TEA TIME
WHAT’S SWIRLING AROUND IN YOUR CUP? YOUR BRAIN Flavonoids don’t only fight heart disease; these chemicals can also reduce any vascular damage to the brain. The National University of Singapore has conducted studies that link reduced risks of dementia in the elderly with regular tea consumption. The results speak for themselves: “The longitudinal study involving 957 Chinese seniors aged 55 years or older has found that regular consumption of tea lowers the risk of cognitive decline in the elderly by 50%, while APOE e4 gene carriers who are genetically at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease may experience a reduction in cognitive impairment risk by as much as 86%.” YOUR MOOD Tea leaves contain the amino acid L-theanine, which stimulates several feel- good neurotransmitters, like serotonin and gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). These neurotransmitters help boost your mood and alertness. According to a study by the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China, tea even has the ability to ward off depression. The study took 22,817 participants with 4,743 cases of depression over 11 studies, and 13 reports found that individuals who drank three cups of tea a day decreased their depression risk by 37%.
Tea has been consumed for thousands of years and is the second-most popular drink in the world, with water being the first. It is the national drink of several nations, including China and India, and is an integral component of religious ceremonies the world over. Drinking tea has been known to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep. In addition to these instant benefits, tea can also help improve a person’s long-term health through regular consumption. YOUR HEART According to Harvard Health Institute, several studies show that those who regularly drink black and green tea are at a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. These types of tea contain antioxidants and flavonoids, which are plant chemicals that help dilate arteries and reduce bad cholesterol. Studies also link tea consumption with improved vascular reactivity — how well your blood vessels respond to stress.
So, the next time you want a warm beverage that will do your mind and body good, reach for some tea and bask in all the health benefits as you sip.
ARLINE WHITED’S NORTH COUNTY EXPERIENCE There’s no greater compliment we can receive than kind words from our patients. We’re always humbled when a patient is willing to share their treatment experience with us and others, as Arline Whited recently did. Here, in her own words, is how Arline describes her experience with North County Water and Sports Therapy Center. “My balance has had a huge recovery. On a recent trip to Kauai, I had no problem walking from the house to the beach and was able to walk on the soft sand. Swimming and snorkeling daily were so enjoyable. PATIENT SUCCESS STORY
“I was able to take walks on the beach and go up and down stairs in the house where we stayed without pain or discomfort. I feel I have received an amazing gift — no pain, and my energy and balance are restored. “North County Water and Sports Therapy Center is a wonderful, professional group of dedicated therapists, giving each client the tools and encouragement to recover from whatever problems they might have.”
“I have had a guiding angel over the past year and a half at North County Water and Sports Therapy Center.
“Having lower back and right hip problems caused pain and limited my activities, and major balancing problems limited my ability to go for walks and use stairs, causing me to feel tired and lose my energy. “Ryann Cacciotti took me on as a client. Working with her weekly, she gave me the tools to improve my physical well-being, which certainly helped my mental well-being. Over time, I became pain-free and had improved energy.
“With two new knee replacements this spring — one in March and the other in May — Ryann had me in front of the curve to have a wonderful recovery.
–Arline Whited
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