Matcha

Very interesting. What do you guys think? This info was found at http://www.matchasource.com/matcha-tea-for-weight-loss-s/77.htm
Health Benefits of Matcha

The health benefits of matcha tea exceed those of green tea because when you drink matcha you ingest the whole leaf, not just the brewed water.

One glass of matcha is the equivalent of 10 glasses of green tea in terms of its nutritional value and antioxidant content.

For maximum nutritional benefit, matcha tea is unparalleled.

Matcha Health: Metabolism and Fat Oxidation

There are two ways to lose weight -- either reduce energy intake, or increase energy expenditure.

A study featured in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition claims that matcha green tea produces a significant increase in energy expenditure (a measure of metabolism) in individuals, combined with a significant effect on fat oxidation. While some of the effects were originally attributed to the caffeine content of green tea, the researchers discovered that matcha green tea effect on energy and weight loss go beyond those that would be caused by the caffeine.

In fact, they found that consuming matcha green tea can increase thermogenesis (the body's own rate of burning calories) from a normal 8%-10% of daily energy expenditure, to between 35% and 43% of daily energy expediture.

Consuming matcha green tea can increase thermogenesis (the body's own rate of burning calories) from a normal 8%-10% of daily energy expenditure, to between 35% and 43% of daily energy expediture.

Of critical importance is the fact that none of the research subjects reported any side effects, and no significant differences in heart rates were noticed.

In this respect, matcha green tea is different from some of the prescription drugs for obesity, and herbal products like ephedra, which can raise heart rates and blood pressure, and are not recommended for many individuals.

Matcha Tea – A Nutritious Beverage

• Rich in Antioxidants and Chlorophyll
• Contains Catechins Only Found in Green Tea
  
• Naturally Mood Enhancing
  
• Zero on the Glycemic Index - will not raise insulin levels
• Sugar-free, High in Fiber

Matcha Tea – For Antioxidant Protection
Exponentially Higher in Antioxidants than Blueberries and Spinach

Green teas contain a high amount of antioxidants, chemically compounds known to forestall aging. Antioxidants are found in many fruits and vegetables – even chocolate. A testing method known as ORAC – short for oxygen radical absorbance capacity, evaluates the antioxidant levels found in food. According to research done by Tufts University, the ORAC capacity of matcha green tea is exponentially higher than other foods known for their high antioxidants levels such as blueberries and spinach.

The ORAC rating of matcha is 1300 units/g, compared to 105 units/g for pomegranates and 91 units/g for wild blueberries.

Read more about antioxidant protection in matcha tea.

Matcha Tea - For Renown Cancer Fighting Catechin EGCg
Renown Cancer Fighting Catechins are Only Found In Green Tea

Not all antioxidants are created equal. Antioxidants are found in many foods including fruits and vegetables. There are many types of antioxidants, however, the class known as catechins are only found in green tea, and these maybe the most potent of all. And of the catechins, EGCg (epicgallocatechin gallate) is the catechin with broadest and most potent cancer-fighting properties. Sixty percent of the catechin content of matcha tea is EGCg.

One gram of matcha contains 105 mg of total catechin content, or roughly 61% EGCg.

Read more about cancer-fighting EGCg.

Matcha Tea – For Cleansing the Body of Toxins
Rich in Chlorophyll, A Renowned Detoxifying Agent

Chlorophyll, the pigment which gives leaves their green color, helps to remove heavy metals and chemical toxins from the body. Because matcha powdered tea is fully ingested when consumed, unlike tea leaves which are infused then discarded, and because matcha is shade grown, a process which increases the chlorophyll content in the leaves, matcha tea is a chlorophyll rich food.

Read more about detox powers of matcha tea.

Matcha Tea – For Naturally Mood Enhancing Amino Acids
Theanine Improves Mood and Concentration

Matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid known to relax the mind. For this reason, matcha is also known as a mood enhancer. Buddhist monks drank matcha to assist in meditation, as matcha’s amino acids, combined with caffeine, offer a sustained calm alertness over time. Amino acids are also what gives matcha is distinctive taste. They contribute to what is known as the fifth taste, or umami, characterized by a rich creamy mouth feel. Kama matcha, our ceremony grade tea, made from the youngest, tenderest leaves, contains the highest levels of amino acids. The delicate flavor profiles of Kama Matcha and Morning Matcha are best observed when prepared in the traditional style, with a bamboo whisk and whisked in a matcha bowl.

Read more about mood enhancing amino acids in matcha tea.

Matcha Tea – Suited for Meditative Practice
Create Your Own Ceremony and Relieve Stress

The Japanese Tea Ceremony known as Chanoyu is a highly ritualized practice of drinking matcha tea. The Zen monks were the first to introduce matcha to Japan, and their influence is seen throughout the ceremony. Most notably is the emphasis on a calm mind, serene settings and awareness of nature. Drinking tea alone will not convert you a Zen monk, but adding a tea ritual to your day, however you choose to create it, will increase the possibilities for calm and serene experiences in your life. For inspiration we recommend the Tea Ceremony by Sen’o Tanaka with detailed descriptions of Chanoyu rituals, artifacts and philosophy.

Still Have Questions?
Ask Us Your Matcha Health Questions

Email us your health related questions at info@matchasource.com. Remember we're not scientists - but we do want to know what's important to you and will make every effort to connect you with accurate information.

DISCLAIMER. Green tea, famous for its health benefits, is the frequent subject of many articles in the press and media. We are not recommending green tea as a cure or remedy for any health ailments. Please consult your physician for any medical problems you may be experiencing. We seek to source current and accurate information for your general knowledge. If you know of any additional informative resources, please contact us at info@matchasource.com.

Wheat Germ

found this info on:  http://www.wheatgermbenefits.com/why-is-wheat-germ-healthy/

I will post an Eatmore bar recipe with wheat germ in it.
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Let me try and explain why wheat germ is regarded as healthy for you and I:

Our bodies require a certain amount of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients each day to remain healthy and to grow. The vast majority of these vitamins etc. can be found in the food we eat, day in, day out, especially if we maintain a healthy balanced diet.

However there are various circumstances, whether it is a medical condition or the lifestyle we lead, where it is very difficult or impossible to consume the variety of nutrients we need.

Wheat germ is an excellent natural food source because it contains so many of these important nutrients. Consuming just a small amount of wheat germ can make up for the lack of nutrients that are normally contained in a healthy diet.

Here is a list of the nutrients that wheat germ contains:

* B vitamins such as folate, niacin, thiamin, and vitamin B6
* Calcium
* Complex carbs
* Fiber
* Iron
* Magnesium
* Manganese
* Omega-3 fatty acids
* Phosphorous
* Potassium
* Protein
* Selenium
* Vitamin E
* Zinc

If you want to examine the individual properties of the nutrients above in more detail, you can easily look them up on the internet. However, I’m sure you are already aware of how important many of these are.

The properties that wheat germ contains can help reduce cholesterol and lower blood pressure. These two factors alone should be enough for the case for why wheat germ is healthy as everyone should be concerned about their cholesterol levels and of course their blood pressure.

Bee Pollen

If there was a food that helped with
Infertility Problems
Treating Allergies
Increasing Physical Activity
Weight Control
Health and Beauty
Longevity and the Aging Process
AND MANY MORE....
Wouldn't you want to make sure it was in your diet? Well there is BEE POLLEN!! It is referred to as Natures most complete food! It has so many nutrients in it you could live off of it and be perfectly nourished! Just add it to your oatmeal in the morning and you can enjoy all the benefits. I think that it comes in a pill form also. Anyways read up on it!! Pretty exciting!!

Health Benefits of Oats

http://www.elements4health.com


Brief History of Oats
The ancient Romans regarded oats as a weed fit only for horses and Barbarians. Scottish settlers introduced oats to the US in the 1600′s, and today Russia is the largest producer of oats. A mere 5% of the oats grown worldwide is used for human consumption, and is most commonly used as feed for horses.

Nutrients in OatsOats are a good source of magnesium, selenium, manganese and phosphorous. Oats are also a good source of vitamin B1 and dietary fiber. The protein in oats is almost equivalent to the quality of soy protein, and combined with the dietary fiber, makes it the ideal food to start the day with.

The more processed the oats are, the less nutritious. Different stages of processing oats:

• Oat groats. This is the whole oat grain, with only the outer hull removed. Oat groats are extremely nutritious, but they need to be soaked and cooked a long time. Oat groats are usually processed into one of the other forms below.
• Steel-cut oats. Produced by running groats through steel cutters, chopping the groats into smaller pieces and creating a chewy texture. Steel-cut oats still contain the whole grain and oat bran, and are also very nutritious.
• Rolled oats or old-fashioned oats. Steaming groats and then flattening them with a roller make rolled oats.
• Quick-cooking oats. Steaming and flattening steel-cut oats make quick-cooking oats.
• Instant oatmeal. Produced by rolling more thinly and steaming longer or partially cooking the oats. Instant oatmeal will also have salt, sugar, and in some cases artificial sweeteners added to it.

NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Oats	Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy	1,628 kJ (389 kcal)
* Carbohydrates	66 g
Dietary fiber	11 g
* Fat	7 g
* Protein	17 g
Pantothenic acid (B5)	1.3 mg
* Folate (Vit. B9)	56 ?g
* Iron	5 mg
* Magnesium	177 mg
A comprehensive breakdown of nutrients can be found in the Nutrition Database where this food can also be added to a meal planner.

Oats for Cholesterol Reduction

Over recent years it has been demonstrated that consumption of rolled oats (in amounts of about 125-150 g per day), or oat bran in smaller amounts, will lower blood cholesterol levels, especially in people who have high initial levels.

Oats has become popular as healthy food due to its dietary fiber being high in beta-glucan, which helps to lower cholesterol. In individuals with high cholesterol levels, consumption of the equivalent of 3gr of soluble oat fiber per day lowers cholesterol by 8 – 23 percent.

Foods high in soluble gums and pectins appear to lower the amount of cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), the particles that carry cholesterol into your arteries, in your blood, a task beta-glucans performs more effectively than any other soluble fiber. There are currently two theories to explain how soluble fibers work. The first is that the pectins in the oats may form a gel in your stomach that sops up fats keep them from being absorbed by your body. The second is that bacteria in the gut may feed on the fiber in the oats and produce short chain fatty acids that inhibit the production of cholesterol in your liver.

Oats for Diabetes

Cereal grains are digested very slowly, producing only a gradual rise in the level of sugar in the blood. As a result, the body needs less insulin to control blood sugar after eating plain, unadorned cereal grains than after eating some other high-carbohydrate foods such as bread or potato. In studies at the University of Kentucky, a whole-grain, bean, vegetable, and fruit-rich diet developed at the University of Toronto and recommended by the American Diabetes Association enabled patients with type 1 diabetes (who do not produce any insulin themselves), to cut their daily insulin intake by 38 percent.

A study of adults with type 2 diabetes who consumed foods high in oat fiber, experienced a much lower rise in blood sugar than other participants who ate rice or bread. The beta-glucan in oats increases the viscosity of the contents of the stomach, thereby slowing down digestion and prolonging the absorption of carbohydrates into the bloodstream.

Oats for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

A reduction in serum cholesterol levels decreases the risk of developing heart disease.

A 1990 study at the University of Kentucky showed that adding 1/2 cup oat bran (measured when dry) to your daily diet can reduce levels of LDLs by as much as 25 percent. A second study, with 220 healthy people, at the Medical School of Northwestern University, showed that people with cholesterol levels of 200 mg/dL could reduce total cholesterol an average 9.3 percent by following a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet supplemented by two ounces of oats or oat bran. The oats were given credit for about one-third of the drop in cholesterol levels; the rest went to the low-fat, low-cholesterol diet.

In the USA the Food and Drug Administration have allowed a health claim to this effect; a sample claim would be: Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 3g of soluble fiber from whole oats per day may reduce the risk of heart disease. In 2004 the JHCI in the UK allowed a similar claim: The inclusion of oats as part of a diet low in saturated fat and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce blood cholesterol.

A study at Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, supported previous reports that a diet rich in whole grains such as oats is beneficial in the prevention of heart disease.

Oats for Weight Loss

In another study at Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, it was determined that consumption of whole grains may contribute to favorable metabolic alterations that may reduce long-term weight gain.

Oats for Atherosclerosis Prevention

Avenanthramides are phenolic antioxidants, which are present in oats, and have the potential to reduce plaque build in the artery walls, and may contribute to the prevention of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

Adverse Reactions from Oats

Oats contain small amounts of gliadin. Celiac disease is an intestinal allergic disorder whose victims are sensitive to gluten and gliadin, proteins in wheat and rye. People with celiac disease cannot digest the nutrients in these grains.

References:
1. The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, Joseph Pizzorno, and Lara Pizzorno.
2. Benders’ Dictionary of Nutrition and Food Technology.
3. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference.
4. Jensen MK, Koh-Banerjee P, Hu FB, Franz M, Sampson L, Gr�nbaek M, Rimm EB. Intakes of whole grains, bran, and germ and the risk of coronary heart disease in men. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Dec;80(6):1492-9. PMID: 15585760.
5. Koh-Banerjee P, Franz M, Sampson L, Liu S, Jacobs DR Jr, Spiegelman D, Willett W, Rimm E. Changes in whole-grain, bran, and cereal fiber consumption in relation to 8-y weight gain among men. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Nov;80(5):1237-45. PMID: 15531671.
6. Liu L, Zubik L, Collins FW, Marko M, Meydani M. The antiatherogenic potential of oat phenolic compounds. Atherosclerosis. 2004 Jul;175(1):39-49. PMID: 15186945.
7. Nie L, Wise ML, Peterson DM, Meydani M. Avenanthramide, a polyphenol from oats, inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and enhances nitric oxide production. Atherosclerosis. 2006 Jun;186(2):260-6. PMID: 16139284.
8. P. A. Judd, J. G. Vaughan. The Oxford Book of Health Foods.
9. Carol Ann Rinzler. The New Complete Book of Food – A Nutritional, Medical, and Culinary Guide

Goodness of Blueberries!

http://www.womenfitness.net

Top 10 health benefits of Blueberries

A new University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center study suggests that blueberries may help reduce belly fat and risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.

Blueberries are the fruits of a shrub that belong to the heath family, which includes the cranberry and bilberry as well as the azalea, mountain laurel and rhododendron. Blueberries grow in clusters and range in size from that of a small pea to a marble. They are deep in color, ranging from blue to maroon to purple-black, and feature a white-gray waxy "bloom" that covers the surface serving as a protective coat. The skin surrounds a semi-transparent flesh that encases tiny seeds.

According to a study presented at the 2009 Experimental Biology conference, a diet rich in blueberries lowers blood cholesterol levels while improving glucose control and insulin sensitivity, lowering the risk of subsequent heart disease and diabetes.

Not only are blueberries yummy, they have some fantastic health benefits which include:

 

The highest antioxidant capacity of all fresh fruit: Blue Berries, being very rich in anti oxidantslike Anthocyanin, vitamin C, B complex, vitamin E,vitamin A, copper (a very effective immune builder and anti-bacterial), selenium, zinc, iron (promotes immunity by raising haemoglobin and oxygen concentration in blood) etc. boost up your immune system and prevent infections. Once your immunity is strong, you won’t catch colds, fever, pox and all such nasty viral and bacterial communicable diseases.

 

Neutralizes free radicals which can affect disease and aging in the body: Blue Berries bring you the brightest ray of hope, for they are laden with anti oxidants and rank number 1 in the world of anti oxidants. This is mainly due to presence of Anthocyanin, a pigment responsible for the blue color of the blue berries. The abundance of vitamin-C is also a big factor for this as well.

 

Aid in reducing Belly Fat: A new University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center study suggests that blueberries may help reduce belly fat and risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. So far, we know that the fruit works on rats, which were the test subjects. A blueberry-enriched powder was mixed into the rats' diet, which was either low-fat or high-fat rat chow. After 90 days, the rats with the blueberry-enriched diet had less abdominal fat, lower triglycerides, lower cholesterol and improved fasting glucose and insulin sensitivity. And their health was even better when combined with the low-fat diet. That group had lower body weight, lower total fat mass and reduced liver mass than the rats on the high-fat diet. An enlarged liver is linked to obesity and insulin resistance, a hallmark of diabetes. Although more research is needed to confirm these results in humans, a related study presented at the same conference showed that men with risk factors for heart disease who drank wild blueberry juice for three weeks seemed to experience slight improvements in glucose and insulin control.

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Helps promote urinary tract health: The building of colonies of certain bacteria like b-coli along the lining of the inner walls of urinary tract is responsible for this infection, resulting in inflammation, burning sensation during in passage of urine and other complications. Here, Blue Berries can be surprisingly beneficial. It has a compound formed of big polymer like heavy molecules which inhibits the growth of such bacteria. It also has some anti biotic properties which adds to this effect. These heavy and big molecules almost wash-off these bacteria along the tract, thereby preventing the infection.

 

Been proved to preserve vision: Blueberry extract, high in compounds called anthocyanosides, has been found in clinical studies to slow down visual loss. They can prevent or delay all age related ocular problems like macular degeneration, cataract, myopia and hypermetropia, dryness and infections, particularly those pertaining to retina, due to their anti-oxidant properties. Blue Berries contain a special group of anti oxidants called Carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin etc.), Flavonoids (like rutin, resveritrol, quercetin etc.), in addition to others such as vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin A, selenium, zinc andphosphorus, which are very beneficial and essential for the ocular health. Data reported in a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology indicates that eating 3 or more servings of fruit per day may lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults, by 36%, compared to persons who consume less than 1.5 servings of fruit daily.

 

Brain Health: The anthocyanin, the selenium, the vitamins A, B-complex, C and E, the zinc, sodium, potassium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese etc., among others, can prevent and heal neurotic disorders by preventing degeneration and death of neurons, brain-cells and also by restoring health of the central nervous system. It is hard to believe that these berries can also cure serious problems like Alzheimer’s disease to a great extent. They even heal damaged brain cells and neuron tissues and keep your memory sharp for a long-long time. Researchers found that diets rich in blueberries significantly improved both the learning capacity and motor skills of aging animals, making them mentally equivalent to much younger ones.

 

Heart Disease: The high fiber content, those brilliant anti oxidants and the ability to dissolve the ‘bad cholesterol’ make the Blue Berry an ideal dietarysupplement to cure many heart diseases. It also strengthens the cardiac muscles. In this study, published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, researchers found that a moderate drink (about 4 ounces) of white wine contained .47 mmol of free radical absorbing antioxidants, red wine provided 2.04 mmol, and a wine made from highbush blueberries delivered 2.42 mmol of these protective plant compounds.
 

 

Constipation & Digestion: While roughage (fiber) in Blue Berries keep away constipation (Of course, a single piece alone will not do. You need to eat a big handful of them), the vitamins, sodium, copper, fructose and acids improve digestion.

 

Cancer: Blue Berries can prove to be bliss for the cancer patients, for they contain certain compounds like Pterostilbene (excellent remedy for colon and livercancer) and Ellagic Acid which, in harmony with Anthocyanin and other anti oxidants like vitamin-C and copper, can do miracles to prevent and cure cancer. Laboratory studies published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry show that phenolic compounds in blueberries can inhibit colon cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death). A significant 34% reduction in ovarian cancer risk was also seen in women with the highest intake of the flavone luteolin (found in citrus).

 

Other benefits & facts: They keep you fresh, active, fit, sharp, close to nature and in a good mood, as they are very good anti depressants. You also need not spend a lot on medicines, neither are there any side effects. Remember, the deeper the color of the Blue Berries, the more they are rich in anti oxidants and other medicinal values.

 

 

 

How to Choose?

Choose blueberries that are firm and have a lively, uniform hue colored with a whitish bloom. Shake the container, noticing whether the berries have the tendency to move freely; if they do not, this may indicate that they are soft and damaged or moldy. Avoid berries that appear dull in color or are soft and watery in texture. They should be free from moisture since the presence of water will cause the berries to decay. When purchasing frozen berries, shake the bag gently to ensure that the berries move freely and are not clumped together, which may suggest that they have been thawed and refrozen.