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Going "Green" with Tea
Created on 5/27/2008
There are 4 major types of tea - black, oolong, green and white. Each comes from the plant Camellia sinensis, but they differ based on the degree of processing to which the leaves have been exposed. The best brief description of tea types I've seen comes from my mentor, Dr. Andrew Weil, and can be found on his web site (http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA82788) - to paraphrase:
Black tea: leaves are oxidized, reducing antioxidant content
Oolong tea: degree of processing mid-way between black and green
Green tea: only slightly processed, maintaining antioxidant potential
White tea: least processed, thus possessing the highest antioxidant
capacity
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Acupuncture for lowering cholesterol?
Created on 5/20/2008
J has been told that she has high cholesterol, but finds she is unable to take statin drugs, the first line conventional drug therapy used to lower cholesterol levels in the body. Acupuncture might seem an attractive choice, since it's not a pill with potential side effects seen with some medications (however, even acupuncture can be associated with side effects or complications, especially if provided by someone who is not well-trained or who does not have significant clinical experience). A small number of research trials, mainly in Asia and mostly in animals, suggest there is promise for using acupuncture to help lower cholesterol levels, but this area of study is in its infancy. I don't recommend using acupuncture as the primary way to control cholesterol. There are some other options that J could consider with her doctor, however.
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Multivitamin Report Card: A-minus?
Created on 5/13/2008
Vitamin A is important for the proper functioning of many different organ systems in our bodies, but as is often the case, too much of a good thing can be problematic. High intakes of vitamin A may contribute to weakened bones (osteoporosis), and extremely high intakes (> 25,000 IU per day) can cause vitamin A poisoning. How do many people get too much vitamin A? From their multivitamins. Beta carotene from fruits and vegetables is also important to our health, but when taken in high-dose supplemental form by people who smoke there is an increased risk of lung and colon cancer. The best way to get your vitamins and minerals remains eating a healthy, well-balnced diet that is high in fruits and vegetables.
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D Story on Vitamin D
Created on 5/6/2008
The importance of vitamin D to our health and wellbeing has been touted in news stories, magazine articles and popular books. Yet some of the information can be confusing, especially when considering that sunlight creates vitamin D for our bodies, yet we are advised to minimize sun exposure to help prevent skin cancer. So what should we do?
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What to do when the weight isn't coming off
Created on 5/2/2008
E says she is totally confused by all the information found in the many weight loss books and guides available. She is having trouble accomplishing her weight loss goal, and continues to feel not as well as she would like, frequently experiencing body aches.
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Are probiotics safe in all instances?
Created on 5/1/2008
Studies have shown that the use of probiotics, commonly defined as live microbes which when ingested provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, can help prevent or treat disorders.
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