healthbriefs
March is National Nutrition Month
white tea
tops herbal
charts
I
n a recent test to evaluate the
health properties of extracts from
21 plant species, white tea consid-
erably outperformed them all. “We
were testing very small amounts,
far less than you would find in
a drink,” says Professor Declan
Naughton of Kingston University,
in London, one of the UK’s leading specialists on inflammation. “The early indi-
cators are that white tea reduces the risk of inflammation that is characteristic of
rheumatoid arthritis and some cancers, as well as wrinkles.”
Evidently, the properties of white tea go beyond high levels of antioxidants
to also block the activities of enzymes that break down elastin and collagen.
Naughton explains that elastin supports the body’s natural elasticity, which
helps lungs, arteries, ligaments and skin to function. It also helps body tissues
repair wounds and stops skin from sagging. Collagen, a protein found in con-
nective tissues, is also key to skin strength and resilience.
Eight of the other plants and herbs analyzed also help protect against the
breakdown of both elastin and collagen associated with age-related wrinkling.
After white tea, bladderwrack performed well, followed by extracts of cleavers
(Galium aparine, also called goosegrass) rose, green tea, angelica, anise and
pomegranate.

Source: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
celery as Nutrition staple
N
oted author and natural health advocate Dr. Andrew Weil sees celery
as a versatile kitchen staple. A biennial plant, he notes that celery is
in the same family as carrots, dill and fennel. Its versatility
lands it in soups, stews, stir-fries and salads, plus it’s good
spread with natural nut butter.
This crunchy green has long been associated
with dieting, due to its natural diuretic effects and low
calorie count. Rich in potassium and natural sodium,
Weil cites its important role in regulating fluid balance
in the body and stimulating urine production, not to men-
tion that celery is a good source of vitamins C and K. Its
active compounds, pthalides, may even help lower blood
pressure.
Always seek out organically grown celery, advises Weil, as pes-
ticides are commonly used on conventionally grown varieties.
Source: DrWeil.com
14 Phoenix
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