Tea and Health
Green tea contains the following nutrients beneficial for your health.
Various effects of important substances contained in green tea
Catechin | causes the astringency/bitterness of green tea. It has sterilizing power and regulates the intestinal action. Reduces the risks of food poisoning, cancer and other life-style related diseases. |
Amino Acid | gives mellowness of the tea. Theanine is an amino acid found only in the leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). It moderates the effects of caffeine and reduces mental and physical stress to produce feelings of relaxation. Highest grade teas contain more amounts of this amino acid. |
Caffeine | stimulates the central nervous system. It temporarily wards off fatigue and drowsines and restores alertness. Furthermore, it has a diuretic effect which leads to a constant elimination of toxic substances from the body. |
Vitamin C | prevents colds and is effective in clearing the skin. Green tea contains about three times as much vitamin C as spinach. Moreover, vitamin C found in tea can tolerate more heat. |
Vitamin A | moistens the skin and strengthens the respiratory and digestive systems. Tea contains ten times as much carotene (also called provitamin of vitamin A) found in carrots. |
Vitamin E | anti-aging |
Fluorine | also ingredient of toothpastes, prevents cavity. |
Minerals | regulates metabolism. |
The healthier the better!
Some of the health-beneficial nutrients found in tea leaves remain in the leaves after infusions as several of these substances are water insoluble.
The best way to enjoy the health benefits of green tea is to consume the used up leaves after the infusions, or to drink matcha.
Methods of reusing used up tea leaves
It is "mottainai" to throw away used up leaves after infusions, full of beneficial nutrients! Here are some methods to recycle leaves after infusions.
1. Green Tea Furikake (enjoy by sprinkling over rice)
Ingredients
Used up tea leaves, a dash of salt, sakura ebi (dried up shrimp), jako (tiny dried fish), tarako (fish eggs), sesame seeds, etc.
Instructions
1. Microwave the used up tea leaves to evaporate the water
2. Crush the dried up leaves (e.g. in a food processor)
3. Dry-roast the crushed leaves in a frying pan to bring out a pleasant aroma. Add salt and other ingredients depending on your taste.
Simple Recipe!
Other than cooking, use the tea leaves as fertilizer. We have received positive responses from our customers who try this recycling method.
2. Recycling Used up tea leaves
Other than cooking, use the tea leaves as fertilizer. We have received positive responses from our customers who try this recycling method.
Green tea, every day!
Tea is a healthy drink, abundant in nutrients.
However, do not merely consume it as a "health drink" but rather, enjoy its unique taste every day.
Green tea will not bring about significant changes in a single day, but as a daily miracle drink it maintains and regulates our health over time.
Green Tea Cafe "Maiko Tea Boutique"
Green Tea Cafe "Maiko Tea Boutique
"Relax with quality green tea.
Of course, our menu includes not only matcha and Gyokuro, but savory original desserts using Japanese green tea. Our Maiko Gallery also exhibits works by local artists. Feel free to drop in and take a moment to taste our delicious green tea.
Green Tea Cafe "Maiko Tea Boutique"
(Japanese Only)
