Dr. Tannaz Mokhtari: Naturopathic Blog

Tea is a wonder drink, you can drink it on a cold day to warm up, drink it hot or cold in a warm day to cool off, drink it for comfort or as a means for social outing! It is the second most consumed drink in the world after water. Recent studies show benefits of tea in many health conditions.

Tea has therapeutic potential in weight management, glucose control, and skin health.

The specific catechin known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in green tea has been identified as the constituent responsible for reducing fat mass, fat absorption, adipocyte differentiation and proliferation and lipogenesis. Some studies have shown the benefits of green tea use to increase thermogenesis in obese individuals. 

There is also some evidence that green tea and to a lesser degree black tea may have a role in improving glucose control and enhancing insulin activity.  This is useful for people with diabetes.

Tea polyphenols may protect against skin cancer and photo-aging.  Tea protects skin against UV radiation damage and green tea is now being used in many skin care products. Oral and topical use of green tea can improve skin health and provide protection due to their antioxidants countering free-radicals, as well as immune modulating and anti-inflammatory actions.

I often recommend green tea use to my patients – it’s a great way to relax and boost your fat metabolism!

So go ahead drink your tea and enjoy its many benefits.

Welcome to February! How is your new year’s resolution coming along?  Mine is progressing well; I am writing blogs frequently and loving it too!  What are your plans for this month? Are you celebrating Valentine’s Day or is it one those stressful days, you wish you could forget?

In my experience Valentine’s Day is mostly focused on romance and love for others, and as it becomes more commercialized it puts more stress on us as individuals. And guess what February being the heart health month we should be reducing the risk factors for heart disease!  Did you know stress ranks as the number one lifestyle risk factor for cardiovascular disease?

In order to love another, we should love ourselves first and know what makes us happy. With that knowledge we identify our boundaries therefore we know stepping out of those boundaries would make us uncomfortable and create stress. So let’s celebrate us on Valentine’s Day by being kind to ourselves and allowing this self-love to radiate towards others as a positive energy.

Here are my ten most important valentine’s gifts:

·         When you see yourself in the mirror smile and give yourself a complement i.e.  I like my…..

·         Re-evaluate your most stressful activity of the day and try to modify it

·         Do something creative you have been planning for a while

·         Stop a bad habit i.e. don’t smoke today, or don’t drink coffee, drink more water, etc.

·         Smile at every one you meet

·         Call or e-mail your loved ones and wish them a happy day

·         Plan a heart healthy meal for you and those you want to celebrate your love with

·         Treat yourself to some dark chocolate (75% cocoa or more)

·         Make a donation to your favourite charity

·         Do something special for your spouse, child, friend or even a stranger

Choose Valentine’s Day to make a difference in your life and the life of others. This way spread the happiness and positive energy, keep your mind and body healthy and your heart warm and radiant.