Brew awakening…

Not too long ago, I drove down Fairview Street here in Boise, Idaho and noticed a coffee shop called Brew Awakening. What a great name for a coffee shop!  Recently, I found this space empty.  I am sorry to see someone’s dream not being realized.   Even if you have the benefit of high traffic street, cars don’t always stop.  Fast morning commuters won’t notice you if moving traffic is over 35mph.  Perhaps the owner found a better location. 

Here I am trying to offer you some simple guidelines on a perfect brew cup of tea.  The way to a perfect cup of tea can be as deep as the history of tea.  The whole process of brewing tea reminds us to be mindful of what we are doing.  It keeps us being in the present moment and pay attention to the detail of the three elements: the temperature, brewing time and serving traditions.  The steps are just as important as the drink itself.  The Japanese has gone as far as to creating a tea ceremony where every move has an intention.  Like mediation, the process slows down the mind and allows wisdoms to come through.

With Chinese tradition, the Kung Fu tea encompasses the reflective spirit, the etiquette, and the skills of making and pouring the tea. Drinking Kung Fu tea is not to crush thirst, but to experience the tea through the fragrance and the taste.  A special miniature clay tea pot is used.  This clay absorbs the fragrance of the tea.  Over time, one can smell the tea without having to brew the tea in the tea pot.

In modern days, the general guidelines are 2 to 5 minutes for steeping black tea.  Oolong tea takes longer, about 5-8 minutes. The recommended water temperature is 180-190 temperature. Green tea takes about 2-4 minutes at 160 to 170 degree water.  White tea steeps for 4-6 minutes at 180 degree temperature.  Second infusion will take twice as long for the flavor to infuse.  Steep time for Rooibos and other herbal tea varies, but most of them needs to steep 5 minutes or more.  Adjust these steps to your personal taste. 

Whatever method or tools you use, be with the process and enjoy the experience.  Make it your time to have a brew awakening.

Anti-Aging Agents

Wrinkles, sags, lines, freckles and “liver spots” are all normal accompaniments of aging–or are they? We hear so much hype about what goes on in the aging process it becomes really difficult to separate fact from fiction. However, we do know that there are some topical ingredients that will help the skin combat oxidative stress, regenerate tissue and heal itself. This list covers just a few of the anti-aging heavy hitters you will find in MV products. For a more complete discussion of aging, please visit the About Aging page.

Alpha-lipoic acid—A powerful anti-oxidant. Alpha lipoic acid’s antiaging benefits are in part likely related to its ability to increase levels of the amino acid glutathione, which also possesses anti-aging properties.

Australian bush plum– With the average vitamin C content of 3.0 – 3.5% (range= .2 to 5.9%) the bush plum provides the most concentrated natural source of vitamin C known. The typical bush plum contains about 2907 mg vitamin C per 100 grams of edible fruit.

Beta-carotene—a natural precursor to Vitamin A, whose cell regenerative properties have given it the reputation as the “skin vitamin.” Vitamin A is essential for skin health. Supplements are often given to help with cases of stubborn acne.

Carrot seed essential oil– This essential oil is widely appreciated for its ability to help heal dry and dehydrated skin. Carrot seed essential oil has a high carotol content, which provides good skin-rejuvenating properties. It also contains beta-carotine and it is rich in vitamins A & E. The oil’s aroma is sweet and it is an excellent essential oil for mature skin.

DMAE– (dimethylaminoethanol) An amino acid and antioxidant membrane stabilizer. DMAE works synergistically with antioxidants to enhance their strength, and to help repair and stabilize skin cell membranes by expelling waste.

Evening primrose oil– Evening primrose oil is one of the most concentrated sources of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid with anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. The body converts the GLA in evening primrose oil into prostaglandins, substances that function like hormones and help to regulate body processes. It also contains substantial amounts of polysaturated omega-6 fatty acids.

Ginseng extract– (Panax quinquefolium) When applied to the skin, ginseng has been shown to enhance the cellular function of skin cells and stimulate skin cell regeneration. It is useful in combating wrinkles and the visible signs of aging. Ginseng is extracted from the root of the ginseng plant after the plant reaches maturity, which may take six or more years.

Glyconutrients—provide nutrients so skin can biosynthesize hyaluronic acid and other glycosamineglycans, thus maintaining skin plumpness. Read more about the benefits of glyconutrients on the Glyconutrients page.

Gotu Kola– Known for its remarkable wound healing properties, gotu kola is often used for treating burns and skin ulcers.

Helichryssum essential oil– Helichrysum stimulates production of new cells, so it’s used in skin products to treat acne, scar tissue, bruising, mature skin, and burns. It also helps to prevent sunburn. It treats bacterial infection and inflammation and helps to boost the body’s immune system. Its healing properties can quell a chronic cough, bronchitis, or fever, and it can alleviate pain by numbing nerve endings. It also lessens muscle pain, arthritis, enlarged veins, liver problems and counters allergic reactions like asthma. Its scent helps relieve depression, nervous exhaustion, and stress.

Idebenone- a powerful anti-oxidant. Results of a clinical trial were presented in February 2004 at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. They wanted to find out which ingredient offered the best protection against free radicals. Idebenone finished first against vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, kinetin, and alpha-lipoic acid. The benefits of this ingredient include shielding skin from environmental damage, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and reducing dryness and smoothing skin texture.

Kombucha tea— Kombucha, also known as the Manchurian or Kargasok mushroom, is not a mushroom but rather a mixture of bacteria that includes Acetobacter xylinum, Acetobacter ketogenum and Pichia fermentans, and various yeasts. It contains lactic acid and glucoronic acid, essential for the biosynthesis of hyaluronic acid, an important component of the skin’s dermal layer that contributes to skin elasticity and plumpness. It acts as a humectant.

Pearl powder– By slowing down the development of melanin (the chemical in our body responsible for colour pigments) it prevents and facilitates the fading of pigmentation spots. Rich in proteins, pearls also help to renew skin cells. It is also rich in vitamin B-complex and polysaccharides which strengthen the muscles and improve metabolism. Taken internally, pearl powder also acts as a source of calcium to aid those with bone loss. Some Chinese experts claim that it has the ability to filter the sun’s rays and correct damage done to the skin by the sun. Common uses: evens out skin tone, clears acne and rosacea, fades pigmentation marks and is beneficial for general complexion maintenance.

Quercetin–a bioflavonoid (or flavonoid), which is a type of pigment found in almost all herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Bioflavonoids provide the body with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protection, and quercetin is among the most powerful and effective of known anti-inflammatories and antioxidants

Resveratrol– Resveratrol ( trans-3,5,4′-trihydroxystilbene ) is a protective compound produced by grapes and other plants in response to environmental stresses. Studies have demonstrated that resveratrol has potent antioxidant activity and also has the ability to inhibit platelet aggregation. These actions may help prevent free radical damage throughout the body and provide protective support to the cardiovascular system.

Rose hip seed oil– Rosehip seed oil contains Vitamin A, which helps to delay the effects of skin aging, assists with cell regeneration, and promotes increase of collagen and elastin levels. Rosehip seed oil also contains a high amount of essential fatty acids and Vitamin E. In particular, it is rich in linoleic and linolenic acids, important skin nutrients.

Seabuckthorn oil– Sea Buckthorn oil has multiple benefits in the area of restorative and anti-aging skin care. Natural antioxidants and essential fatty acids help reverse damaging effects of sun radiation and minimize long term effects of sun exposure. Promotes natural skin restorative processes. Tolerated by any type of skin, sea buckthorn oil is especially beneficial for rosacea-prone skin as it provides long term anti-inflammatory, restorative and revitalizing action.

White tea– well-documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Topical white tea polyphenols are likely to slow down the development of some signs of aging. In particular, since the sun protection benefits of white tea are particularly well documented, it makes sense to use a sunscreen with white tea in it, and particularly a sunscreen with zinc oxide, as ZO is chemically inert and will not react with white tea (which some chemical sunscreens might do, especially in sunlight).

How many times do we just want to drink tea after a heavy meal, but are then bombarded with all the various tea flavours that we get lost. This article answers that need.

What you should always remember is that there are only four types of tea.

1) Black tea

2) Green tea

3) White tea

4) Oolong tea

All these are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis, also known as the tea plant. Other herbal infusions such as chamomile tea, ginger tea or red tea made of rooibos leaves are disqualified as types of tea since the tea plant is not involved in their making. The difference between the four tea variations lies in the process of making them. In addition, each type of tea has another flavor and various health benefits.

1) Black Tea

The strong flavored burnt Sienna colored hot beverage is the most popular type of tea in the West. Either served with a squeeze of lemon or added milk and a cube of sugar, the cup of black tea is part of daily tea ceremonies that take place worldwide. Black tea is made of heavily oxidized Camellia sinensis leaves. When served plain, it contains no calories, carbohydrates, or fats. A cup of black tea contains more caffeine than any other types of tea but less than in any cup of coffee.

2) Green Tea

The lightly oxidized tea has been popular in China, Japan and Korea for centuries. Recently, rumors on its health benefits increased its popularity in the West as well. It has been proven that drinking green tea can lower cholesterol, prevent cancer, increase metabolic rates and be helpful in variety of other conditions and illnesses. The green tea is lightly oxidized, dried, but not fermented. It is usually served plain, without sugar or milk. Since some of the green tea variants taste a bit bitter, it should be brewed in lower temperature than the boiling point.

3) White Tea

White tea is rarer and more expensive than the other types of teas mentioned above. Originated in the Fujian province of china, the white tea is made of young Camellia sinensis leaves, which go through a long process of steaming or frying, inactivate fermenting and drying. Since the leaves are harvested while the buds are still covered by white hair, it is called white tea. White tea has the most delicate, sweet taste than the other types of tea. Moreover, it contains the smallest amount of caffeine and the largest amount of antioxidant that help prevent cancer.

4) Oolong Tea

The traditional Chinese tea is the common companion of Chinese foods such as dim sum and chop suey in American Chinese restaurants. The oolong tea, black dragon in Chinese, got its name after its long, dark distinguished leaves that look like wild black dragons when brewed. The unique taste of the oolong tea is achieved by a long process that includes sun drying of the Camellia sinensis leaves, light oxidization, cooling and drying processes. The result is a lighter flavor than the popular black tea and stronger than the delicate green tea.

Tea is one of the reality’s second almost favorite drink (after water), but most Americans regard it an impoverished minute to chocolate as a caffeine-laced pick-me-up or after-meal drink. Recently, however, tea has gained original popularity, in region because of its healthful value. A cup of tea contains simply around half as often caffeine as a cup of brewed chocolate, and many folk favor its preference and regard its buzz less jarring.

Cancer. Studies indicate that chemicals known as polyphenols in tea assistance forbid cancer. Researchers compared the diets of 900 folk with esophageal cancer with those of 1,500 who did not get the cancer. The folk with cancer drank significantly less greenish Organic Tea . The much greenish tea, the little cancer. In addition, greenish tea was added to the drunkenness water of empirical mice and so exposed them to chemicals known to induce a kind of tumors in rodents. The mice who drank the green-tea-laced water developed substantially less tumors than the mice who drank simple water.

These studies prompted headlines proclaiming “Green Tea Prevents Cancer. ” Unfortunately, few Americans drink greenish tea outside of Asian restaurants; most Americans drink dark tea. It has the related consequence overly. Tooth Decay. Tea is a better origin of fluoride, which prevents tooth decomposition. Both greenish and dark teas carry much fluoride than fluoridated water. The tannins in tea too assist defend the bacterium that induce tooth decomposition. Osteoporosis. Buy Tea Online, a better origin of manganese, a vital retrace mineral that helps maintain ivory. Colds, Congestion And Asthma. As with chocolate, the caffeine in tea eases breathing by opening the bronchial passages. Tea too contains another stimulus, theophylline. Physicians frequently dictate pharmaceutical theophylline preparations to handle asthma. Heart Attack. Men whose diets are wealthy in polyphenols have a remarkably reduced danger of eye blast.

Subsequent diet surveys showed that the heart-healthy Hollanders obtained some of their polyphenols from apples and onions but got a whopping 61 percentage from dark tea. Diarrhea. Tea contains astringent tannins. Ancient Chinese physicians valued tea’s balmy astringency for handling of diarrhoea. Today’s doctors concur, since balmy astringents are widely used to handle diarrhoea. Leading house medical guides indicate treating diarrhoea with the BRATT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, toast and tea. Raymond Lee Geok Seng is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is an author specializing in system health, muscle growth and dieting.

Green Tea

Green tea, black tea, white or oolong tea, which one on you enjoy the most?

The Chinese have enjoyed Green Tea for 4,000 years. They have found the mild and refreshing brew to aid in bringing relief from many illnesses. The tea has been used as a traditional medicine in Southeast Asia for everything from controlling bleeding, healing wounds to controlling the body temperature, blood sugar and helping digestion.

Green Tea is good for the people who drink it for many reasons. One of the most common reasons is it contains powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants have been found by scientists to fight free radicals in our body. Free radicals are known to cause certain types of cancer to form in the body.

In addition, other compounds in Green Tea inhibit cancer cell growth. Thus Green Tea may yet be proven to be the best hope of finding a prevention and cure for forms of cancer.

Additional benefits are said to be:

* Helps with weight loss by burning calories off faster when drinking tea.

* Has antibacterial components to help prevent tooth decay. Tea is able to destroy dental plaque.

* Aids in preventing food poisoning by killing bacteria before it can multiply and cause digestive problems.

* Tea is a great stress reducer and reliever.

* Controls blood cholesterol levels.

* Green Tea has the ability to reduce inflammation and bring relief from rheumatoid arthritis.

Black Tea

All tea leaves are green when harvested. These young tea leaves are called Camellia sinensis. The Himalaya mountains have been found to be the best climate for Organic Black Tea. The high altitude, with cool mountain air and clouds, comfort the tea plants and adds moisture to the tea leaves.

How Green Tea leaves are turned into Black Tea. After picking, the tea leaves are inspected, sorted and withered. This is done by hand. The water evaporates from the leaves, causing the natural fermentation to begin. Organic Black Tea is black do to the fermantation process called oxidation.

Increasing heat and high humidity is a process called firing, causing the fermentation process of Organic Black Tea to accelerate. As a result of these conditions, green tea is turned into what is called organic black tea. This process is accomplished in a few hours.

Organic Black Tea is so named because it is grown organically. Chemical fertilizers or pesticides are not used.

Recent research found the compounds contained in Black Tea - theaflavins and thearubigens are more than an aid to its dark color and distinctive flavor. They provide benefits to our health that were previously attributed to Green Tea.

White Tea

White Tea is made from tea leaves that have not reached maturity. The leaves are picked before the buds fully open. The tea derives its name from the silver coating that still covers the buds.

White Tea’s rise in popularity is in the secret of what occurs after the buds are picked. White Tea requires less processing of the tea leaves than green tea leaves. The unwithered leaves are steamed rather than the air-drying process.

The end result is a pale tea with a sweet and silky flavor. Tea drinkers that have drank both teas have said the white tea has a less grassy after taste associated with green tea.

Studies indicate White Tea is better for people. The White Tea leaves are closer to their natural state therefore retaining more of the powerful antioxidant polyphenols that aids in the fighting and destruction of cancer causing cells. More so than any other tea.

An additional benefit of drinking White Tea is it can help the body’s immune system fight off viruses and infection causing bacteria.

Oolong Tea

This is a traditional Chinese tea somewhere between Green and Black Tea. This tea is one of the favorites in Chinese restaurants.

Oolong has a taste more to that of green tea rather than black tea. It does not have the sweet aroma of black tea. The tea leaves are processed two different ways. The older method used, the tea leaves are rolled into long curly leaves. The second method used the leaves are pressed into a ball type form. Similar to gunpowder tea.

During the roasting process, unwanted odors are removed from the tea. This reduces any sour or astringent tastes. This process is thought to make oolong tea more gentle on the stomach.

What ever type of tea you enjoy drinking, they are all great for a person’s health.