Archive for February, 2007

Japanese Green Tea

Wednesday, February 28th, 2007

Not only does green tea have several benefits that you can drink up, but there are also varieties that are available to quench your thirst. One of the combinations of green tea that is available is Japanese green tea. If you are considering a variation of teas, this will definitely be one to put on your grocery list for health.

Japanese green tea is also known as Ocha. It became a popular beverage in Japan about 1,200 years ago, mostly known for the health benefits that it offered. It became so popular so quickly, that is was soon a regular custom after every meal to drink the Japanese green tea. From the basics of this type of tea, there was an expansion into variations that the tea offered.

The major difference between the teas of this culture to others is that it contains very little caffeine. This is mostly because of the ability for a different variety of tea leaves to come from the area. Because of this, several prefer this type of green tea to others that are available in the market. Another difference with this green tea is that it is processed differently than other types of teas. After the green tea leaves are grown, they will all be steamed first, then dried and rolled. From here, they will be blended into a mixture to make the tea.

There are three major types of teas that will be used with this process, all which will create a various flavor. The first known leaf is the Gyokuro. This green tea leaf will produce a sweeter flavor than other green teas, and is the dominant type of leaf used in most green teas. Maccha is the second type of green tea, and differs from the other because it is processed into a powder. Maccha will be used more for tea ceremonies than for regular drinking because of the process it goes through. The third major type of green tea is Houjicha. This tea differs from the others because the leaves are roasted instead of steamed, allowing for a different type of taste.

If you want to experience the varieties a culture can produce, then looking into the Japanese green tea and the different processes that create flavor is a place to begin. This will give you a different and enriching tea experience, which can help your taste buds to find the best tea fit for you.

Julie Health writes about the benefits of green tea products at her website.

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Two Billion Affected By All Brain-Related Illness

Wednesday, February 28th, 2007

NIO-Logo.jpgNIO sent out this press release in response to the WHO Report on Neurological Disorders in order to shed light on entire scope of the problem we face.

Neurotechnology Industry Organization: WHO Report Underscores, Underestimates Impact of Brain-Related Illness

Group calls on industry, political, investment leaders to address growing problem

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – February 27, 2007 – NIO, the Neurotechnology Industry Organization, today announced that a new World Health Organization (WHO) report which estimates that one billion people worldwide suffer from neurological disorders is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to measuring the global impact of brain-related illness. According to NIO, when psychiatric illnesses including addiction, attention disorders, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and sleep disorders are incorporated, the number of people affected by brain disorders reaches nearly two billion, almost 100 million in the U.S. alone. The group estimates the global economic burden at $1 trillion per year.

“We applaud the WHO’s efforts to shed light on the very real and serious problem of worldwide neurological disorders,” said NIO Executive Director Zack Lynch. “Despite the large and growing unmet markets, massive economic cost, and untold human suffering, there are few effective treatments that delay, prevent and cure chronic neurological and psychiatric diseases.”

According to NIO the 500 companies worldwide focused on diseases of the brain, face fundamentally different investment requirements, research and development challenges, and regulatory milestones than other life science organizations. Despite significant hurdles, the industry is working to accelerate the development of new treatments by leveraging converging technological breakthroughs across biotechnology, information technology, nanotechnology and neuroscience.

“As the global population ages, the burden of brain-related illness will continue to grow,” said Lynch. “The WHO report recommends a number of personal and political actions to help address this burden. NIO also calls upon the diverse neurotechnology companies across the medical device, diagnostic and drug development spectrum, as well as research institutions and advocacy organizations to work together and with legislators and regulators to accelerate investment, improve the clinical development process, and deliver effective treatments to individuals suffering worldwide.”

Download NIO release - Download file

One Billion Affected by Neurological Disorders Says WHO

Tuesday, February 27th, 2007

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A report released today from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that neurological disorders, ranging from epilepsy to Alzheimer disease, from stroke to headache, affect up to one billion people worldwide. Neurological disorders also include brain injuries, neuroinfections, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson disease. The report, Neurological disorders: Public health challenges, reveals that of the one billion people affected worldwide, 50 million suffer from epilepsy and 24 million from Alzheimer and other dementias. Neurological disorders affect people in all countries, irrespective of age, sex, education or income. The report recommends a series of simple but effective actions. It argues for greater commitment from decision makers, increased social and professional awareness, strategies that address stigma and discrimination, national capacity building and international collaboration.

NOTE: This report specifically excludes psychiatric illnesses (follow link: What are neurological disorders) which would boost this number by another billion. This means that brain-related illnesses impact nearly 2 Billion people worldwide. Based on this new data I estimate that the global economic burden of brain illnesses now exceeds $2 Trillion a year.

Building New Businesses to Feed Your Brain Forum Tonight

Thursday, February 22nd, 2007

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Whether you are young or old you have an interest in keeping your mind sharp and healthy, and in fixing any problems that might arise in the next years of your life. Now, advances in neuroscience are paving the way for a revolution in health care for your brain. Come see how an exciting crop of new companies are creating drugs, devices and therapies to help ensure your brain’s future health.

The Lester Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at UC Berkeley is hosting an Entrepreneurs Forum on "Neuroscience Startups: Building New Businesses to Feed Your Brain" tonight. Join Dave Summa, CEO of Acumen Pharmaceuticals, Jeff Zimman, CEO of Posit Science, John Dobak, serial neurotech entrepreneur, moderator Jim Glasheen, General Partner at Technology Partners and me as we discuss the future of the neurotech industry. Event is from 6:30-8:30.

Get Out of the Heat and Into Iced Green Tea

Thursday, February 22nd, 2007

It is the middle of July. You are enjoying the rays while you lay out on the beach. Your vacation is for a short time, but you know to take advantage of what the outdoors have to offer. There is only one problem. You know that you want to stay healthy while you are outdoors. That means you can’t drink soda pop, and you are really tired of the cold water and energy drinks. What you are really craving is green tea. The problem is that it is as hot as the summer sun.

Think again! There are several ways to drink the tea that you love, including the form of iced green tea. If you are out in the heat, why not bring the tea with you. The easiest way to do this, of course, is to find the various companies that have green tea in a cold form. It is as effective as the warm tea that you are used to drinking, while still adding in the flavors that are beneficial to you.

Of course, you can always take an alternative route and make your own iced green tea. The first thing to do is to find a glass container that will hold in the tea and is heat resistant. You will add a pitcher full of warm water into the glass. The water should not be as cold as room temperature but does not need to be boiling either.

After this, you can add green tea bags into the water. You will want to mix the flavor into the water by moving the bags back and forth in the water. This will help the flavor as well as the extracts to move into the hot water, giving you everything you need for the perfect cup of green tea. If you want, you can use green tea leaves and do the same thing.

After you take the tea out, simply put the container in the refrigerator. You should keep this in the chilled area for at least an hour, just to make sure it fits the summer sun. After this, you have created magic! Iced green tea is at its best flavor and with the substances that you need in order to stay at your best health.

Whether you like your tea hot or cold, you can find the perfect combination to add onto your perfect day. Iced green tea is easy to find, as well as easy to make. By knowing the combinations, you can be certain to quench your thirst with an alternative method. This will help you enjoy your time in the sun, and allow you to internally benefit from the cold.