Monthly Archives: June 2019

Four Great Reasons to Drink Tea Instead of Coffee

The health industry is growing in 2019 – and we’re starting to see new diets and trends developing, from the keto diet to intermittent fasting. Another health trend we’re only starting to understand is the benefits of tea.

Caffeine is the best addiction. No, really – although the symptoms of caffeine withdrawal can certainly be nasty, putting its victims through nasty headaches and mood swings, there’s really no reason to ever stop. Caffeine has been shown to be a proven mood booster, making you feel good and energized at the same time. It can help to improve focus and memory and boost awareness while helping to get rid of grogginess, making it a favorite of early morning workers and late night studyholics alike. Drinks and foods with caffeine also tend to contain other beneficial compounds like antioxidants that are good for more than just your grades or end of quarter performance reviews. But not all caffeinated drinks are created equal. Although coffee is universally beloved because of its high caffeine content, it turns out that tea is actually better for you in more ways than one.

It’s Good for Your Brain

In addition to its other benefits, tea – and green tea specifically – has been found to contain a compound called EGCG, which has been shown in controlled studies to counteract the negative health effects associated with bad diets. This includes weight gain and diabetes, but several kinds of mental decline have also been linked to an unhealthy eating regimen, including Alzheimers, which some have nicknamed “Type 3 diabetes” due to its dietary causes.

It’s Good for Your Body

Tea and coffee certainly both contain caffeine, but the methods of preparation differ significantly. Tea absorbs caffeine from leaves via seeping, wherein the high temperatures allow chemicals from the plant leaves to enter the water. Coffee, on the other hand, absorbs chemicals from ground beans, usually through a porous paper or metal filter. The difference may seem miniscule but the fine fain of coffee grounds makes for a much thicker final product and that means more work for your kidneys, which can develop stones if they process too much sedimentary liquid and not enough water, a much higher risk for coffee than tea.

No Acrylamide

Another risk associated with coffee is acrylamide, a chemical compound associated with an increased risk of cancer that presents itself as a result of the roasting process that coffee beans undergo before they are ground up to become powder. There are other foods that can produce acrylamide as a result of overcooking, but it’s easier to avoid french fries than coffee. Because tea leaves aren’t roasted, there’s no risk of producing acrylamide simply by boiling the dried leaves.

More Varieties

Many varieties of tea contain caffeine, but many also do not, and tea drinkers have a much wider variety to choose from. There are teas that are good for waking up, teas that are good for sleeping, teas that are good for promotive healthy digestive function, and a whole range of other teas in different flavors and with different functions

6 Ways to Get a Good Night’s Sleep

When it comes to sleep, many of us don’t realize how important a good night’s sleep really is. But, in reality, it can be more important than exercising and a healthy diet. Poor sleep does much more than make you cranky. As research shows, it affects your hormones, brain function, physical performance, and aids in weight gain. If you want a better night’s sleep, then here are six things you should do.

Cut the blue light

Though most of us are on our phones before bed, your phone is doing more harm than good. Nighttime light exposure impacts your circadian rhythm, making your brain believe it’s daytime. When this happens, your brain reduces the production of melatonin, which is responsible for relaxing your body. If you’re going to use a device at night, block blue light. If you watch tv before bed, turn it off two hours before sleeping.

Stay away from liquids before bed

Many people have their sleep disrupted because they wake up to use the bathroom. Nocturia is an actual medical term for excessive urination during the night. And it really affects your sleep quality. Avoid drinking large amounts of liquid before bed. Yes, hydration is important So you can drink fluids, but 1-2 hours before going to sleep.

No late-night coffees

During the day, coffee can give you the boost you need; enhancing your energy and focus. But if you’re drinking coffee late in the day, this could negatively affect your sleep. Caffeine stays in your body for up to 8 hours. So, if you’re drinking coffee or any caffeinated drinks after 4 p.m., you need to stop.

Sleep consistently

Our bodies are in sync with nature. Meaning, our circadian rhythm is aligned with sunrise and sunset. It’s crucial you maintain a regular sleep cycle; waking up and going to bed at the same times each time. Though weekends may be your time to let loose, try to maintain your sleep cycle through the weekends as well.

Get the right mattress and pillow

Sometimes we get the best night’s sleep in a hotel. And that’s because the quality of their beds is usually quite good. A poor-quality bed does more than keep you up all night. The wrong bed can also increase lower back pain. So, it’s important to upgrade your bedding every 5-8 years. You don’t need to buy the best mattress brand to get good sleep, but you do need one which focuses on quality.

Exercise daily

If you’re struggling with falling asleep at night, exercise could be a simple solution. To this day, exercise is one of the best ways to improve your sleep. Not only does it reduce symptoms of insomnia, but exercise also gets you a deep sleep. That being said, you shouldn’t exercise before bed. Exercising late at night can have the opposite effect of what you want.

When it comes to health, sleep is a major factor. If you want to improve your sleep, try out the tips above.