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 considerably outper-
formed 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 special-
ists on inflammation. “The early indica-
tors are that white tea reduces the risk of
NATURE WALKS
inflammation that is characteristic of
EQUAL OUTDOOR
rheumatoid arthritis and some cancers,
as well as wrinkles.”
SMARTS
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
B
ehavior and health experts
at the University of Michi -
lungs, arteries, ligaments and skin to function. It also helps body tissues repair
gan have found that walking
wounds and stops skin from sagging. Collagen, a protein found in connective tis-
outside in parks or in nature
sues, is also key to skin strength and resilience. helps improve attention span
Eight of the other plants and herbs analyzed also help protect against the and memory performance by 20
breakdown of both elastin and collagen associated with age-related wrinkling.
percent. The researchers, who
After white tea, bladderwrack performed well, followed by extracts of cleavers
published their findings
(Galium aparine, also called goosegrass) rose, green tea, angelica, anise and
in Psychological Science,
pomegranate.
believe the results may also
be relevant to people suffer-
Source: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
ing from mental fatigue.
“Interacting with nature
Celery as
can have similar effects as
meditating,” reports Marc Ber-
Nutrition Staple
man, a psychology researcher
at the university. He adds,
N
oted author and natural health advocate
“People don’t have to enjoy
Dr. Andrew Weil sees celery as a versatile
the walk to get the benefits,”
kitchen staple. A biennial plant, celery is in the
although they do tend to find
same family as carrots, dill and fennel. Its versatility
spring and summer walks
lands it in soups, stews, stir-fries and salads, plus it’s
more enjoyable.
good spread with natural nut butter.
This crunchy green has long been associated
Study participants
with dieting, due to its natural diuretic effects
exhibited increased levels of
and low calorie count. Rich in potassium and
alertness, satisfaction and
natural sodium, Weil cites its important role in
mental tranquility after
regulating fluid balance in the body and stimulating urine
spending just one hour inter-
production, not to mention that celery is a good source of acting with nature. They
vitamins C and K. Its active compounds, pthalides, may reported that their levels of
even help lower blood pressure.
stress had decreased signifi-
Always seek out organically grown celery, advises
cantly and they felt more in
Weil, as pesticides are commonly used on conventionally
control of their mind. Similar
grown varieties.
benefits did not accrue from
urban walks.
Source:
DrWeil.com
www.naturalawakenings-houston.com March 2010 31
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