Are you drinking Green?

Merry Christmas Everyone y Feliz Navidad!

I hope your holiday season has been a time of reflection, relaxation and gratitude.  It has been a busy month for me and my family.  Every year I pledge to do less at Christmas time but somehow I have not mastered this goal.  This week we are in San Antonio trying to wean from the busyness.  So far it is working as it is 2:00 in the afternoon and I have not dressed for the day!  Love it!

I have wanted to post about green tea since the onset of Anticancer Amy.  Green tea has relaxation and healing properties that have been shown to positively affect cancer, heart disease, arthritis, infections, immune function and cardiovascular diseases.  Green tea, especially Japanese green tea (sencha, matcha, gyokuro) cleanses the body from toxins.  The data supporting the benefits is incredible. 

Green tea contains a powerful antioxidant called epigallocatechil gallate (EGCG).  EGCG has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth and kill present cancer cells without harming healthy tissues.  Wow!  This is huge.  In my favorite cancer book Anticancer by Dr. David Servan-Schreiber, there are colorful charts and easy to understand explanations of green tea benefits.  If you don’t have this must read book, you can find good information on anticancer living at www.anticancerbook.com/steps.html

What makes green tea more beneficial than other teas?  Green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG from becoming oxidized unlike the black tea and the oolong tea leaves, which are fermented and are converted into compounds that are not as effective in preventing and fighting diseases and illnesses as green tea.  Green tea is natural, so you can expect very few side effects or maybe none at all when drinking it regularly.

There is a store in the mall called Teavana that sells loose teas and accessories.  It is a great place to learn about teas and how to brew them.   Their website is informative as well http://www.teavana.com/.  You can get Tazo green teas at Starbucks.  I also like Mighty Leaf teas which can be found in grocery stores and some coffee shops.  Whole foods has a great selection and usually has staff working the aisle to answer your questions.

So, get out and getcha some green tea folks!

Also, when you get some time, take a look at this neat website I found http://www.picktexas.com/.  The site has a great chart on eating seasonal foods in Texas.  They also have a list of certified farmers markets throughout the state.  Here is what is in season for winter in Texas:

Beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, grapefruit, greens, herbs, honeydew, mushrooms, oranges, bell peppers, spinach, squash, sweet peas and turnips. 

Happy tea drinking and Texas eatin,