The number of people living into the triple digits (Centenarians) has increased 51% from 1990 to 2000, due in part to advances in health, education, and disease prevention and treatment. The average life expectancy has increased by a whopping 30 years during the 20th century — the greatest gain in 5000 years of human history.
Research suggests that drinking freshly brewed loose leaf tea, whether green, black, or oolong, provides many health benefits from phytonutrient antioxidants. Scientists have identified high levels of catechin flavonoids in both green and black tea. These catechin flavonoids have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic effects. Green tea, in particular, contains the catechin epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which may be the basis of green tea health benefits.
Tips to help increase your health and longevity:
- consume at least 3 cups of tea daily (green, black or oolong) to help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke
- 10 cups of tea per day has a significant link in primary cancer protection, including lung, mouth, skin, stomach, colon, prostate, bladder, and pancreas
- 10 cups of green tea daily lowers “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and raises “good” HDL cholesterol
- increase your metabolism by four to five percent and fat oxidation by 10 to 16 percent by drinking green tea
- drink fresh brewed hot or iced tea only; bottled iced teas and iced tea mixes are low in antioxidants and loaded with sugar
Your daily habits may seem unimportant now, but they can influence how long and how well you will live. You only need one or two cups of freshly brewed tea daily to start on the road to becoming a member of the Centenarian club.