43 Secrets to Clean Eating, Active Living and a Clear Mind (part 5)
Getting outside in the fresh air and sunshine has multiple benefits. A brisk 15-minute walk in the sunshine increases circulation, floods your body with oxygen, stimulates your muscles, and gives you an energyboosting hit of vitamin D.
If you work indoors under artificial light, it is imperative that you go outside for at least 15 minutes each day. Try going for a brisk walk, or take up a physically active outdoor hobby you enjoy.
There was once a time, not so long ago, that kids played outdoors until they were forced to come in for dinner. Adults also spent far more time outside, working around their homes and yards and
being physically active. Today, we live a more sedentary lifestyle, and although technology is great, few people actually get outside and interact with nature on a daily basis because of technological
advances such as computers and other personal devices.
Getting outside is a great way to relieve stress, and it also promotes overall health and wellness. It does not take much: just 15 minutes a day of natural light, fresh air, and movement can make a
remarkable difference to your physical and mental health. A recent study found that a brisk walk could reduce the risk of heart disease by as much as 50 percent. Time outside will help elevate your
mood, produce “feel-good” hormones, and loosen up stiff and tired joints and muscles.
Try taking a brisk walk around the block in the morning to get your day started, or squeeze one in at lunch. Your body will thank you. Don’t let the rain or cold weather get you down—you still need the
fresh air. Dress appropriately, but still get outside!
Do you take the elevator because you are short on time, or because you don’t feel like climbing stairs? We are living in an age when easy seems to be our first and most accepted choice.
After all, wouldn’t some people find it strange if you took the stairs? Perhaps, but it is worth it. To get more exercise into your day, take the stairs over the elevator whenever you can. According to a new study, doctors who took the stairs in a six-floor hospital instead of the elevator actually saved 15 minutes a day. The doctors who participated in the study climbed one flight of stairs in 13 seconds, versus the 37 seconds it took others to get there in the elevator. So, this puts the “no time” excuse to bed once and for all. Stair-climbing is a vigorous physical activity that increases muscle mass, improves cardiovascular fitness, and helps reduce blood pressure. There are practicality limits, of course. Obviously, if you work in a building with 50 floors and your office is at the top, you
may want to just walk the first few floors and take the elevator the rest of the way.
Be sure to wear comfortable and supportive shoes when you take the stairs. Start slow and increase your speed as you gain strength. Before long, you will be sailing up the stairs.
Tea was discovered in ancient China over 2,000 years ago, and was originally called “Kia.” This honored warm brew has played a unique role in cultures all over the world, serving as the focal point
in many special ceremonies and social customs. Tea has been a focus in numerous cultural, technological, and historical uprisings, and the center of many a legend. In short, tea has been virtually intertwined with the story of mankind.
What is “real tea”?
Real tea is made from the Camellia sinensis plant, which is a native shrub in China and India. Real tea contains powerful antioxidants known as flavonoids. While the name “tea” is used for a number
of different drinks, real teas include green tea, white tea, oolong tea, black tea, and pu-erh tea. All of these teas come from the Camellia sinensis plant, and have different tastes and medicinal properties.
Green tea is the least processed of all teas, and is made by simply
steaming the leaves. The potent antioxidants in green tea have been linked to reducing clogs in arteries, decreasing the risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, decreasing the risk of stroke, lowering
cholesterol levels, and stunting the growth of certain cancers, including breast, lung, pancreatic, bladder, and colorectal cancers. The other real teas — white, oolong, black, and pu-erh — are all
made from aged or fermented leaves, but do contain a number of medicinal properties. Research has found that these teas may reduce cholesterol levels, fight off cancer, protect the lungs, and
reduce stroke risk, among other benefits. The imposters Sweet tea, or iced tea, is a popular drink in the United States, particularly in the South. Sweet tea starts with a “real” tea and ends up as a glass of sugar with a little tea. Sweet tea, whether it is sweetened with sugar or an artificial sweetener, should not be consumed with the intention of bettering one’s health. Don’t let labels confuse you. Sweetened green tea in a bottle will not provide nearly the same benefits as a cup of freshly brewed, organic, “real” green tea.
Herbal teas
Herbal teas are not really teas at all, since they are not made with Camellia sinensis leaves. While some herbal tea blends do contain green or black tea leaves as a base, usually other herbs are used.
Many of these teas, such as chamomile, peppermint and ginger, have their own wonderful health benefits, but make sure you get a high-quality product from a source you trust.
How to safely drink tea
When you purchase your tea, make sure that it has not been treated with epichlorohydrin, an epoxide that is potentially carcinogenic. Taking this extra step to protect your family from possible contaminants is well worth it. Avoid tea bags that are mesh-like, or come in fancy shapes. These are likely to contain dangerous chemicals, and if you want to be safe, they should be avoided.
Loose tea is the best choice of all. While it may take a little longer to steep, it is worth the wait. As an added bonus, loose tea often contains more antioxidant power than bagged teas. Matcha green
tea powder is another alternative, and can be added directly to hot or cold water. Matcha is one of the healthiest teas available. Just make sure you get it from a trusted source!
Always buy organic tea to avoid consuming pesticides. The less man has tampered with it, the better it is for your health.
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