Wednesday – July 30, 2008 | WELLNESS NEWS
• Green Tea: The Power Herb That Can Help Fight Alzheimer’s, Cancer and More with Dr. Melody Hart, ND, PhD
• Tip of the Week: Tips and Benefits of Breastfeeding for World Breastfeeding Month with Dr. Marilyn Mitchell, MD
Green Tea: The Power Herb That Can Help Fight Alzheimer’s, Cancer and More with Dr. Melody Hart, ND, PhD
According to Alz.com as many as 5.2 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s and it is the sixth-leading cause of death. Chicagohealers.com Practitioner Dr. Melody Hart, ND, PhD, says that green tea contains the antioxidant known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) which can reduce the formation of beta-amyloid proteins in the brain. The build up of these unwanted protein deposits have been linked to nerve damage and memory loss in the dreadful Alzheimer’s disease.
“Green tea has the resources to reduce the risks of Alzheimer’s disease,” says Dr. Hart. “The antioxidant in green tea may fight the memory robbing effects seen with plaque deposits because of Alzheimer’s disease.”
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by a drop in acetylcholine, which is one of many neurotransmitters in the autonomic nervous system and the only neurotransmitter used in the somatic nervous system. Green tea is shown to inhibit the activity of the enzyme acetylcholine (AChE) which breaks down the chemical messenger or neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. In order to receive an effective amount of EGCG, drink 3 or more cups of green tea per day with at least two tea bags in each cup. This is equal to 1500 or 1600 milligrams of EGCG daily.
Dr. Hart provides other possible health benefits of green tea:
• Cancer Killer — EGCG is a powerful antioxidant that can kill cancer cells without harming healthy tissue.
• Lower Cholesterol — This powerful enzyme has also been shown to lower cholesterol and inhibit the abnormal formation of blood clots.
• Cardiovascular Care — The enzymes and flavonoids in green tea can enlarge arteries increasing blood flow and reducing the risk of heart attack and blood clots.
• Happy Aging — The antioxidants have proven to help some age better by reducing the risk of depression and headaches that are common in old age.
ChicagoHealers.com Wednesday Experts
Dr. Melody Hart, ND, PhD: Ondamed, Thermography
Dr. Marilyn Mitchell, MD: Integrative/Holistic Medicine, Gynecology
Tip of the Week: Tips and Benefits of Breastfeeding for World Breastfeeding Month with Dr. Marilyn Mitchell, MD
August is World Breastfeeding Month and ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Dr. Marilyn Mitchell, MD, says that babies and mothers receive unlimited amounts of benefits from participating in breastfeeding. Since bottle milk starts as cow’s milk, it does not have the same complement of nutrients and enzymes that human milk provides. Human breast milk takes antibodies from the mother and transfers them to the child which allows infants to have fewer illnesses and actually develop fewer allergies throughout their lifetime.
“Breastfed children are less likely to contract common illnesses such as ear infections and influenza,” says Dr. Marilyn Mitchell. “The benefits of breastfeeding are important not only for the child but also for the mother.”
For moms, metabolism increases during breastfeeding which helps with post-partum weight loss. Bonding is also improved with the child because breastfeeding is a mutually pleasurable experience. Breastfeeding can also reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Below Dr. Mitchell provides tips for a nutritional diet during breastfeeding:
• Hydration – Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day along with juice and herbal teas. Much of the liquid consumed goes toward milk production so a bit more than the normal amount is necessary.
• Fruits and Veggies – Studies have shown that if the mother eats fruits and vegetables regularly, the child will be more likely to like fruits and vegetables therefore leading to a healthier life.
• Protein – The protein from breast milk is easily digestible for the child and link to proper growth.
• Avoid Alcohol – Alcohol passes through the breast milk in less than an hour and if large quantities are consumed by the child, his or her growth can be stunted.
About ChicagoHealers.com
Chicago Healers (www.chicagohealers.com) is the nation’s pioneer prescreened integrative health care network, offering a comprehensive understanding of each practitioner’s services, approach, and philosophy. Our holistic health experts teach and advocate natural and empowered health and life choices through their practices, the media, educational events, and our website. With close to 200 practitioners and over 300 treatment services, Chicago Healers has provided nearly 400 free educational events for Chicagoans and has been featured in 300+ TV news programs and print publications. For more information, visit www.chicagohealers.com
Media Contacts: Paramount Public Relations, Inc.
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