We need stress in our lives. We don’t need an overabundance of it. Stress can kill. Many studies show how stress increases the risk of various diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases.
Stress causes cortisol to form in our bodies. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid. It is essential for life. Chronic stress strains the body and ages it. It can threaten your health, wellness, and longevity.
Stress damages our organs, especially our skin. It shows up clearly in our faces. How many people do you know who look much older than they are?
Fruit that Fights Cortisol
The lychee fruit fights oxidative stress, inflammation and lowers cortisol levels according to the March 2017 edition of Life Extension magazine. Most Americans have never heard of lychee. They wouldn’t recognize it in a store
Some teas contain lychee. Green tea increases the bioavailability of the lychee polyphenols. Lychee-green tea reduces the cortisol circulating in the bloodstream.
Human studies successfully showed significant reductions in cortisol compared to those in the survey taking placebos. Lychee-green tea tests showed marked decreases in IL-1beta (interleukin-1 beta) and IL-6 (interleukin-6). Both IL-1 beta and IL-6 increase inflammation in our bodies.
Shekher Mohan, Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Research at the School of Pharmacy, Marshall University says that interleukin-1beta is a common thread between inflammation, pain, and opioid tolerance.
IL-6 is a protein produced by our immune cells. When IL-6 levels are high, we typically see higher levels of inflammation, infection, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
All prescription drugs have side effects. Why not consider an option that reduces the levels of cortisol created by chronic stress and counters some inflammatory agents that increase
As always, do not automatically start taking a lychee-green tea if you are on any medications. Check with your physician first.