Green tea, biologically known as camellia sinensis, has been used for centuries in Asian countries for weight loss. Unlike black tea, which is made from fermented leaves, green tea is produced by steaming fresh leaves. This process ensures a higher content of polyphenols like EGCG, which is a flavonol. While black tea contains 3-10% polyphenols, the green tea contains 30-40%.
Benefits of Green Tea
Because of its high polyphenols content, green tea has been endorsed to having all kinds of health benefits – right from normalizing blood pressure, lowering your risk for cancer, keeping you mentally alert, preventing or alleviating rheumatoid arthritis, eliminating heartburn, lowering cholesterol levels, helping with weight loss, to fighting various diseases. Known for its high levels of antioxidants, green tea helps reduce the level of damage caused by free radicals.
Lose Weight with Green Tea
Green tea’s calorie-burning properties lie in its mechanism of action to increase thermogenesis, or heat production, necessary for effective weight loss. This is done by influencing the enzymes involved in the metabolic process. The EGCG present in green tea increases the amount of calories burned throughout the day; this happens with all activities, which include food digestion to climbing stairs through to typing. However, the effect of green tea is not likely to melt pounds off overnight; this means that you will not see instant results with it.
Green Tea Increases the Metabolic Rate
The effect of EGCG on weight loss and metabolism has been studied; it shows encouraging results. In one study, the green tea extract caused a 4% boost in metabolism. In another study, people who used green tea fortified with EGCG saw more pronounced weight loss as compared to people given unfortified tea.
If you enjoy drinking green tea and want to lose weight, you are likely to gain from your tea drinking habit. If you want to try adding green tea to your diet plan, keep in mind that the biologically active polyphenols in it may interfere with the medications you take. Your pharmacist or doctor can advise you on this issue. Continue to enjoy your daily dose of green tea and wait for the weight loss to occur over time.
Obesity and Depression
Posted by : Nicole Smith | Monday, May 3, 2010 | Published in
People who are ‘fat but happy’ are more likely the exception rather than the rule. Obesity appears to be linked to a raised risk of depression according to new research published in the Archives of General Psychiatry. In fact, obesity increases the risk of developing depression over time by as much as 55% in some people.
What’s the correlation?
Obesity, if considered to be an inflammatory state, this state can enhance the risk of depression. It contributes to body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem which in turn places individuals at increased risk for depression. Conversely, depression may increase weight over time through interference with the endocrine system or the adverse effects of antidepressant medications.
Obesity, defined as a body mass index of 30 or higher, increases the likelihood of major depression by 25%. Although the risk of depression over a lifetime is about 20%, the study indicated that it can go up to 55% in people who are obese, a statistically significant difference. In fact, one expert even suggested that the two conditions are bi-directional and so inter-linked. In addition, increased desire to eat and weight gain are common symptoms of depression. Also, medications prescribed for depression or anxiety disorders can encourage weight gain.
Can this shorten life spans?
Both depression and obesity are wide spread problems and both come with major public health implications. Because of the high prevalence of both these conditions, and the fact that they both carry an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, it has been presumed that a person’s life span is affected by both of them.
It is a well established fact that the loss of self-esteem is associated with the stigma of obesity; this can contribute to depression, especially among women. In addition, excess weight increases the risk of psychological problems, because it also increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, kidney disease and cancer. If obesity and depression are left unchecked, health experts fear that it could lead to a general decline in the life expectancy of people suffering from both health conditions, so in case of obesity people must consult a doctor for proper weight loss treatment.
What’s the correlation?
Obesity, if considered to be an inflammatory state, this state can enhance the risk of depression. It contributes to body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem which in turn places individuals at increased risk for depression. Conversely, depression may increase weight over time through interference with the endocrine system or the adverse effects of antidepressant medications.
Obesity, defined as a body mass index of 30 or higher, increases the likelihood of major depression by 25%. Although the risk of depression over a lifetime is about 20%, the study indicated that it can go up to 55% in people who are obese, a statistically significant difference. In fact, one expert even suggested that the two conditions are bi-directional and so inter-linked. In addition, increased desire to eat and weight gain are common symptoms of depression. Also, medications prescribed for depression or anxiety disorders can encourage weight gain.
Can this shorten life spans?
Both depression and obesity are wide spread problems and both come with major public health implications. Because of the high prevalence of both these conditions, and the fact that they both carry an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, it has been presumed that a person’s life span is affected by both of them.
It is a well established fact that the loss of self-esteem is associated with the stigma of obesity; this can contribute to depression, especially among women. In addition, excess weight increases the risk of psychological problems, because it also increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, kidney disease and cancer. If obesity and depression are left unchecked, health experts fear that it could lead to a general decline in the life expectancy of people suffering from both health conditions, so in case of obesity people must consult a doctor for proper weight loss treatment.
Obesity And Diabetes Epidemic
Posted by : Nicole Smith | Friday, April 30, 2010 | Published in
Obesity is today considered a major risk factor for diabetes. In fact, the rising prevalence of obesity by epidemic proportions is fuelling the diabetes and obesity link; many obese people are suffering from diabetes which is also known as ‘diabesity’. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help prevent both obesity and ‘diabesity’.
Obesity and its associated conditions such as diabetes lead to a reduced quality of life and reduced life expectancy. As the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, so do the chances of related conditions such as diabetes. Most of the life-threatening conditions associated with both obesity and diabetes include coronary heart disease and stroke.
Obesity generally results in type 2 diabetes; in this condition the pancreas does not produce enough insulin for the body’s needs. Presence of insulin is essential as this helps carry the glucose from our blood to our cells to be used as energy. So, if glucose transportation is not managed properly, diabetics are likely to suffer from elevated blood sugar levels. This can be harmful to their health. Complications that arise from diabetes include nerve damage, kidney disease, heart disease and vision complications.
A critical link between obesity and the onset of Type 2 diabetes is established by Monash University study in Australia. Researchers have discovered that fat cells release a novel protein called PEDF (pigment epithelium-derived factor), which triggers a chain of events and interactions that lead to the development of Type 2 diabetes. When the release of PEDF is blocked, the body again returns to being insulin-sensitive.
It has been studied that the more fat tissue a person has, the less sensitive they become to insulin. So a greater amount of insulin is required to maintain the body’s regulation of blood-glucose. Diabetic patients can benefit from knowing that the two conditions are linked. Adequate weight-loss generally improves the management of blood glucose levels in diabetes patients.
Obesity and its associated conditions such as diabetes lead to a reduced quality of life and reduced life expectancy. As the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, so do the chances of related conditions such as diabetes. Most of the life-threatening conditions associated with both obesity and diabetes include coronary heart disease and stroke.
Obesity generally results in type 2 diabetes; in this condition the pancreas does not produce enough insulin for the body’s needs. Presence of insulin is essential as this helps carry the glucose from our blood to our cells to be used as energy. So, if glucose transportation is not managed properly, diabetics are likely to suffer from elevated blood sugar levels. This can be harmful to their health. Complications that arise from diabetes include nerve damage, kidney disease, heart disease and vision complications.
A critical link between obesity and the onset of Type 2 diabetes is established by Monash University study in Australia. Researchers have discovered that fat cells release a novel protein called PEDF (pigment epithelium-derived factor), which triggers a chain of events and interactions that lead to the development of Type 2 diabetes. When the release of PEDF is blocked, the body again returns to being insulin-sensitive.
It has been studied that the more fat tissue a person has, the less sensitive they become to insulin. So a greater amount of insulin is required to maintain the body’s regulation of blood-glucose. Diabetic patients can benefit from knowing that the two conditions are linked. Adequate weight-loss generally improves the management of blood glucose levels in diabetes patients.
Can Problems Occur During Weight Loss?
Posted by : Nicole Smith | Wednesday, April 28, 2010 | Published in
There are some common problems that both men and women suffer from during weight loss. Weight loss is a tough nut to crack and you need all the determination you can muster to ensure that your weight loss efforts are successful.
Hunger Pangs
You might think that hunger pangs are a very ordinary sort of problem. But the fact that you have this increasing need to eat something, might throw cold water on your carefully formulated weight loss plan. Controlling hunger pangs will take a lot of effort. So, if you are on a weight loss plan and are always feeling hungry, you need to understand that you are doing it for the greater good of your body. Look at the end result and not what you are facing currently.
Inadequate Weight Loss
You might feel that your weight loss goals are not being met. You might have thought of losing two pounds by so and so date, but you haven’t. This might disappoint you big time. Enough to make you want to quit your weight loss program altogether. But you need to be persistent when it comes to losing weight. You might have set goals, but at times, you will need to rework those goals.
Psychological Side Effects Of Weight Loss
Some people going through a weight loss routine might suffer from a nervous breakdown or display changes in their behaviour. People trying to lose weight can experience anger, frustration and irritation and might want to take it out on the people around them. There is no doubt that there are psychological effects of weight loss. But, there is also no doubt that you can control them by developing a positive outlook to life. If you have a positive feeling about weight loss, you will only look at the benefits of obesity treatment and weight loss and not get bogged down by the difficulties.
Hunger Pangs
You might think that hunger pangs are a very ordinary sort of problem. But the fact that you have this increasing need to eat something, might throw cold water on your carefully formulated weight loss plan. Controlling hunger pangs will take a lot of effort. So, if you are on a weight loss plan and are always feeling hungry, you need to understand that you are doing it for the greater good of your body. Look at the end result and not what you are facing currently.
Inadequate Weight Loss
You might feel that your weight loss goals are not being met. You might have thought of losing two pounds by so and so date, but you haven’t. This might disappoint you big time. Enough to make you want to quit your weight loss program altogether. But you need to be persistent when it comes to losing weight. You might have set goals, but at times, you will need to rework those goals.
Psychological Side Effects Of Weight Loss
Some people going through a weight loss routine might suffer from a nervous breakdown or display changes in their behaviour. People trying to lose weight can experience anger, frustration and irritation and might want to take it out on the people around them. There is no doubt that there are psychological effects of weight loss. But, there is also no doubt that you can control them by developing a positive outlook to life. If you have a positive feeling about weight loss, you will only look at the benefits of obesity treatment and weight loss and not get bogged down by the difficulties.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption – Common Cause For Weight Gain
Posted by : Nicole Smith | Monday, April 26, 2010 | Published in
Drinking too much alcohol is bound to increase your weight. The number of calories consumed due to excessive alcohol intake is more than what is considered healthy. Studies conducted on excessive intake of alcohol and weight gain have proven that there is definitely a link between alcohol consumption and weight gain.
Alcohol and Calories
You are able to maintain your body weight, if your body can actually burn a sufficient amount of calories. But, if you take in more calories than your body can burn, you start gaining weight. Studies indicate that only around 5% of the calories that are present in alcohol you drink are converted by your body into fat. The majority of the alcohol that is consumed is actually converted into a substance known as acetate. Excessive intake of alcohol increases the levels of acetate in your blood; an immediate effect of the rise in levels of acetate is seen in the form of reduced weight loss.
Alcohol and Your Appetite
There is no doubt that an excessive intake of alcohol also increases your appetite. Alcohol is the most potent form of appetizer; thus, you increase your food intake when drinking. Many people have a tendency to combine alcohol intake with a meal that is high in fat content. The problem is that your body is unable to cope with this increased intake of food, which in turn leads to weight gain.
It’s also seen that an increase in the consumption of alcohol can lead to a reduction in the levels of testosterone in your body; as a result your body is unable to develop muscles. Therefore, your weight continues to increase and the majority of your dietary intake continues to add to the existing fat deposits in your body.
This is why it’s important to limit your alcohol intake. Drinking in moderation will definitely help you limit weight gain.
Alcohol and Calories
You are able to maintain your body weight, if your body can actually burn a sufficient amount of calories. But, if you take in more calories than your body can burn, you start gaining weight. Studies indicate that only around 5% of the calories that are present in alcohol you drink are converted by your body into fat. The majority of the alcohol that is consumed is actually converted into a substance known as acetate. Excessive intake of alcohol increases the levels of acetate in your blood; an immediate effect of the rise in levels of acetate is seen in the form of reduced weight loss.
Alcohol and Your Appetite
There is no doubt that an excessive intake of alcohol also increases your appetite. Alcohol is the most potent form of appetizer; thus, you increase your food intake when drinking. Many people have a tendency to combine alcohol intake with a meal that is high in fat content. The problem is that your body is unable to cope with this increased intake of food, which in turn leads to weight gain.
It’s also seen that an increase in the consumption of alcohol can lead to a reduction in the levels of testosterone in your body; as a result your body is unable to develop muscles. Therefore, your weight continues to increase and the majority of your dietary intake continues to add to the existing fat deposits in your body.
This is why it’s important to limit your alcohol intake. Drinking in moderation will definitely help you limit weight gain.
Prescription Slimming Pills v/s Herbal Pills
Posted by : Nicole Smith | Wednesday, April 21, 2010 | Published in
A person trying to lose weight is always on the lookout for the simplest possible way of losing weight. Slimming pills, either prescription or herbal have emerged as a great option for losing weight easily and quickly. But there is a rider here. These pills are not the be all and end all of all your weight loss woes; their intake needs to be combined with a healthy diet and a disciplined exercise regimen to ensure their efficacy.
Prescription Pills
As the name suggests, prescription pills can only be prescribed by your doctor. Such slimming pills are appetite suppressants, fat burners or fat blockers. An appetite suppressant works by inhibiting your appetite as it works in the brain to increase your levels of satisfaction. Fat burners improve your body’s metabolic activity while ensuring that the fat in your body is burnt at a faster rate. Fat blockers prevent a certain percentage of your dietary fat from being absorbed by your body. Prescription dugs have been clinically proven to help obese people lose weight. However, they also have some common and uncommon side effects linked to them.
Herbal Pills
Herbal pills bring to you the power of potent herbal extracts to help you lose weight. These are the kinds of herbs that have been used since ancient times to help people lose weight. If and when you do choose to use herbal pills its important that you choose herbal pills that have a reputation for effectiveness. Understand their working and whether they have proven to be effective in other people. One reason why many people choose to go for herbal slimming pills is that they have no associated side effects.
You can either choose to go for prescription slimming pills or can go for herbal slimming pills; this choice remains with you alone. It’s your personal decision, but making sure that it’s also an informed one will also provide for your safety.
Prescription Pills
As the name suggests, prescription pills can only be prescribed by your doctor. Such slimming pills are appetite suppressants, fat burners or fat blockers. An appetite suppressant works by inhibiting your appetite as it works in the brain to increase your levels of satisfaction. Fat burners improve your body’s metabolic activity while ensuring that the fat in your body is burnt at a faster rate. Fat blockers prevent a certain percentage of your dietary fat from being absorbed by your body. Prescription dugs have been clinically proven to help obese people lose weight. However, they also have some common and uncommon side effects linked to them.
Herbal Pills
Herbal pills bring to you the power of potent herbal extracts to help you lose weight. These are the kinds of herbs that have been used since ancient times to help people lose weight. If and when you do choose to use herbal pills its important that you choose herbal pills that have a reputation for effectiveness. Understand their working and whether they have proven to be effective in other people. One reason why many people choose to go for herbal slimming pills is that they have no associated side effects.
You can either choose to go for prescription slimming pills or can go for herbal slimming pills; this choice remains with you alone. It’s your personal decision, but making sure that it’s also an informed one will also provide for your safety.
Achieving weight loss with slimming pills
Posted by : Nicole Smith | Friday, April 16, 2010 | Published in
Weight loss is important if you have excess weight or fall in the obese category. The process of weight loss is difficult at the best of times, but there is help. Help is available in the form of products that supplement your weight loss efforts. Slimming pills are one such product that is being commonly used to help facilitate weight loss.
The popularity of slimming pills
The convenience factor with respect to slimming pills makes them a very good option for facilitating weight loss efforts. All one needs to do is take the pill (in the required dosage) orally and experience the results. There is nothing else that needs to be done. Also, the fact that many of these pills have shown good results has also endeared them to a lot of people who want to lose weight.
Types of slimming pills
There is a range of slimming pills available on the market. The range is immense and you can choose from prescription pills or even herbal pills, especially designed for achieving weight loss. Prescription slimming pills are available in the form of appetite suppressants or even fat blockers. Appetite suppressants help you lose fat by reducing your appetite while a fat blocker helps block a certain percentage of fat that you consume as part of your meal. A number of people also look at herbal pills for losing weight. These pills are a popular option because they have no associated side effects.
Making a careful choice
Weight loss with slimming pills is a good option if you can make the right choice and make the requisite lifestyle changes that go hand in hand with this treatment method. Consulting your doctor with respect to the choice of your slimming pill is a good idea if you want to zero in on a pill that suits all your needs and requirements. But whatever pill you choose, it’s important that you understand that these medications should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet and a disciplined exercise regimen.
The popularity of slimming pills
The convenience factor with respect to slimming pills makes them a very good option for facilitating weight loss efforts. All one needs to do is take the pill (in the required dosage) orally and experience the results. There is nothing else that needs to be done. Also, the fact that many of these pills have shown good results has also endeared them to a lot of people who want to lose weight.
Types of slimming pills
There is a range of slimming pills available on the market. The range is immense and you can choose from prescription pills or even herbal pills, especially designed for achieving weight loss. Prescription slimming pills are available in the form of appetite suppressants or even fat blockers. Appetite suppressants help you lose fat by reducing your appetite while a fat blocker helps block a certain percentage of fat that you consume as part of your meal. A number of people also look at herbal pills for losing weight. These pills are a popular option because they have no associated side effects.
Making a careful choice
Weight loss with slimming pills is a good option if you can make the right choice and make the requisite lifestyle changes that go hand in hand with this treatment method. Consulting your doctor with respect to the choice of your slimming pill is a good idea if you want to zero in on a pill that suits all your needs and requirements. But whatever pill you choose, it’s important that you understand that these medications should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet and a disciplined exercise regimen.
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