Its everyone’s most dreaded day of the week again. And if you’re like me, you’re finding yourself lacking energy and feeling sleepy. And concentrating (while working from home) is very difficult. And how well are you hydrating yourself while working from home? Dehydration can be a stamina-killer. Or, at least a saboteur. If you ever feel like you’re dragging when working, and feel drained, you should first look to chronic dehydration.
Are you getting enough daily fluid in? Or, are you one of the many adults who operate in a chronic mode of dehydration without even realizing? It doesn’t take much to get behind the ball. But the importance of regular hydration is often over looked and deemed a task to many.
This week, let’s curb those Monday blues, and take a look at a good daily hydration option. This isn’t just your typical water, this is a fluid that promotes good energy metabolism, health, fat loss, and adequate hydration. No chemicals, colorings or toxins. Look forward to warm Spring days with a nice glass of green tea!
Let’s Go Green
Yes, you guessed right! I’m talking about green tea. I have to admit, it took me some time to fully incorporate green tea into my everyday life. Even more so now that I am working from home amid the pandemic. I have heard a great deal over the years about the benefits of green tea, but just could not get over the inconvenience of brewing individual cups or the “grassy, earthy” taste it has. Now, I keep an entire pitcher brewed and ready in the fridge and it serves as my main drink throughout the day.
Have you given it a try? If so, let us know how you brew and enjoy it. Here are some reasons we should all be enjoying green tea:
Green tea is wonderfully nutritious and packed with special antioxidants, called catechins. Because of green tea’s minimal processing (as its leaves are withered and steamed, not fermented like black teas) it’s unique antioxidants are more concentrated. The main catechin, Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), is responsible for most of the health benefits, and there are many:
1) It has been shown in animal studies to reduce cholesterol plagues, free LDL cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
2) Green tea has inhibited the growth of cancer cells. And, with high consumption of green tea, it has been associated with a 90% reduced risk of breast cancer in women!
3) Antioxidants repair and protect cells, and EGCG goes for the brain. In fact, in a study where mice were induced with Alzeimher’s and Parkinson’s Disease, it helped to protect brain cells from dying, as well as ‘rescuing’ already damaged neurons in the brain, a phenomenon called neurorescue or neurorestoration. Studies are now underway in China on human Parkinson’s Disease patients.
4) EGCG has antibacterial properties that promote oral health in tea drinkers.
5) The “eyes” have it, too. EGCG is absorbed by cells in the eye, and provide protective effects for up to 20 hours after consumption. This has led many experts to believe it may have a role in reducing diseases of the eye and glaucoma.
And the cherry on top about going green? Metabolism and fat loss!! Remember that antioxidant I kept mentioning, EGCG? Well turns out that it helps our bodies oxidize and burn fat. Multiple studies have shown an increase in metabolic rates, weight loss, decreased waistline and fat loss with consistent green tea ingestion. Initially, it was attributed to the caffeine. But recent studies have shown these effects in caffeinated and decaffeinated green tea (there’s actually little caffeine in green tea to begin with). The studies have used both green tea “extract” as a concentrated form of antioxidants and regular, brewed green tea.
Dehydration has a DIRECT effect on your performance, more than lack of electrolytes or lack of carbs. Of course, water’s a great choice for daily hydration. But, if you want a little more benefit per gulp, brew up a cup of green tea!
Buying and Brewing Basics:
You can find decent green teas in both the loose and bagged form. Just head on over to your local tea/coffee shop and they should have some for sale in bags. Then, make sure to brew it for no more than 3-5 minutes in warmish hot, but not boiling, water. Add a secondary antioxidant source such as vitamin C from lemon juice to further protect the nutrients. From there, let your imagination, creativity and kitchen skills take over. I personally like to add a touch of honey to mine!
So let’s go green or go home!
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