Green Tea: Good for your Bones?
By Brooke Strickland
Writer for FEP International
Green tea is one of the most popular beverages on the market today. Studies have shown that the chemicals in the tea have numerous health benefits, including cancer and heart disease prevention, but new research conducted through the Chinese University of Hong Kong shows that green tea can help prevent and treat osteoporosis and other debilitating bone diseases. The study also found that it can also improve bone health by stimulating formation and slowing the breakdown of bone. You can learn more about the study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry [1].
In addition to adding green tea to your diet, here are some additional suggestions on how to improve your overall bone health. Bone exercises can be done in as little as five minutes a day.
* Take a walk: For a good bone work out, walk at a brisk pace, or take long strides. To make your walk even more worthwhile, add a bit of weight to it by putting a one or two pound book inside a comfortable backpack you can wear. You can continue to increase your load, but before you exceed more than 10 pounds, you might want to check with your doctor.
* Take the stairs instead of the elevator: This will help build your hips.
* Sit up straight: Not only is this “good manners” but it also helps your spine in shape.
* Play: Try enhancing your coordination and bone strength by participating in activities that require both, such as jump rope, skipping, or hopscotch.
* Take your vitamins: Getting enough calcium and vitamin D is vital to optimum bone health and will help reduce your likelihood of developing osteoporosis. Ask your doctor how much vitamin D and calcium you should be getting and start in on it.
* Don’t smoke: This can increase bone loss and in general, is not healthy for your body.
* Consider adding soy to your diet: Soy can help maintain bone density and has been shown to reduce the risk of fractures.
Remember: staying strong means healthy bones. So follow some of these tips to keep you sturdy and ready to face your day with brawn.
Reference
[1] Green Tea May Benefit Bone Health. Medical News Today. Accessed on the web September 17, 2009. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/164340.php
In addition to adding green tea to your diet, here are some additional suggestions on how to improve your overall bone health. Bone exercises can be done in as little as five minutes a day.
* Take a walk: For a good bone work out, walk at a brisk pace, or take long strides. To make your walk even more worthwhile, add a bit of weight to it by putting a one or two pound book inside a comfortable backpack you can wear. You can continue to increase your load, but before you exceed more than 10 pounds, you might want to check with your doctor.
* Take the stairs instead of the elevator: This will help build your hips.
* Sit up straight: Not only is this “good manners” but it also helps your spine in shape.
* Play: Try enhancing your coordination and bone strength by participating in activities that require both, such as jump rope, skipping, or hopscotch.
* Take your vitamins: Getting enough calcium and vitamin D is vital to optimum bone health and will help reduce your likelihood of developing osteoporosis. Ask your doctor how much vitamin D and calcium you should be getting and start in on it.
* Don’t smoke: This can increase bone loss and in general, is not healthy for your body.
* Consider adding soy to your diet: Soy can help maintain bone density and has been shown to reduce the risk of fractures.
Remember: staying strong means healthy bones. So follow some of these tips to keep you sturdy and ready to face your day with brawn.
Reference
[1] Green Tea May Benefit Bone Health. Medical News Today. Accessed on the web September 17, 2009. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/164340.php
posted by MedRounds Publications at 5:08 PM
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