10 Necessities for Your Car Emergency Kit - Part 1

This is from the GrandParent site and needed to be shared.

Stuck on the side of the road? You'll be ready for most anything, if you've got a duffel bag-full of these must-haves from automotive experts.

Heavy-Duty Jumper Cables

Tom and Ray Magliozzi, the former hosts of NPR's top-rated show, Car Talk, put high-quality jumper cables at the top of their list. "In our humble opinion, most jumper cables stink," they say. "They're either too short, too thin, or won't stay flexible in the cold — which is when you really need them."

Experts recommend choosing cables that are at 10 to 20 feet long, 4- to 10-gauge, and made of copper.

10 Necessities for Your Car Emergency Kit - Part 3

Flashlights and Extra Batteries

Never underestimate the value of a good flashlight. Every car expert under the sun (err, moon?) recommends packing a reliable flashlight in your emergency kit, in case of a breakdown at night. Plus, it can be hard to see what's going on under a car hood, even in the daytime, without flashlight assistance.

Tip: Always store flashlights and new batteries separately — when pre-loaded in a device, batteries can corrode and will definitely loose their juice over time. Put a couple packs of the right-size batteries next to the flashlight in your kit.

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 9 (end)

9. Pork

A diet rich in lean protein mixed with moderate exercise will have you on your way to building more muscle. Increased muscle mass allows your body to burn more calories, even while you’re sleeping or sedentary. Don’t be afraid to stray from chicken, there are lots of sources of lean protein and pork is a great go-to alternative.

Comment:  I like pork, especially a tenderloin which is lean and when seasoned well is simply delicious.  I just need to work on that exercise part that goes with it.

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 8

8. Salmon

This fatty fish is full of omega 3s. Ingesting this type of fat helps regulate leptin, a natural hormone in your body that controls your metabolic rate and suppresses your appetite.

Comments:  Salmon is one of my favorite fish so I have no problem of increasing this in my diet.

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 7

7. Green tea

While black tea, oolong and green tea all come from the same plant, green tea leaves are prepared differently. As a result, green tea is richer in antioxidants called catechins, which may trigger a boost in metabolism (and weight loss) by stimulating the body to burn calories.

Comment:  I haven't been a hot tea drinker since childhood.  Mother used to make it for me when I was sick so my mind seems to relate it to being ill.  Might try to give it another chance.

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 6

6. Coconut

These are chock full of a fat called medium chain triglycerides. MCTs promote the breakdown of excess fat stores, helping you burn fat and increase energy and stamina.

Comment:  Since I consider coconut one of the major food groups I have no problem adding this one to my diet!  Love coconut

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 5

5. Water

Yep, it’s that simple. Hydration plays a role in an efficient metabolism. Drink a large glass of water with lemon when you wake up and continue to drink throughout the day — at least eight cups. Not only will being properly hydrated help boost your metabolism slightly, but it will also help you not mistake hunger for thirst. Get chugging!

Comments:  I've always been a BIG sweet tea drinker.I drank it at every meal and all day long.  Some time back I started drinking more water and cutting down on the tea.  I now drink no tea with my meals and drink only water.  I also drink a several glasses throughout the day.  Had my physical a few weeks ago and my sugar, which was well over 100 is now 86!  So, if water does nothing else it can really lower your sugar.

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 4

4. Celery

Celery is low in calories, requires a lot of noshing, and has so much fiber and water that it takes a lot of work to get it through the body. Because chewing stimulates the release of digestive enzymes, the act in itself raises your metabolic rate, or how fast and efficiently your body can absorb, store and eliminate. This is the beauty of the “thermal effect” of food; or the amount of calories burned from digesting and eliminating the things you eat.

Comment:  I've never been a very big celery fan but maybe I could become one.  Especially if it does all this.

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 3

3. Chili powder

Spicy lovers rejoice. Capsaicin, an antioxidant found in red chili peppers, has been shown to curb appetite and boost your metabolism. Sprinkle cayenne pepper on your eggs at breakfast, salad at lunch, veggie side at dinner and even into your lemon water.

Comment:  I love the taste of Chili Powder but never thought about sprinkling it over my eggs.  I do see a lot of people adding hot sauce to their eggs but after trying that just once decided it just wasn't for me - too hot, but the actual chili powder might just work for me.  I think I'll even try it over my veggies and even my salad.

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 2

2. Nuts

The monounsaturated fats found in nuts can help burn belly fat and like all fat, they help keep you satiated. The trifecta of fiber, protein and fat helps to keep hunger at bay and your body energized. Need a fast breakfast? Greek yogurt with a handful of almonds and dash of cinnamon. No time to stop and snack? Pick up a green juice and couple it with cashews. Made too much for dinner? Use the leftover quinoa, add walnuts and avocado and call it a day.

Comment:  I love nuts and and yogurt so this one will work great for me.  Just make sure you don't have any nut allergies before trying this one.

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 1

Like a lot of us, I'm trying to lose weight and eat healthier so I'm on the constant watch for tips that might help.  I found this series on Today.com and wanted to share.

1. Grapefruit

This is more than a breakfast food — it’s a weight-loss jumpstart! Besides being packed with vitamin C and fiber, this citrus fruit speeds weight loss.  One study found that people who ate half a grapefruit with each meal lost 3.6 pounds, while those who drank a serving of grapefruit juice three times a day lost 3.3 pounds. Many people in the study lost more than 10 pounds — without making any other dietary changes.

Comment:  I will be buying a bag of grapefruit as well as the juice.  Just remember to check with your doctor if you're taking cholesterol meds.  From what I remember reading somewhere, the 2 don't mix.

10 Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar - Part 5 (end)

#9 - Stop a Bruise from Forming (I bruise easily so this is something I will be trying)

To ensure you don't develop an unsightly bruise, soak a piece of gauze in apple cider vinegar and place it on the sore spot.  Secure it with a bandage and leave it in place for about an hour.  The apple cider vinegar boosts circulation to the skin's surface, which prevents blood from pooling so you won't get a black and blue mark.

#10 - Soften Laundry Naturally (Another one I'll try as long as it doesn't leave a lingering smell)

If you'd rather avoid chemical-laden fabric softeners, which can irritate the skin, use apple cider vinegar instead.  To do:  Wash clothes as usual, adding 1/2 cup of the vinegar to the rinse cycle.  Acetic acid in the vinegar helps break down detergent buildup and relaxes clothing fibers for noticeable softer laundry.

10 Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar - Part 4

#7 - Banish Fruit Flies for Good (They seem to love my bananas!)

To get rid of these pests, fill an empty wine bottle halfway with apple cider vinegar and 5 drops of dish soap and place it near the fruit bowl.  The apple cider vinegar's aroma will draw the flies in but the sticky layer of soap will trap them in the liquid.

#8 Clean an Iron Effortlessly (As seldom as I iron I may never try this but it sounds good)

If your iron isn't getting wrinkles out as well as it should, there may be built-up gunk clogging the steam holes.  The fix is:  Fill the water tank with 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, set the iron upright and turn it on the steam setting for 5 minutes.  Pour out any excess liquid, refill with water and repeat.  The vinegar helps break down the deposits so your iron will work like new.

10 Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar - Part 3

#5 - Clean Dirty Pans (got to try this one)

When your rice sticks to the pan, clean it with this mixtures.  Fill the dish with warm, sudsey water and 2 Tbsp. of apple cider vinegar.  Soak for 30 minutes.  The acids in the vinegar dissolves the particles, making cleanup a breeze.

#6 - Get Shiny Hair for Less (as long as it doesn't leave my hair smelling I'll could try this)

Got dull hair?  After washing combine 1 Tbsp. of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of water in a spray bottle.  Mist all over your hair, let sit 2 minutes then rinse.  Vinegar seals cuticles so strands better reflect the light.

10 Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar - Part 2

#3 - Soothe a Sore Throat (This I've tried and it does work)

For a quick relief of a dry, scratchy throat, get quick relief with this gargle.  Mix 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup of water and gargle for 15 seconds.  Repeat every hour as needed.  Acetic acid destroys the illness-producing bacteria that causes the discomfort.

#4 - Want to Keep Fido away from your Jack-o'-lantern?  (With Halloween around the corner I'll give this a try.)

If your pooch tries to take a bite out of your jack-o'-lantern protect it by combining 1 cup each of apple cider vinegar, white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spritz on the pumpkin.  The bitter odor and taste will make it undesirable to Fido.

10 Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar - Part 1

I found this in First for Women and wanted to share with everyone.

#1 Tenderize Tough Meat (we can all use this at some time)

Use an apple cider vinegar marinade to break down the meat's tough fibers.  Blend 2 cups of apple cider vinegar, 1/ cup of vegetable oil, 2 Tbsp. of soy sauce, 1 Tbsp. of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp. of sea salt and 2 Tbsp. of chopped garlic.  Marinate the meat in this blend for 3 hrs before cooking.

#2 Nix the Smell of Burnt Food (there have been times I've really needed this)

Say you burned the microwave popcorn and you can smell the scorched kernels in your whole house.  To eliminate the odor combine 1 cup of water and 1 Tbsp. of apple cider vinegar and boil for several minutes.  Apple cider vinegar neutralizes strong odors, so your home will be back to smelling fresh in no time.

Ways to Boost Your Metabolism - Part 3 (end)

Water, water, water!!

You've heard it before, but drink those 8 8-ounce glasses of water every day. The energy burning process of metabolism needs water to work effectively.

Get enough B vitamins.

Among supplements, if you are suffering from flagging energy, you need to make sure that you are getting enough B vitamins. Vitamin B-12 in particular is one that is essential for energy. To ensure you're getting enough B vitamins, consider taking a B complex, plus a separate sublingual B-12. Another important vitamin for fatigue isVitamin B-1, also known as thiamine.

Try a supplement for fatigue.

Another type of supplement useful for fatigue is in the area of substances that the body naturally produces for energy production. Supplements in this category include:

Co-enzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, which supplies energy to muscles

NADH (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) which helps cells convert food into energy
Green Tea

Ways to Boost Your Metabolism - Part 2

Minimize snacking.

Contrary to popular opinion, for thyroid patients, it may be better to eat three scheduled meals, and avoid snacks.

Get enough aerobic exercise.

As much as you can is really a help for your metabolism, and if you do it in the morning, you'll raise your metabolism all day.

Build muscle with weight training or resistance exercise.

At least two to three times a week, you should add weight training or progressive resistance exercise that builds muscle.

Muscle burns more calories than fat, and the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn, even at rest!

Ways to Boost Your Metabolism - Part 1

I found this info helpful, especially since I seem to be in a lull in my dieting.

Make sure you eat breakfast.

If you don't eat breakfast, you slow down your metabolism and send the body into "hoard mode," thinking it's starving because you're going a long period of time frequently 8 to 10 hours or more, without food.

Eat the majority of your food earlier in the day. 

Dinner should be your lightest meal, and some experts recommend you don't anything after 8 p.m., or any later than 3 to 4 hours before bedtime. This helps your body process and burn the food when you're aware and moving around and burning more calories per hour.

Don't starve. 

Dropping your calorie intake below 1,000 calories a day will signal to your body that you are in starvation mode, and will slow down your metabolism.

Inflammation Buster - Basil

One more herb tip from the Good Life pull-out.

One of the oldest cultivated herbs, basil could help fight some very modern problems, including arthritis and heart disease.  That's because one of its compounds blocks inflammation in the very same way that aspirin and ibuprofen do.  Much of the research has been done on 'holy basis' or tulsi, a stronger form of the herb that's common to Asia.  Sweet basis, in most grocery stores, contains compounds, too, especially in young leaves.

Diabetes - basil extract, available in capsule form in the supplement aisle, could help people with diabetes better manage their blood sugar levels.  Promising research suggests that it may help reduce the amount of glucose traveling around in the bloodstream.  Of course, talk to your doctor before taking it.

You can pack plenty of this healthy booster into a meal without overpowering everything, especially if you make pesto.  You can also use fresh leaves liberally in salads and tomato sauces.  Add them to your dish during the last few seconds of cooking; those healthy oils will be lost if overheated.

Bacteria Fighter - Thyme

I didn't know this until I read it in a booklet that came with a copy of Good Life

Thyme is known as an antiseptic:  It contains thymol, also an ingredient in some mouthwashes.  One of Dr. Oz's favorite uses for this herb is this cough-suppressant recipe:  Place 4 Tbsp. of fresh or dried thyme in a saucepan; cover with 1 cup of boiling water; steep for 15 minutes; strain and add the juice of one lemon and 1/4 cup of raw honey.  Adults can take 1-2 Tbsp. every 3-4 hours.  This keeps in the fridge for up to a week.

Tame acne - Thyme can also fight the bacteria that causes acne.  Research found that a concentrated form of thyme zapped those bacteria better than benzoyl peroxide, the active ingredient in many acne products.  Some skin care products even contain one of the compounds in thyme.

Protect against cancer - the most exciting revelation about thyme has to do with its potential role in deterring cancer.  In preliminary research, one of the compounds it contains, called rosmarinic acid, has been found to help prevent tumor growth.

Cook smart - Fresh thyme adds dimension to soup, sauces, and salad dressings; toss it in at the end of cooking to best retain its flavor and healthy compounds.  Or steep the leaves in boiling water to make a refreshing tea.

The Tummy Soother - Peppermint

A little peppermint can help you digest food without drama.  It helps relax the muscles of your stomach.  A stronger form, peppermint oil capsules (choose enteric-coated ones), may even relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.  But be careful if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Mint relaxes the valve at the bottom of the esophagus, so acid could come back up and make problems worse.

Ease cold and flue symptoms.  Peppermint contains menthol, one of the very same ingredients in chest rubs.  Inhaling mint's vapors can help loosen your congestion and calm your cough by thinning mucus, which is why peppermint tea can feel extra soothing when you have a cold.

Boost alertness.  A whiff of peppermint can make you feel more alert and less fatigued, which is especially useful when you're driving.  Dr. Oz tip:  Slip some peppermint gum in your bag before you head out.

Cook smart.  Mint pairs nicely with citrus fruit, yogurt, and lamb.  It's also great with roasted zucchini, or in chilled cucumber soup.  If you don't like this herb in your main course, brew tea by simply pouring hot water directly over several sprigs of mint.

Another tip from the insert in Dr. Oz's The Good Life.

The Brain Booster - Rosemary

Another helpful note from an insert found in Dr. Oz's 'The Good Life.'

Science has shown that the mere smell of the oil from rosemary may help improve your memory.  Try it for yourself.  Mix a drop of rosemary essential oil with the same amount of an oil such as coconut or olive.  Dab it on your wrist and sniff.  Did it work?

Make grilled foods healthier with rosemary.  Cooking meat at high temperatures creates cancer-causing compounds known as HCAs (heterocyclic animes).  But research has found that prepping meat in a marinade filled with rosemary can significantly reduce the formation of those nasty compounds.

Fight indigestion with rosemary-leaf capsules.  This is used in Europe to ease dyspepsia.  They're even approved for use there at doses of up to 4 to 6 grams by Germany's Commission E, a government agency that evaluates the medical evidence surrounding herbs.  And you should be able to find them in the US in the supplement aisle.

Cook smart with rosemary.  Savory dishes work well with this fragrant herb.  Think fresh tomato sauce, frittatas, and egg or tuna salad.  Another approach - puree fresh leaves with olive oil for a dipping sauce.

I think I'll pot plant some rosemary on my patio.  I've planted Rosemary in the yard and it's easy to grow.  Guess it's time to pull out a pot and grown some on my patio.

Disease Fighters - Chives

Garlic and onions usually get all the credit in the family of plants believed to help prevent cancer but the chive is also packed with the compounds that may be effective.  Research suggests that one in particular called querctin could help inhibit certain tumor cells.  Men who ate the most from this plant family had lower rates of prostate cancer.

A compound in chives called allicin has been shown to lower the amount of bad cholesterol you produce, and to help keep your blood pressure low.  That could add up to lower risks of these prevalent heart and brain problems.

Chives also contain choline, a B vitamin that has been linked to better sleep, learning and memory and may ease depression.

Colonists brought chives to America for medicinal purposes.  Since then, chefs and home cooks have found plenty of other uses for them.  Kids who won't touch garlic or onions often will take to chives.  Use them to liven up your dips, salads, and omelets.

This information is from Dr. Oz's magazine The Good Life and I felt it a must to share.

Fruit Salad

Turn up that Fruit Salad by adding jello.  I had 2 small containers of jello in the refrigerator and wanted to find a use for them before their expiration date.  I had just made some citrus fruit salad and decided 'why not?' and cut it up, adding to to my salad.  Delicious!  Appealing to the kids! and Colorful!

Gassiest Foods - Part 6 (End)

Sugar-Free Foods

Sometimes the thing that is giving us gas is something we have not paid any attention to. Many people do not know that a big gas-producer is sugar-free gum. 

Many sugar-free food products contain sorbitol, which can be fermented by gut bacteria, resulting in unwanted gas. Read labels carefully when purchasing sugar-free gums, candy, and snack foods to ensure that they don't contain sorbitol. 

Gassiest Foods - Part 5

Gassiest Drinks

The following beverages may contain fructose, sorbitol, or carbonation, all of which can contribute to intestinal gas:

Beer

Fruit juices

Soda (regular and diet) 

Gassiest Foods - Part 4

Whole Grains

Although whole grains contain some helpful vitamins and are a source of dietary fiber, the soluble fiber content of some, as well as the presence of  raffinose, a type of sugar, can create intestinal gas. Here are those to avoid when if you don't want to experience unwanted gassiness.

Barley

Flax seed

Rye

Wheat

Gassiest Foods - Part 3

Gassiest Dairy Products

Even if you have not been diagnosed with lactose intolerance, you may find that eating dairy products results in unwanted gas. As our bodies age, we tend to produce less of the enzyme lactase that is necessary for digesting lactose (the sugar found in milk and other dairy products), and thus gassiness resulting from dairy foods may become a problem. Here are some dairy products to skip to avoid having gas:

Buttermilk

Cream cheese

Heavy cream

Ice cream

Milk

Processed foods containing milk products

Ricotta

Gassiest Foods - Part 2

Gassiest Fruits

The following fruits have a reputation for being gas-producing as they contain fructose, sorbitol and/or soluble fiber. Again, these fruits are good for you, so try to eat them on days when it is okay if you are a little gassier than usual.

Gassy Fruits:

Apples

Apricots

Mango

Oranges

Peaches

Pears

Plums

Watermelon

Dried fruits:

Apricots

Prunes

Raisins

Gassiest Foods - Part 1

This information came from a site titled Very Well.  I just had to share.  

Gassiest Vegetables and Legumes

The following vegetables are those most likely to give you gas due to the fact that they contain raffinose and/or fructose. Remember these vegetables are actually very good for you, so just avoid them on those occasions when you absolutely need to be gas-free.

Gassy Vegetables:

Artichokes

Asparagus

Broccoli

Brussel sprouts

Cabbage

Cauliflower

Celery

Onions

Peas

Sweet potatoes

Gassiest Legumes:

Baked beans

Black beans

Black-eyed peas

Butter beans

Cannelinni (white) beans

Kidney beans

Lima beans

Navy beans

What NOT to Say to Someone Dieting

This info comes from a site that I love.  It was recommended to me by my doctor and is called My Fitness Pal.  If you're like me you've heard most if not all of these said while dieting.

When someone in your life is in the process of losing weight, what should you do? Should you draw attention to the weight loss and applaud the person, or should you de-emphasize it and avoid talking about it? The knee-jerk reaction is often to compliment and praise people for how great they look and for all their hard work. But is hearing those things truly helpful?

As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I’ve worked with hundreds of people who have successfully shed pounds. To my surprise, many of them have related the same message: They don’t like it when people notice and talk about their weight loss. They don’t want to be complimented, praised or even have attention drawn to them. Instead of having every conversation revolve around their pants size, they want to talk about other things with their friends and loved ones.

For people on the sidelines wanting to show support and love, it can be hard to understand why someone wouldn’t want to hear words of encouragement. It can be challenging to put yourself in that position and understand how someone might misinterpret your well-intentioned comments.

There are people who love to get positive comments and feedback about their weight-loss progress. Not everyone is sensitive to words of encouragement, but it’s more common than you’d think to have a negative reaction.

Let’s dive into the top five things you probably shouldn’t say to someone who is losing weight.

“How much more do you have to lose?” This is problematic because it assumes they couldn’t possibly be happy with where they are now. Different people have different weights at which they are comfortable, so who are we to judge?

“You probably don’t want to eat that, right?” Foods that are high in fat or sugar are often vilified. A person who is actively losing weight might have it built into their plan to enjoy or indulge in those foods occasionally. The last thing you want to do as a support in their life is increase food anxiety or induce guilt about eating certain things. Trust them, and don’t critique their food choices.

“You look so much better than before.” This is clearly not the most helpful thing to say to someone, but it does occasionally slip out of our mouths. Avoid comparing their appearance from before and after. Chances are, they’re already doing enough of that in their own head. If they want your opinion, they can ask!

“You’re just going to gain it back anyway.” This statement conveys a lack of confidence in your loved one’s ability to maintain weight loss and could be very discouraging to hear. It’s disheartening even if you meant it as a joke.

“Wow, you look so good!” This is the real kicker. People say this all the time and usually have nothing but good vibes they’re trying to send. This can be interpreted in many problematic ways, though. People often wonder what was wrong with them before or why everyone is noticing their body. This well-meaning statement can cause body-image issues to surface, which can — in the worst case — trigger an eating disorder.

What's the Best Fish for You?

This is just part of an article I read on Sparkpeople.  If you're a fish/seafood lover, you might want to read the rest of this article.  It not only covers the omegas but also the contaminants, environmental concerns and gives you a general guideline for fish and your health.  This is well worth going to this site to read.

What's the Best Fish for You?

Word is spreading that fish is good for your health, but like many matters of health and nutrition, there’s nothing simple about simply eating fish. Even though many varieties can be good for your health, contaminants such as mercury and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), found in many types of fish, may be detrimental to your health.

But it gets even more complicated. Beyond choosing fish based on healthfulness (considering things like abundance of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and low concentrations of mercury and contaminants), consuming fish also has an environmental impact. Many environmental advocates have reported that the mismanagement of many large-scale fishing operations has resulted in overfishing (and the plummeting of some wild fish populations). Fish farming, one alternative to wild fish, may help protect these populations, but other groups claim that fish farming has led to other problems, like the overuse of antibiotics to control disease.

Trying to keep track of which types of fish are healthy and safe—not only for you, but also for the environment—can be daunting, to say the least. And here’s why: Making the right choice when it comes to fish means looking for fish that have the highest nutritional content, lowest levels of contaminants, and, for those concerned with the environment, the lightest impact on the planet. Let's explore how to make the best choices to meet all of these tricky requirements.

Nutrition and Omega-3s
Nutrients found in foods are usually straightforward.  When choosing fish, people generally want to know which types are highest in omega-3 fatty acids. Concerning omega-3s alone, the following chart ranks the omega-3s in fish from highest content to lowest.
 

Species 3 oz edible portion	Grams Omega-3
Mackerel, Atlantic	2.6
Chub	2.6
Herring	2.5
King Mackerel	2.2
Chub Mackerel	2.2
Trout, lean lake	2.1
Spiny Dogfish	2.0
Trout, lake	2.0
Salmon, Atlantic, farmed	1.9
Herring, pacific	1.8
Whitefish	1.8
Herring, Atlantic	1.7
Bluefin Tuna	1.6
Chinook Salmon	1.5
Sablefish	1.5
Albacore Tuna	1.5
Whitefish, lake	1.5
Sturgeon, Atlantic	1.5
Canned Sardines	1.4
Pink Salmon	1.0
Smelt	1.0
Striped Bass	0.8
Pollock	0.5
Catfish	0.5
Halibut, Pacific	0.5
Catfish or Cod	0.3
Flounder or Perch	0.2
Snapper or Grouper	0.2
Sole	0.1

A Daily Cup of Tea and Your Health - Part 2 (End)

6. Tea may keep your smile bright

"Japanese researchers have found that tea can decrease tooth loss," Ardine says. "It changes the pH in your mouth when you drink it and that may be what prevents cavities." Beyond that, tea, unlike many other beverages does not appear to erode tooth enamel, Bonci says.

7. Tea may boost the immune system

Studies have shown tea can tune up immune cells so they reach their targets quicker.

8. Tea may help battle cancer

Studies on this are currently mixed, which means more research is needed, Bonci says. But, in the meantime, "if you've got a strong family history of cancer and you want to do anything you can, you might increase your tea consumption," she adds.

9. Herbal tea may soothe the digestive system

"Herbal teas, in particular chamomile, can be good for people with irritable bowel syndrome because it is an antispasmodic," Bonci says. "And ginger teas can calm nausea."

10. Tea — unadulterated, that is — is calorie free

"It's a great no-calorie alternative to water," Bonci says. "It provides so many options for flavor and versatility. You can have it hot or cold. And you don't have to put anything in it, though you might want to add a cinnamon stick or some ginger. That means you're able to hydrate with something other than water alone."

A Daily Cup of Tea and Your Health - Part 1

I found this on Today.com and since I love tea I thought there might be others out there that enjoy it as much as I do.  Now we have a good reason to indulge in our tea.  This is part 1 of 2 parts.

No matter what the season, tea can be a tasty beverage since it can be served iced or hot.

But its benefits go far beyond refreshment. There is plenty of research showing that drinking tea can actually improve your health.

At the very least, it's a flavorful way of getting enough fluid into your body each day. On top of that, studies have shown teas can help protect your teeth and your heart, as well as possibly even helping to stave off cancer.

Which type of tea you drink can make a difference. All non-herbal teas are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The amount of time the leaves are processed determines whether you end up with a green, black or oolong tea.

The green teas are the least processed and tend to have the highest amounts of polyphenols, and the only type that contain the polyphenol, catechin, which is why many studies have been done using only green teas. Certain herbal teas are known for their medicinal values, including soothing the digestive system.

1. Tea contains antioxidants

Antioxidants work to prevent the body's version of rust and thus help to keep us young and protect us from damage from pollution.

2. Tea has less caffeine than coffee

Herbal blends have no caffeine, while traditional teas have less than 50 percent of what typically is found in coffee. That means you can consume it without those pesky effects on your nervous system, says Leslie Bonci, nutritionist and owner of Active Eating Advice.

3. Tea may reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke

"There's a lot of literature out there on tea and heart health," says Anna Ardine, clinical nutrition manager at Magee-Womens Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. "This is a health effect for which there is the strongest evidence."

In fact, a study published earlier this year that combined data from a host of earlier reports found a nearly 20 percent reduction in the risk of heart attack and a 35 percent reduced risk of stroke among those who drank one to three cups of green tea a day. Those who drank four or more cups of green tea daily had a 32 percent reduction in the risk of having a heart attack and lower levels of LDL cholesterol.

4. Tea may help with weight loss

Research on this isn't as strong, Ardine says, adding that studies that have shown an effect have depended on consumption of large amounts of tea, often in pill form.

5. Tea may help protect your bones

Data from recent animal studies has shown that green tea may prevent bone loss.