The secrets to optimal health and long life may be found not in a bottle of pills, but in a teacup — if that cup is full of green tea, that is.  The health benefits of green tea have been widely publicized for years, but researchers are still uncovering additional advantages of this ancient elixir.

By some archeological estimates, the practice of steeping tea leaves in water to create a nourishing drink dates back 500,000 years.  Green tea, like black and oolong tea, comes from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, a plant originally cultivated in India and China — and now grown throughout Asia and parts of the Middle East and Africa.

Because it is not fermented, green tea is the least processed form of Camellia sinensis.  This preserves a high concentration of polyphenols.  Polyphenols are antioxidants, cell-protecting chemicals present in a variety of the whole foods that Dr. Smith recommends patients consume for optimal health.

Here are some great reasons to brew up of cup of green tea:

• Fight cancer
• Safeguard heart health
• Enhance weight loss
• Ease stress
• Keep bones strong

Dr. Barbara Smith
Chiropractor and Health Educator
health@doctorbarb.com