Latest news with #L-theanine
The Irish Sun
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Boosting your sex drive, great gnashers and six other surprising health benefits from your daily cup of tea
PUT the kettle on, it is time to raise a toast to the humble cuppa. More than 100million cups of char are consumed daily in the UK, but new research shows four out of five of us are unaware of the health benefits contained in our mugs. Advertisement 5 Brits down 100million cuppas a day — but most don't know the health benefits in their brew Credit: Getty 5 Dietician Dr Carrie Ruxton reveals surprising health perks hidden in your daily brew Here, dietitian HEART HEALTH: Regular cups of Rosie Lee are great for your ticker and could add years to your life expectancy. Proven cardiovascular benefits include Dr Ruxton says: 'Natural compounds in tea, called polyphenols, help to lower blood pressure by relaxing our blood vessels. The sweet spot is four cups a day. Advertisement READ MORE HEALTH NEWS "Regular black tea is the best option but remember to steep it for one to two minutes to maximise the benefits.' 5 Most don't know that tea can actually improve our sleep and creating sweeter dreams Credit: Getty IMPROVED ZZZs: Most of us (87 per cent) are not aware a good brew could help us have a better night's kip but studies have linked sipping tea to sweeter dreams. Dr Ruxton says: 'People are often surprised when I say that a night-time cuppa is a great way to nod off. Advertisement 'A recent review found just one or two cups of tea a day could help promote sleep quality and relaxation. Most read in Health "Try either a traditional cuppa or chamomile, lavender or valerian root tea before bed to support your sleep.' GOOD BONES: Research involving more than 48,000 postmenopausal women found that drinking cuppas resulted in How to make a British cup of tea The brew also lowered the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Advertisement Polyphenols, found in black and green tea, are believed to be behind this. Dr Ruxton says: 'We still don't know whether tea has a specific effect on bones or just helps the body to absorb minerals. 'It may even be that tea drinkers get more calcium in the form of milk in their cup'. LESS STRESS: Brewing up regularly could contribute to better mental health by decreasing levels of stress, anxiety or symptoms of low mood. Advertisement Compounds in tea contributing to inner calm include the amino acid L-theanine, and neurotransmitter GABA. One study by University College London also proved a strong mug of builder's can lower 5 Tea can even help tackle bad breath Credit: Getty GREAT GNASHERS : Enjoy a cuppa and you may reap rewards at the dentist. Advertisement Dr Ruxton says: 'Tea polyphenols act as an anti-bacterial. Bad breath is caused by a build-up of bacteria in the mouth meaning drinking a cuppa can help banish this. In one study, rinsing the mouth with sugar-free tea was as effective as a regular mouthwash.' STAY SHARP: Brew up for a brain boost. One study of more than 4,000 people found that regular Dr Ruxton says: 'Experts concluded that drinking tea, especially black tea, can have a positive effect on cognitive function. "Just one or two cups a day provided some benefits'. Advertisement TOP TUMMIES: Polyphenols in tea can have a positive effect on your gut bacteria, known as the microbiome. Dr Ruxton says: 'These millions of tiny bugs help us to stay healthy. "A study from Japan found three cups of regular tea daily for three months boosted 'friendly' species of bacteria in the gut and reduced respiratory infections, like colds.' Herbal teas, especially peppermint, ginger and chamomile also ease nausea, bloating and wind. Advertisement 5 Looking to up the ante in the bedroom - grab a cup of black tea Credit: Getty DRINK FOR DESIRE: A tea break could One study found black tea can elevate testosterone, which has been shown to increase libido levels in men and women. And many herbal teas are said to have aphrodisiac qualities, particularly ginseng. Advertisement
News18
19-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Feeling Anxious And Stressed? Eat Smarter With These Mood-Boosting Foods
Last Updated: Feeling stressed or anxious? Check these expert-recommended, mood-boosting foods that can naturally reduce stress and support emotional well-being. Feeling low or overwhelmed? What you eat might be more powerful than you think. According to health experts, certain foods have natural mood-boosting properties that can help reduce stress, calm anxiety, and improve overall emotional well-being. Consuming nutrient-dense foods like omega-3 fatty acids, dark chocolate, fresh fruits and vegetables, and herbal teas can significantly reduce stress, boost happiness, and support emotional well-being. These foods are rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins that help elevate serotonin levels and ease anxiety naturally. While balancing work and personal life can be overwhelming, many people turn to unhealthy comfort foods for quick relief, often leading to long-term health issues like diabetes and high cholesterol. By making mindful dietary choices, you can foster a more positive mindset and lead a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. Dr. Rohini Patil, MBBS and Nutritionist, shares a list of stress-busting foods that can nourish both your body and your mind. Almonds Almonds are packed with nutrients that help fight stress. They are rich in magnesium, which promotes relaxation and helps combat stress. They also contain vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the body from the harmful effects of stress. Eating a handful of almonds daily can be a simple and effective way to keep stress at bay. Makhana Makhana, also known as fox nuts, is a great snacking option. It is packed with micronutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. It also contains antioxidants like gallic acid and epicatechin, which reduce inflammation and protect against stress. Munching on makhana roasted in ghee along with some ghee-roasted almonds is a delicious and healthy combination. Feeling overwhelmed? Try eating a banana. These yellow fruits are full of nutrients that can help calm your nerves. Bananas are rich in potassium, which regulates blood pressure and keeps your heart steady, even in stressful situations. Plus, they are an easy, portable snack you can take anywhere. Green Tea Sipping a cup of green tea can feel like a warm hug for your body. Green tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which promotes relaxation and reduces stress. Instead of reaching for another cup of coffee when you're feeling frazzled, try brewing a calming cup of green tea. Did you know that your gut health can influence your stress levels? That's where Greek yoghurt comes in. It is full of probiotics, which promote a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut. This can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Enjoy it as a snack or use it as a topping for your favourite dishes; your gut will thank you. First Published:
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Three natural supplements to improve your memory
1 2 While we pay a lot of attention to how we look physically, we seldom think about how we feel mentally. Ailments like memory fog, confusion, inability to retain information etc are real, hence it is extremely important to exercise our brains as well, for long term benefit. While good nutrition is a must, it is however not enough, and one must supplement their diet with vitamins, minerals etc to ensure robust brain power. Here are some natural supplements to improve your memory... Omega-3 Fatty Acids Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats found mainly in fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. They are also available as fish oil supplements. These fats are very important for brain health because they help brain cells communicate and grow. Research shows that taking omega-3 supplements can improve memory , especially in older adults. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation in the brain and improve blood flow, which supports better thinking and recall. People who take omega-3 regularly have shown better performance in memory tests and executive functions like planning and decision-making. Omega-3 supplements are safe and well-tolerated, making them a good choice for anyone wanting to keep their brain sharp as they age. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Start Here - 2025 Top Trend Local network access control Esseps Learn More Undo Curcumin Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, a bright yellow spice used in cooking and traditional medicine. It is known for its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies suggest that curcumin can improve working memory, mood, and attention. One long-term study found that people who took curcumin had a 28% improvement in memory tests over 18 months. It also reduced harmful proteins in the brain linked to memory loss and Alzheimer's disease. Curcumin is generally safe to use and can be taken as a supplement or added to food. For better absorption, it is often combined with black pepper. Besides memory, curcumin may also help reduce joint pain and improve overall well-being. L-Theanine L-theanine is a natural amino acid found in green tea leaves. It is known for its calming effects and ability to reduce stress without causing drowsiness. Research shows that L-theanine can improve attention and working memory by helping the brain focus better. It supports executive functions, which are skills needed for planning, problem-solving, and multitasking. People who took L-theanine showed faster reaction times and better accuracy in memory tasks. L-theanine is safe and easy to include in your diet by drinking green tea or taking supplements. It is a great option for those who want to improve memory while also reducing stress. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
The Sun
03-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The ultimate 4-week plan to lose weight before the summer holidays WITHOUT resorting to fat jabs
THE sun is shining and the evenings are getting lighter, but if you still feel your mind and body need some TLC, a few lifestyle changes over the next four weeks could make all the difference. The real secret to boosting your health lies in small tweaks which are easier to stick to long-term and don't require a huge life overhaul. By focusing on gradual adjustments, you're more likely to stay motivated as you see the benefits. So, from quitting coffee to a 20p-a-day supplement, these expert tips can help you transform yourself from head to toe in just one month. WEEK ONE Walk 10 more minutes a day WALKING is a great way to get started. 'It does wonders for your bone density and muscle health, and walking for half an hour is estimated to burn about 150 calories,' says Liam Grimley, personal trainer and co-founder of 432 Fitness. Just 10 minutes of brisk walking can boost mood, while a two to five-minute stroll after a meal can lower blood sugar, helping prevent energy crashes and snacking. Long-term, stabilising blood sugar levels help prevent type 2 diabetes and weight gain. To increase your steps, take the stairs, incorporate walking into your commute or the school run, or use a walking pad, like the HomeFitnessCode Walking Pad, £159.99, while watching TV. IF you rely on multiple espressos and lattes to get through the day, try replacing at least one cup with green tea. 40 Day Health Challenge couple reveal exercise routine 'It contains lower levels of caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid known for promoting relaxation without drowsiness,' says nutritional therapist Lucia Stansbie. 'This helps improve focus, while reducing anxiety, making it a gentler stimulant. 'Consider drinking green tea regularly and saving coffee for when you need a real boost.' 6 Some studies suggest green tea also boosts weight loss thanks to compounds including catechins, which may improve the body's ability to burn calories. WEEK TWO Do resistance training TO get stronger, boost metabolism and improve your self-esteem, try resistance training. 'Everyone can do it, no matter your experience,' says Liam. Aim for at least two sessions a week and you can progress by adding repetitions or sets. Not sure where to start? Try this beginners' workout – all you need is a resistance band. Bicycle crunch (for your abs): Lie on your back and raise your legs to a 90-degree angle. Put a small resistance band around your feet. Lift your head and shoulders so you are in a crunch. Twist your torso, bringing your elbow to the opposite knee while alternating leg extensions against the band's resistance. Banded hip thrust (for your lower body): Lie on your back with feet close to your bottom, slightly wider than hip-width. Place the resistance band on top of your hips and hold the ends down with straight arms. Lift hips up to form a straight line through the shoulders, hips, and knees, then lower slowly to the floor, and repeat. Standing or kneeling row (for your upper body): Stand on a long band horizontally on the floor, with feet hip-width apart. Take each end in your hands. Bend slightly forward, pull the band towards your waist, driving elbows back and squeezing shoulder blades, then slowly return to start. Power up on protein PROTEIN goes hand-in-hand with resistance training to support muscle growth. 'It slows the natural loss of muscle mass as we age and plays vital roles in liver detox, tissue repair, brain function – including mood and focus – muscle recovery and skin health,' says Lucia. Animal-based proteins, such as meat, dairy, fish and eggs, are usually complete proteins, which means they contain the nine essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein) that the body cannot produce on its own. Veggie or vegan? Tofu is a complete protein, while nuts, beans, lentils and Greek yoghurt are also rich in the stuff. WEEK THREE DUBBED "nature's Ozempic', fibre helps control appetite by making you feel full, and also supports gut health. The NHS recommends 30g daily but, according to the Food Standards Agency, the average Brit gets just 18g. 6 Fibre is known for aiding digestion and bowel health, but it also feeds good gut bacteria. 'A nourished and balanced gut microbiome – the collection of trillions of bacteria – is associated with lower levels of stress and a happier mood,' says Lucia. Include beans, nuts, lentils, grains, veg, potatoes (with their skins), and fruits in every meal. Sprinkle seeds on salads or add ground flaxseeds for extra hits of fibre. Talk to yourself YOUR inner dialogue shapes your mood, so negative self-talk such as: 'I can't do it,' or 'I'll never change,' reinforces self-doubt. 6 'Replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations can shift your perspective and help develop resilience,' says Nicci Roscoe, a holistic health and wellbeing practitioner and author of Micro Meditation. 'Repeat phrases like: 'I can handle this,' and: 'It's going to be OK.' "Over time, affirmations will reinforce a positive mindset and help you approach challenges with confidence.' WEEK FOUR Opt for magnesium THE magic of magnesium is that it helps boost energy while also calming the nervous system. 'It helps balance the body's stress response by regulating cortisol levels, easing symptoms of stress and fatigue,' says Lucia. It has long been linked to better sleep quality, too. Leafy greens like spinach, whole grains, nuts and soy-based foods such as tofu are good sources. A supplement can also help, too – Lucia recommends magnesium glycinate for sleep and anxiety, and magnesium citrate for digestion. Try R.Y.M. Nutrition Magnesium Bisglycinate (Glycinate), £24.99 for a two-month supply. Stretch every day WHEN you wake up, instead of checking your phone, stretch for five minutes to loosen up your body. 'Morning stretching will get you moving well for the day ahead and helps identify any tight spots to focus on,' says Liam. Try holding each of these stretches for 20 seconds each side. Banana asana (for your spine): Lie flat, arms overhead, and curve the body to one side, keeping both buttocks on the ground. Straddle stretch (for your hamstrings) Sit with legs straight and wide apart. Lean forward and hold. Figure-four glute stretch (for your hips): Lie on your back, knees bent. Place your left foot on your right knee at a 90-degree angle. Interlock hands behind your right thigh and pull towards your chest. Pectoral stretch (for your shoulders): Stand facing a doorway. Raise arms so your shoulders and elbows are at 90 degrees. Put your hands on the door frame and step forward into the doorway to feel a stretch in your shoulder and chest.
Jordan News
03-05-2025
- Health
- Jordan News
To Relieve Headaches… Try Adding These Spices to Your Green Tea! - Jordan News
Green tea is well known for its antioxidants and calming properties, but when enhanced with certain spices, it transforms into a natural remedy for headaches. اضافة اعلان These spices not only add a distinctive flavor but also offer anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and circulation-boosting benefits, helping to treat various types of headaches—from tension and sinus headaches to migraines, according to The Times of India. Green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation, and caffeine, which helps constrict blood vessels around the brain—often the source of headache pain. Additionally, its antioxidants reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, two major triggers of headaches. Ginger Used for centuries to treat headaches—especially migraines—ginger inhibits prostaglandins, chemicals that cause muscle contractions and blood vessel inflammation. Add a few slices of fresh ginger or ¼ teaspoon of ginger powder to green tea to naturally ease nausea and headache pain. Turmeric Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is a powerful anti-inflammatory. For headaches caused by sinus pressure or chronic inflammation, turmeric helps reduce swelling and tension. A small pinch of turmeric in green tea boosts its therapeutic benefits. Black Pepper Black pepper indirectly eases headaches by enhancing the absorption of curcumin from turmeric by up to 2,000%. It also stimulates circulation, allowing oxygen to flow more smoothly to the brain. Cardamom With calming and antispasmodic effects, cardamom helps relax muscles and nerves. If your headache is stress-related, steeping crushed cardamom pods with green tea leaves can soothe the nerves and ease discomfort. Cinnamon Cinnamon improves blood flow, which is crucial for reducing vascular headaches and migraines. Its warming nature helps relieve headaches caused by cold or sinus congestion. Add a small stick or ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder to your green tea during steeping. Lemon & Honey Lemon helps detoxify and reduce head pressure, while honey adds natural sweetness and further anti-inflammatory benefits. Together, they elevate both the taste and healing properties of your tea.
