Boost your green tea

[Guest guest]

http://health./featured/27/the-trouble-with-green-tea/The Trouble with Green TeaDid you know that most of the free-radical fighters in green tea never make it to your bloodstream? But there's a solution. To get a better grasp on the healthy catechins in your green tea, flavor your cup with a squeeze of citrus juice. Green Tea BoosterCatechins

-- the antioxidants in green tea famous for lowering your risk of

chronic disease -- quickly lose their power in your intestine. In fact,

as much as 80% of the catechins in green tea are never absorbed. The

solution to boosting absorption, researchers recently found, is as

simple as flavoring your tea with freshly squeezed and strained lemon,

orange, lime, or grapefruit juice. Taking Tea with CThe

vitamin C in citrus may help with absorption by increasing the acidity

in your small intestine. Other unidentified substances in the juice

probably lend a hand, too. Researchers found a 50-50 mix had the

greatest catechin-preserving effect, and lemon did it best, closely

followed by orange, lime, and, in last place, grapefruit. It's Not All Bad NewsIf you do take steps to boost the power of your green tea, you may even get a few added benefits.It may help you lose weight. At least one study shows green tea can stimulate moderate weight loss.It may help keep your knees young and strong -- catechins fight inflammation and arthritis.It can help your skin look great if used in conjunction with an antioxidant cream. Dab it on.It can help you stay sharp -- try 2 cups a day to see benefits.