficial to the planet for a number of reasons. First of all, the practices utilized with organic farming ensure the soil remains fertile for years to come. Non-organic farming practices have a tendency to strip away the nutrients, making it necessary to either move to a new plot of land (which may involve cutting down more trees) or using artificial measures to improve the soil.

Organic farming is also beneficial to the planet because it doesn’t involve chemicals. Just as ingesting these chemicals is harmful to your body; the soil, water, and air pollution that they cause is harmful to the planet.

The Cost Factor

Because organic farming is more time consuming and because the crop yields are typically less than when using non-organic farming techniques, the cost of organic tea is generally higher than non-organic tea. But with the improved flavor and potency of the organic tea, not to mention the health benefits, many consider the extra cost to be well worth it. In addition, the extra cost goes toward compensating the farmers rather than paying a corporation to create more harmful pesticides and fertilizers.

Studies on Organic Tea

A report published in Japan stated that drinking ten cups of this organic tea per day has been shown to provide men with three more cancer-free years than those who drank less than three cups. Another Japanese study indicated that drinking five or more cups of green tea per day reduces the chances of developing breast cancer and also helps slow down the spread of the disease.

Yet another study conducted by Western Reserve University in Cleveland showed that drinking four or more cups of the tea every day helps prevent the development of rheumatoid arthritis. It also helps reduce the symptoms of the disorder in those who are already suffering from it.

Preparation

Regardless of the type of organic tea you decide to brew, there are a few steps you should take to ensure it maintains the greatest flavor when brewed. First, take care to never over brew the tea, as it will destroy the taste and many of its benefits.

To prepare your organic tea, you will need to fill a kettle with cold water. Place it on the stove and heat it until it boils. Then, remove the kettle from the heat and allow the water to stand for about three minutes. Next, place your organic tea bag, (or 2-4 grams of loose tea), into your cup and pour the heated water on top. Allow the organic tea to sit in the water another three minutes and then remove it. Finally, allow the brewed organic tea to cool for a few minutes, and enjoy!