6. Tea and health

Guidance
1st Story	Let's go to Maikonocha	English	Japanese
2nd Story	Tea Picking	English	Japanese
3rd Story	Tea Processing	English	Japanese
4th Story	Tea Varieties	English	Japanese
5th Story	Serving Tea	English	Japanese
6th Story	Tea and Health	English	Japanese

(C)KYOTO SEIKA UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE FOR MANGA STUDIES
Chie Yamada, Yui Miura, Markley Patricia

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 (Theanine)	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 Maccha (matcha).

How to prepare delicious Maccha (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!
Simply combine cooked rice with used up tea leaves!! Enjoy a little gourmet at home!

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 "Maik
Relax with quality green tea.
Of course, our menu includes not only Maccha 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.