P.S. GREEN TEA & CITRUS

In doing some research today on green tea, I learned that adding lemon or orange juice to green tea appears to significantly increase the body’s ability to absorb the antioxidants in green tea:

http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2007/11/14/citrus-greentea.html

http://news.uns.purdue.edu/x/2007b/071113FerruzziTea.html

Nutrient absorption is critically important, because if the body can’t absorb a nutrient (or much of a nutrient), it can’t do you any good (or not that much good).

To my to my knowledge, the beneficial effect of citrus (and vitamin C itself) on the absorption of antioxidants in green tea has been shown in just the one study mentioned on the links above. More research to confirm — or not confirm — this effect is needed.

Meanwhile, it can’t hurt to add a little orange, lemon or grapefruit juice to your green tea! And if you prefer your tea “straight,” just have a small glass of orange or grapefruit juice – or an orange or grapefruit — with your meal.

And by the way, you don’t have to obsess about it…green tea without any citrus — in it or with it — is good for you. After all, green tea has more nutritional benefits than just antioxidants.

For more information on green tea – its anti-cancer properties and lots of practical information, see my earlier posts, Green Tea – Part I and Green Tea Part II.

Enjoy and be healthy!

Leni