Green Matcha Tea

Did you know that Matcha Green Tea is the tea that is used in the Japanese Tea Ceremony?

The leaves are normally ground down into a fine powder for the actual tea making, but it is also regularly used in today's food industry as flavoring or coloring.

If you want a top quality Matcha Green Tea look out for a named tea. The best Matcha Green Teas are called by "tea names" or "chamei" as they are called in Japan. A tea can only be named like this if it blended by a master blender of a certain tradition from the tea ceremony lineage. However, these "named" teas are certain to be of high quality and the best flavors!

It's been well documented that green tea is good for you and that is widely accepted now. But, what makes Matcha so different? The answer is that it is now thought to be one of the most powerful anti-oxidants available. Anti-oxidants are vital to your health as they eliminate "free radicals" from your body (and do it very effectively). It is these free radicals (so prevalent due to our polluted environment) that cause premature aging and cellular damage which elads to all sorts of nasty disease.

And the prime reason Matcha is so widely sought after is that is now thought to be ten times more effective as an anti-oxidant than it's nearest rivals (blueberries and spinach). A method called ORAC (a measure of oxygen absorbency and the consequent effectiveness of anti-oxidants) gave Matcha a rating of 1,300. Blueberries came in at 91 and pomegranate at 115, and these were previously supposed to be our most potent anti-oxidants. So now you can begin to see why it is thought that Matcha is so powerful.

That is a powerful endorsement of the anti-oxidant and therefore health giving properties of Matcha Green Tea.

There is another benefit with this great tea as well. It also has a very high nutritional value, so double benefits for your health! But...you should know why you need anti-oxidants in your diet.

For men, it is well known that pomegranates and blueberries promote good sexual health in terms of not only sexual stamina but also semen production.

And for the gentler sex, anti-oxidants are now accepted to play a vital role in helping maintain a youthful look and general vitality. But...Matcha also has another trick up it's sleeve. It also has incredibly high levels of chlorophyll. If you remember back to your school biology, this is what allows plants to process light into food and it is also what gives Matcha it's beautiful green color.

The most potent anti-oxidants are called catechins...and these are only found in green tea! Not all anti-oxidants have the same level of effect on the human body. With catechins being so strong it is generally believed that they have the most potent anti-cancer properties of all anti-oxidants. Of all catechins epicgallocatechin gallate (ECGc) is the most effective, and 60% of all catechins in Matcha Green Tea are ECGcs.

This is why Matcha Green Tea is such an important find!

Matcha Green Tea has one final health trick to offer, an amino acid called L-theanine. It's first use can be traced back to Buddist Monks who apparently used the Green Tea to help promote the calmness needed for deep meditation. More recently clinical style studies have showed that the amino acid combined with the small amount of caffeine can promote an alert calmness that can be maintained for a lengthy period of time. It is also thought the amino acid helps give Matcha it's creamy taste and rich feel in the mouth.

To conclude Matcha Green Tea is without doubt a very powerful anti-oxidant. It can therefore have a similarly powerful effect in detox and maintenance of a healthy body. It does this by not only free radical elimination and general body detox as well.

Regular use will definitely benefit your health as well as help protect you against many modern ailments. I can't recommend this amazing natural tea highly enough. Include in your diet on a daily basis and I've no doubt you will look and feel better! Enjoy. 

By: lee brooker

Proper Sushi Etiquette For All Situations

I personally believe that we have a responsibility when we enjoy foods of other cultures or in other countries that we take the time to observe the traditional rules and etiquette that should be observed andassociated with that cuisine. It's a serious affront to that culture if we are willing to eat their food but not observe the correct.

Japanese culture is very much based on tradition and ritualistic rules that extend to nearly every aspect of day-to-day life, including food consumption, and especially sushi. If we are to properly enjoy Japanese sushi, it's very important to follow the appropriate rules associated with sushi consumption. This is an easy cheat-sheet list of things to remember when you have to eat sushi in a traditional or nice sushi restaurant.

When Ordering

The itamae (sushi chef) should only be asked for sushi or sashimi. Drinks or sides should be ordered from the waitress. It's highly insulting to ask the specialized sushi chef for anything besides fish.

Never ask the sushi chef "is it fresh?" All fish in a good sushi bar should be fresh and to suggest that any of it is otherwise is insulting. Instead, ask for his recommendation or suggestion.

It is impolite to leave food behind on your plate, so take care to order within your hunger level and personal tastes. If you don't think you'll be able to finish something, don't order it.

It's ok to ask for an item you don't see on the menu, because there may be seasonal items or special items not listed on the menu. The itamae will be happy to prepare it for you if he has it.

When Eating

It's an insult to the establishment to place your wasabi directly into your soy sauce. In Japan, soy sauces are like fine wines, with rare sauces and special ingredients. Mixing them together is seen to be an insult to the soy sauce, as well as an insult to the itamae, who will prepare the sushi with what he feels is the proper fish-wasabi balance.

Nigirizushi (the strip of fish over rice) and makizushi (the rolls) can be eaten with your hands or with chopsticks and should be eaten in one bite. Sashimi (the strips of raw fish) should only be eaten with chopsticks.

When not in use, chopsticks should be placed in the chopstick holder or on the dish, parallel to you.

If you feel inclined to try food from someone else's plate, you should pick up the food with the side of the chopsticks that your hands have been on (i.e. haven't touched your mouth).

Never pass food to someone with your chopsticks (too similar to a certain Japanese funeral ceremony). Pass your plate.

Never stick your chopsticks into your rice and they them sticking up (again, too similar to a certain Japanese burial ceremony).

Offering a beer or sake to the itamae is considered polite, but not required. If you frequent the restaurant again, however, he's probably going to remember you.

If you are not given a spoon for your soup, you are expected to lift and drink out of it, using chopsticks to position food in your mouth. A little bit of slurping is actually ok.

Sake is to be consumed before or after the meal, but not during. Green tea is considered a good compliment to sushi during the meal.

When Leaving

If you sat at the bar, you need to tip the itamae and the waitress separately. The itamae will probably have a tip jar. If you are in Japan, you do not need to tip (included in the bill).

It's considered rather polite and proper to thank the itamae yourself if you were seated at the bar with 'domo arigato' (thank you) or 'gochisosama deshita' (thank you for the meal)

Just remember these rules the next time you're at a sushi bar, be it in the US, Europe, or Japan, and you should be ok. Just remember, if you're going to enjoy the cuisine, it's time to start observing the culture. Good luck and enjoy! 

By: DFishman

The Best Resveratrol Source And How To Take It

So I guess you’ve heard about this wonder nutrient and what it can do. But do you know how to find the best resveratrol source to get the maximum benefits?

We should all be thinking about how to include this in our health regime as the list is growing all the time about what it can do, including preventing heart disease, lowering cholesterol and even increasing our lifespan. So what makes the best resveratrol source?

I'm sure you have heard that it can be had from red wine, which is true, but you would need to drink heavily every day to get the real benefits! Other sources include blueberries, peanuts and the most potent from the Japanese Knotweed plant.

The Japanese have long used this as a healing tool, and it is only relatively recently here in the West we are discovering more about it.

To be effective, resveratrol needs to reach the bloodstream, and even after drinking a lot of red wine, only a small percentage gets through.
Experts now agree that the best method is via a health supplement,
preferably combined with other synergistic nutrients.

When these ingredients are put together they create synergy, which means you get the direct benefits of each nutrient and the benefits from their interaction with each other. A single resveratrol pill will only have limited health benefits.

For the best resveratrol effects, it should be combined with green tea extract and ginkgo biloba, among others, to enhance its antioxidant powers significantly.

You should also check that it is the 50% trans-type as this is the active form.

Perhaps the most important element is that of delivery. The supplement needs to have an enteric coating to be effective, and to make sure the nutrients aren't lost because of the stomach acid, but reaches the upper intestine where it will have the greatest benefit.

This is not the cheapest option, which is why the majority of supplements out there are without it, so check the label carefully.

If you follow this advice you will be helping to safeguard you future health, receiving a boost from the multitude of natural nutrients, and this is the best resveratrol source and combination possible.

If you would like to learn more about the synergistic supplements which I personally take, including resveratrol, why not visit my website.

By: Ric Hawkins

What Can I Expect While Dining At A Japanese Restaurant?

My mother was a bit paranoid when I was growing up, so when she heard stories on the news of hole-in-the-wall sushi joints shut down for health code violations, she was convinced that if I ever went out for dinner with my friends at a Japanese place, I would likely sicken and die.

So, due to parental restrictions, I did not sample sushi until my first year in college--but it was certainly love at first California roll. 

 Now Japanese cuisine ranks as a favorite of mine, but I can still see why some are daunted by the prospect of the sushi/Japanese food experience. That is why I would like to debrief you on what you can expect from the typical Japanese-themed restaurant.

Almost every Japanese restaurant will serve a wide variety of sushi either at a bar or at your table. The sushi menu does not need extensive explanation, at least as far as each roll goes, because most menus give you a brief explanation or you can always ask your server if you are unsure.

However, you should be aware that although many restaurants share the same names for certain rolls (e.g. Godzilla roll is a common name across the board), you cannot assume that they are exactly the same--except for the California roll, which is a great starter for someone who has never tried sushi. It consists of rice, avocado, crab meat, and cucumber, usually sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Sushi rolls are generally served with both ginger and wasabi, both of which are spicy. Ginger does for the palate what coffee beans do for the olfactory glands when you are smelling perfume samples. Plus, it just tastes good. Wasabi is a green, spicy cream that some people enjoy spread atop their sushi.

Sushi--and Japanese food in general--is meant to be eaten with chopsticks, which are provided for you. At middle-ranged restaurants, they are disposable, wooden pieces, but at upscale eateries, they are made of heavy plastic or even metal. If you need a fork, don't be afraid to ask your server for one, but in my opinion, working with chopsticks is a bit more fun.

While many Japanese diners focus solely on sushi, most of them offer several types of noodles, topped with meat, eggs, or vegetables (or all of the above). My favorite neighborhood restaurant doubles as a Korean barbeque. If you aren't sure of what you might like, browse the internet and take a look at menus to get a better idea.

Don't forget about dessert! Many Japanese-inspired restaurants will feature ice cream in flavors you aren't likely to find at your local grocery store. Honey, green tea, pear, and ginger are just a few that I can think of. Yum! I think it's time for dinner… 

By: Jordan Rocksmith

Where To Find Cute Gyaru Clothing In Japan

Gyaru's in Tokyo. They all know the the best place to shop and Tokyo is a great place to start. In fact it is very very big place, you may be surprised as most people do not even realize that Tokyo is actually a train station itself and exists on a very large ring train line that contains looks like a mini Tokyos.

The first place that comes to mind when shopping for clothes is Shibuya Tokyo, no doubt with boutique shops and the like sprinkled through the area which even extends to the neighborhood Harajuku.

 Shibuya is easily accessible by train, and the main Yamanote line circle serves as the main method of entry. Metro lines as well as, private lines also have stops in Shibuya. Once you get there come out directly through the Hachiko exit to get to the intersection of the main shopping district. The main shopping areas are concentrated in the Shibuya 109 building which is actually visible from the intersection.

Harajuku is one station away on the Yamanote. If you decide to walk, all you have to do is head towards Tower Records and continue that easterly direction. By fast walking it will only take you 15mins and is a good way to see more of Shibuya / Harajuku.

Most of the clothing stores are divided in Harajuku on two roads. The first is Takeshita Dori and the second is the world famous Omote - Sando. Takeshita Dori is more a crowd full of young people and is very popular with teenagers. Takeshita Dori is in fact a good choice for recycled / vintage stores tucked away in its maze of streets, so it pays to do a little exploration.

Those looking for something more international may want to walk down Omote - Sando to find a representation of more international brands such as H&M and Forever 21.

Sitting as a bonus, Yoyogi Park and Jingu Meiji is located right at the top of the Harajuku station on Yamanote line and on the weekend you will see all sorts of characters that live on a bridge dressed in maid, Emo or Goth Dress Up!

Shibuya and Harajuku represent the gyaru centres for fasion but if Osaka, Shinsaibashi and Amerika-Mura also comes highly recommended. 

By: Ryoma

Japanese Ikebana

The art of arranging flowers and beautifully cut stems and leaves aesthetically to represent a balanced relationship among the sky, the earth and mankind is what Japanese "ikebana" is all about.

Developed in the 16th century, this form of art has developed and evolved in Japan over a period of seven centuries during which time numerous flower arrangement styles have arisen. The most common of these styles are the rikka, the seika or shoku, nageire, moribana and jikuya. Initially an art form enjoyed by the wealthy aristocratic members of Japanese society, the beautiful flower arrangements were used to decorate the toko-no-ma — the alcove in rooms that were used to receive guests. 

The Rikka or "standing flowers" style was developed in the 15th century by the Buddhist priest Ikenobo Senkei who is also the founder of the oldest school of ikebana in Japan. Developed as a Buddhist expression of the beauty of nature, this style of arrangement had seven prominent branches representing the valleys, hills, waterfalls and other elements of nature prepared in a formalized manner.

The Seika or Shoku known as the "living flowers" style was developed in the 17th century by the growing merchant class. More simple than the rikka, this style of arrangement used only three main branches instead of seven. The three main branches represented heaven or ten, the earth or chi, and mankind or jin. This ikebana arrangement aimed to show the beauty of the plant as it represented the balance among the three main components of the cosmos.

The Nageire or " flung flowers" style is the oldest form of flower arrangement later used as part of the Japanese Tea Ceremony. The style is made up of three main parts with one dominant element and two supporting elements. These three main flower elements form the bases for the addition of other flowers to be added to give the entire arrangement a natural feel and a sense of life and beauty to the beholder. Once more, the sense of balance among the elements of heaven, earth and mankind is aimed for.

As Japan's contact with the west increased, a new form of ikebana arrangement also evolved in the 1800s. Known as the Moribana or "piled up flowers" style, this arrangement drew from the basic elements of the nageire but used a shallow wide vase instead of an upright one. The outstanding feature of the moribana is the expanse of natural-looking elements and the mound of beautiful flowers. Because it carries western influences, the moribana allows the use of western flowers.

As the art of ikebana developed and expanded to other parts of the world, a new style emerged known as the Jikuya or freestyle arrangement. Open to a greater degree of creativity, this style soon became the catchall of ikebana which allowed arrangements that used standards that did not fall within the earlier and more traditional styles of arrangement.

No matter what one's choice may be for arrangement style, ikebana (translated literally as "make flowers come alive") continues to thrive and attract attention not only in Japan but throughout the world. Far different from the complicated bouquet arrangements of Europe, the ikebana display continues to catch the eye of its beholder with its simplicity and natural beauty that gives one a sense of serenity and balance. 

By: Tom Takihi

Power Teas

Power Teas In eighth-century China, people began making healing drinks of “Leaves of a bush” as described much later by visiting Hollanders. Tea began as medicine, and we can enjoy using it that way today, as both a soothing beverage and a healing medicine.

Teas contain active, nourishing agents that can help heal and may actually help to prevent disease. Disease-fighting catechins are found in ordinary green, oolong or black teas. Even mild herbal teas like lemon balm or nettles are rich in nutrients such as bioflavonoids, carotenes, minerals, and vitamins. Mild, herbal teas are the safest form of enjoying herbs and can provide many benefits with no side effects. Herbalist and author Susan Weed describes nourishing herbal teas such as red clover, lemon balm, nettles, alfalfa, and chamomile as “nourishing foods, just as leafy greens, garlic, and carrots are.” 

The quality of the teas you brew will only be as good as the raw materials or packaged product you select. Christopher Hobbs, author and herbalist, reminds us to “choose products that contain organically grown herbs.” I usually recommend that people begin exploring herbal teas by purchasing organic packaged teas and following the brewing instruction with care. The teas I have recommended as Power Teas are gently nourishing. Herbs can be potent, and using some of them requires the help of an herbalist or other professional. None of those types of herbs is recommended here. Teas can be wonderful tools in improving our health. They can calm, soothe, revitalize, cleanse, and in some cases, even offer potent protection against breast and other cancers. This chapter includes my favorite teas that I rely on – my “power teas.”

Herbal Teas: Rich Sources of Vitamins and Minerals
Phytosterols in herbs balance hormones and are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. In fact, the vitamins and minerals in herbs are assimilated more efficiently than those from supplements.

Phytosterols are plant hormones that provide hormonal building blocks, allowing the body to produce both the amount and combination of hormones needed. It is nor necessary to know the exact amount to consume. Phytosterols also support the liver. Some of my favorite phytosterol rich herbs are red clover, dandelion, nettle, and sage.

Nettles. I am drinking a fortifying cup of nettles tea as I write this. It is pleasantly bitter, and very satisfying. Nettles is one of the most potent sources of calcium and other minerals, and is nourishing and cleansing. It contains silicon, boron, magnesium , and potassium, as well as chlorophyll, carotenes, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B comples, and flavonoids. Nettles is excellent for the adrenal and endocrine glands, and for relieving allergies.

Dandelion. This powerful tea is useful in protecting, cleansing, and regenerating the liver. I love dandelion root tea in the winter, and the lighter, leaf tea during the spring and summer. Modern research has confirmed that traditional use of dandelion is especially effective for preventing and treating breast and other cancers. Dandelion’s roots and leaves are rich in minerals for a liver cleanse, combine 1 part dandelion roots and leaves with 10 parts water. Simmer for 20 minutes, steep for 10, and drink 1 cup two to five times a day. Dandelion root concentrate can be added to a cup of hot water or tea to promote liver health.

Red clover. This tea is rich in anticancer genistein, especially protective for breast and other cancers. It also helps the lymphatic system cleanse the body and bloodstream of toxins.

Flor-essence. Available in health food stores, this tea contains re clover, burdock root, and other cleansing herbs.

Lemon balm. A relaxing, nighttime tea, lemon balm strengthens the liver, is a source of abundant antioxidants, and helps relives headaches.

Sage. Great for alleviating hot flashes, sage also helps depression, nervousness, mood swings, and headaches. It is excellent for women going through menopause. Women report that sage tea at night is effective at relieving night sweats. Make sage tea and drink throughout the day. Also helpful in strengthening the liver, sage is rich in minerals and antioxidants.

Chamomile. Known as a wonderfully relaxing herb, chamomile is also antibacterial, antiseptic, and has antinausea properties. It also has antinflammatory properties, so it may be beneficial for people suffering from arthritis or rheumatism. What I like best about chamomile is that it provides a calming energy in the day, so if I’am under stress, I can drink chamomile tea without becoming sleepy. At night, however, chamomile tea imparts that “ready for a good night’s sleep” feeling, especially when you drink a cup while in a lavender bath.

Peppermint. This tea has been used since Ancient Egyptian times as a digestive, and for good reason. It is extremely effective at relieving digestive problems ranging from indigestion to stomach cramps from mild food poisoning. Always have peppermint tea on hand in your own kitchen.

TIP: investigate Flora’s line of herbal teas for the highest quality herbs.

Green. When discussing breast health, green tea belongs in special category all by itself. I try to drink one cup of green tea each day because of the extensive research showing how this potent beverage stops the initiation and growth of breast cance. Green tea has been found to be the most protective against breast (and other) cancers, followed by oolong and then black tea. Green tea protects DNA from cell damage and helps to rebuild already damaged DNA. Having powerful anticancer properties, it inhibits tumor promotion and proliferation by reducing the adhesion ability of the tumor cell surface. Green tea is especially effective in preventing and treating esophageal, lung, stomach and skin cancers. It is rich in polyphenols and epigallorachin gallate (EGCG), chemical that can neutralize the free radical associated with cancer. Green tea is also a rich source of antioxidants, and can be measured in the blood us to eight hours after it is comsumed. The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy reported in August 1998 that researchers in London found green tea extracts may boost the activity of antibiotics against bacteria.

TIP:Green tea contains caffeine, so be carful not to drink to much of it during the day, or at all in the evening

Kukicha. This calcium-rich Japanese tea, which is very popular in macrobiotics, contains more calcium per cup than milk. Kukicha tea is made from the twigs of the plant, as opposed to the leaves. Because most of the caffeine in tea is found in the leaves. Kukicha (“twig tea”) is relatively low in caffeine. Be sure to purchase only organic Kukicha tea, because many pesticides are used in the farming of teas in Japan. And throughout the world.

Lotus root. Valued in Asian folk medicine as a tonic for the lungs, it can be helpful in cleansing the lungs when there are respiratory problems of any kind.

Ume extract. Unripe Japanese ume plums are pressed carefully to extract the juice, which is then cooked for about a day to concentrate it. Ume concentrate is salt-free and can absorb and neutralize several hundred times its weight in acid. It also possesses antioxidant properties. Ume extract is wonderful to have on hand for headaches, nausea, or constipation.

Ume was first produced on a commercial basis in Japan in the mid-1920s. At that time, the Japanese Army and Navy officially used it as in antiseptic to guard against food poisoning, dysentery, and other illnesses. Ume extract is effective for both constipation and diarrhea. It increases. Ume extract is effective for both constipation and diarrhea. It increases or decreases bacterial action when necessary to reestablish the proper balance and restore normal bowel movement. It has both the capacity to suppress breeding of bacteria in the small intestine that leads to diarrhea and to promore bacterial growh to aid bowel movements. Simply add ¼ teaspoon of ume plum extract to 1 full cap of tea (I recommend Kukicha tea.) Stir and drink. If you like sweet teas and are used to artificial sweeteners. Stevia contains no calories and is a much healthier choice. Be careful, because this dark green leaf from Paraguay is twenty-five times sweeter than sugar. Use only 1/8 teaspoon of stevia per cup or glass of tea. Amazingly, stevia can be used by people with hypoglycemia. If you use a chemical, calorie-free sweetener, make the switch to natural stevia. The Japanese have researched stevia’s safety and effectiveness, and have been using it since the 1970s

By: sudhir

Matcha Green Tea Powder

Matcha green tea powder- a fine and brightly colored Japanese green tea powder brought in from the finest and newest leaves of the earlier harvesting weeks. Matcha signifies " liquid froth jade."

The ethnical event maned as Japanese tea ceremony focuses on the serving, preparation, and toping of matcha. In new days, matcha has also got to be employed to dye and flavour food like mochi and green tea ice creams, soba noodles and a kind ofwagashi (Japanese sweetshop). Mixture of matcha are named poetically as chamei either by the farming plantation, store or the fuse, or by the delux chief of a specific tea convention When a mixture is called by the delux chief of some tea ceremonial occasion; it is called as favoured blend or master's konomi. Matcha is prepared from tea leaves that are shade-grown also used to draw gyokuro . The making of matcha starts many weeks prior to the harvest, while the tea bushes are closed to forbid direct sun. This reduces the growth, changes the leaves into darker shades of green and gets the yield of amino acids that make the obtaining tea tastier. The best tea buds alone are hand-picked.

Having hahrvested, if suppose the leaves are drifted out earlier drying as always, then gyokuro tea (jade dew)will be resulted. Anyways, the leaves if set out matted to dry, they would tumble slightly and are called as tencha . This can later be de-stemmed, de-veined,and ground stone to bright green, fine and talc-like powder called as matcha. It can goes up to an hour to crunch 30 g of matcha.

Zen Buddhism along with the Chinese way of making fine-grained tea were got to Japan around 1191 by the Eisai monk . Granulated tea was slowly left in China , but it persisted in Japan to be an significant token at Zen cloisters and turned highly prised by many in the higher forces of society during 14-6th hundreds. Along with this advancement, tea farming owners in Uji honed techniques for growing first-class tea for matcha. Storing matcha in refrigerators and in an light-tight, air-tight container serves good. Once unfolded, use within 4 weeks for high freshness and sweet taste.The taste of matcha is mastered by its aminoacids The peak degrees of matcha have deeper flavour and acute sweetness than the standard of tea harvested posterior in the class.

The famous matcha-producing areas areNishio in Aichi Shizuoka Uji in Kyoto and northern Kyushu The application of matcha in new drinks has also scatter to North American coffees whereas in Japan , it has got integrated into lattes , iced drinks, smoothies and milkshakes . A count of cafes have acquainted cood drinks and lattes using matcha tea powder. It had also been integrated into alcoholic potables such as cordials.

Matcha is commonly expensive related to other types of tea, though its price based on its quality. degrees of matcha are fixed by numerous factors. But are applied in greater extent as it has its own good qualities. 

By: stephenpreston