GREEN TEA - BENEFITS, RESEARCH AND WHERE TO BUY

In these turbulent times of coronavirus spreading around the world I am receiving a large number of messages asking me what are the best teas to drink during these times, and why, what do I drink personally and where to buy these teas. Here I will try to answer all these questions.

I have to say that I personally continue to drink the same teas as before, because I strongly feel that all living organic Tea is a medicine to us, especially if we take it in a mindful way - which also promotes peace and balance in our Minds. And that’s something we need more than ever now. However, there are certain teas, like green tea, that have been praised to possess certain antiviral and antibacterial qualities. More than other teas. And here we will explore the effect of these teas on our body and mind.

RESEARCH ON GREEN TEA

To read scientific papers, you can go here. I took these from Lalani and Co (another tea company in London) newsletter and they are really amazing PubMed papers on green tea. Of course even in science we need to be careful about who paid for this research, and how it was conducted, there are so many factors involved in this. However, it’s a great way to gain more understanding about the effects of green tea on our human system.

Effect of Tea Catechins on Influenza Infection and the Common Cold

A Review of the Antiviral Role of Green Tea Catechins

From my experience, when I created my tea tours 7 years ago, I did an extensive research on Japanese green tea - read books, found scientific papers, and read on health reports of tea on our human body. And I remember reading several things (I don’t have resources with me as it was such a long time ago, but in my own words and memory that’s what comes to me):

• In one historical book on the history of tea and coffee, there was one sentence that stayed with me forever. The talk was about Great Plague and how many people died, and how it affected London and tea trade afterwards. But at the very end of it there was a sentence: But Japanese even 600 years before that knew that if you drink green tea every day your chances of getting plague when everyone is sick around you are reduced.

• Catechins in green tea have an effect of coating our cells. Viruses that come towards us have certain hooks, with which they attach to our cells. However when this coating is there from catechins they cannot do that and drop into our stomach where they die.

• Japanese tea because of how it’s processed - shaded and steamed - has higher levels of antioxidants and amino acid called L-Theanine. While antioxidants in tea are great for anti aging, anti viral and antibacterial reasons, L-Theanine makes our brain release alpha waves and dopamine - which is associated with meditation, relaxation, stress reduction and motivation, inspiration and enthusiasm. This has a calming effect on our minds, releases stress from our body and because of that we are more prone to assess things in our life adequately.

So at the moment I drink a lot of greener teas - and have a few matcha cans and kabusecha teas that I drink daily.

WHERE TO BUY THEM?

If you followed me for some time you will know that my heart belongs to Chikitea teas. I first started drinking their teas and then met Holly Heli, the founder , and fell in love with them even more. Her teas are incredible, and quality vs quantity vs price is amazing too. But the business itself, and her as a person with the huge heart and soul, won me forever. The main ingredient in her business is LOVE, and that’s the most important ingredient. If you ever get to meet her you will know what I am talking about.

Holly and I decided to team up and offer a 5% discount on all the teas to my followers and readers.

So if you go through this link:

https://www.chikitea.com/intro/t-lovers

And add promo code:

TLOVERS if you are paying in £, and TLOVERSEUR for €, or TLOVERSUSD for $ payments

You will get the discount on these teas. I know it’s not a lot, but it can be useful during these times, and because Chikitea is a very small business their profit margins are extremely small too.

My favourite teas there are MUSE, LUSH and SILK matcha teas, FUSHIGI, SAE and GUOKURO.

If you have any more questions please let me know and I will be happy to answer them for you!

DRINK TEA AND STAY HEALTHY

Gluten and dairy free matcha brownies with rowan berries

This was my matcha afternoon treat: matcha tea and matcha brownie (gluten and dairy free) with rowan berries. My friend Julia told me once about an amazing combination of dark chocolate and rowanberries and it is truly amazing! So I went outside my house to the rowan tree (it's great that I have a few of them close to my house), and picked up a few berries. Then I went home and made matcha brownies with them!

The recipe is here:

Matcha Green Tea Brownies with Rowan Berries

1/2 cup coconut oil, melted 1/4 cup matcha powder 40g dark chocolate 1/2 cup granulated sugar ¼ tsp salt 2 eggs 1/2 tsp vanilla extract ½ cup all purpose flour (I used corn flour) some rowan berries (I took approximate amount, so choose according to your taste)

1) Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. 2) Whisk eggs with sugar,vanilla extract and salt 3) Melt the coconut oil in a saucepan (hold glass in hot water). 4) Melt the dark chocolate in the same glass with coconut oil 5) Add the matcha powder and stir till smooth 6) When all melted add this liquid into the egg and sugar mix 7) Add flour and stir until well combined. 8) Add rowan berries to the mix and stir well 9) Spread batter into the prepared pan 10) Bake for 30 minutes. The edges should be set and centre is firm but still just slightly underdone. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. Let cool 10 minutes at least before lifting out by parchment overhang to slice into squares.

Enjoy!!!!!!

This is my usual morning companion - Kabusecha green tea. When I drink it, my morning are filled with love, gratitude, inspiration and thirst for Life. And this morning I am also reading a book. An amazing book called "From Onions to Pearls". Which acts in exactly the same way as a Kabusecha tea, only in the shape of a book! In other words it fills you with LOVE, Gratitude, Inspiration and Enthusiasm for LIFE.

It is written by a guy, who, at the age of 54, was put into prison for ecstasy production. And that's where he got awakened. All his life he was a spiritual seeker, following all spiritual practices, and trying out numerous things. He was also leading a luxurious lifestyle with private jets and several houses. And then at 54 he got into a high security prison with 32 inmates in one room, an open toilet, no air conditioning and everyone going completely crazy. He stayed there for 2 years, not knowing if he will ever get out. And that's where his sense of identity crumbled with the awakening taking place.

His teachings are the ones of Advaita Vedanta, of non duality. Every time I read his book it feels like I am at the Satsang, and each time something deep shifts in me. The way I see the world, life, other people and situations. Karma, God, Consciousness, Free Will - I suspected before that all of them are not what they seem, and this book confirmed it!

"Consciousness is All there is. You are not the doer. You don't have to win awakening by your own efforts. JUST BE and know WHO you really are. Then kick back and enjoy the parade as it passes by!"

Matcha tea and Matcha chocolate

Quite often I have matcha tea in the afternoon. It goes perfectly well with sweets (so it feeds my sweet cravings) and it also replenishes my energy levels and makes me alert and focused. And if I have a matcha sweet with my matcha tea, it's a double pleasure for me. I first saw this particular french Matcha chocolate in Fortnum & Masons and it was almost £7 there. "Too expensive!!!!" - I thought to myself, yet, I really liked the feel and design of the chocolate and wanted to taste it too! After all, it was made with match tea, and I had to try it! So I found the same one in Japan Centre for almost half the price, and of course, I bought it. It's a perfect colour combination - both tea and chocolate so green and vibrant. And the taste is amazing too. Matcha and chocolate is the match made in heaven!

"Good Morning" Tea

This a Kabusecha green tea, which I call my "Good Morning" tea! With it my morning becomes good and more than that - it becomes great! I drink about 1 litre of it every morning (3 infusions in a 350ml tea pot) and straight away feel motivated, inspired, driven, enthusiastic and generally very very happy! Indeed, this tea is the perfect " Good Morning" Tea! Kabusecha is a Japanese green tea that is made of tea plants, that were shaded for approximately two weeks before the harvest. It's almost like a Gyokoro (which is shaded for 1 month) but less expensive! This shading process makes the leaves greener (they produce more chlorophyll), and packed with antioxidants, caffeine and amino acid called L-Theanine. This combination is bound to make you alert, focused, energised and happy! And all of it without the jittery effect that coffee usually has on us. Amazing little green treasure!

Matcha Love

Matcha = LoveIt's pure happiness in a bowl, and so refreshing!

I had a very strong matcha bowl today, probably too strong, as afterwards I couldn't understand whether I am about to faint or to become enlightened. All the colours were sharp and bright, I was aware and conscious, although a little but weak in my legs. So my LOVE and HEART for matcha is enormous, but it's better not to drink it on an empty stomach!

This beautiful art is by my artist friend Natasha Bu, who gave it to me for my birthday. It reflects perfectly what matcha is for me. LOVE!

Tea Events This Week in LondonЧайные Мероприятия на Этой Неделе в Лондоне

Tea Events for this week! There are quite a few good ones this week, so don't miss your chance and join them if you can!

1. Tuesday, 27 January at 18.30 in Greenwich - Tea and Cheese Tasting with Whittington's Tea Emporium. £20

I went there in November and even now, at the memory of all those delicious combinations of amazing cheeses and teas, I almost faint from taste bud pleasure... Only two places left, so if you would like to join them this month, do not hesitate any longer!

http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tea-cheese-tasting-january-tickets-13457117601?aff=es2&rank=1

2. Thursday, 29 January, at 19.30 in Central London, just off Regent street - Matcha Masterclass with Lalani! It costs £35, but you take home with you the whole jar of Lalani's Matcha Gold Dust, which they sell for £29. Amazing Value!

I will be there making photographs for my blog post, and it would be really great see you there too!

http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/matcha-masterclass-tickets-15252552796?aff=eac2

3. Friday, 25 January, at 14.00 and 15.00 at British Museum - Japanese Tea Ceremony demonstration by Urasenke Institute. FREE.

I wrote a blog post about my previous visit and impressions last time I went, which explains very well what this demonstration is about: http://t-lovers.com/2013/04/04/japanese-tea-ceremonies-at-british-museum/

Event details are here: http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar/event_detail.aspx?eventId=255

4. Sunday, 1 February, at 19.00 in Covent Garden - Tea Ceremony and Gong Bath. £18

My favourite tea fairy Kat Bambul is conducting yet another magical journey into tea and gongs. Not to be missed!

That's what she writes about the tea ceremony herself: "Gong Fu Tea Ceremony is a beautiful and meditative ritual of preparing and drinking tea, taking it's roots from Dao, Zen and Buddhist traditions where tea is considered as a spiritual drink. We drink loose leaf tea from the old, naturally growing trees in the wild, rich in substances affecting our consciousness and the body. High quality tea induces a deep meditative state, philosophical and creative mindset, a feeling of contentment, freedom and openness to the mystical. During the ceremony we appreciate the beauty of here & now, indulge all our senses and contemplate on tea, it's setting, ourselves and our connection with nature. We connect with the spirit of the tea, and let ourselves flow in a timeless zone between heaven and earth."

http://www.meetup.com/London-Gong-Chamber-Tea-Sanctuary/events/220034050/

5. Sunday, 1 February, ALL DAY in Birmingham - Day Retreat: Meditation & the Way of Tea. DONATION BASIS

If by any chance you are in Birmingham this weekend, there is an amazing all day tea and meditation event, which is worth coming to especially, even if you are not living there!!!

Come for a nice, relaxing day drinking Tea in relaxing Tea Ceremonies, meditating and sharing lunch together . . . Please book with Birmingham Buddhist Centre on 0121 449 5279. The day is on a donation basis.

http://www.meetup.com/LivingTea-Mindful-Tea-Drinking-Ancient-Tree-Organic-Tea/events/220003782/Чайные Мероприятия в Лондоне на этой неделе для вас!

На этой неделе происходят несколько прекрасных чайных мероприятий, поэтому если вы любите чай, этот пост будет вам очень интересен!

1. Вторник, 27 Января в 18.30 в Гринвиче - Чайной Сырная Дегустация с Whittington's Tea Emporium. £20

Я сходила на это мероприятие в Ноябре, и хочу сказать, что при воспоминании о взрыве вкусовых ощущений на моем языке я до сих почти падаю в обморок. И я не шучу. Это просто настоящий улет во всех смыслах! У них осталось всего два места на вторник!

http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tea-cheese-tasting-january-tickets-13457117601?aff=es2&rank=1

2. Четверг, 29 Января, в 19.30 в Центральном Лондоне, офф Риджентс Стрит - Мастеркласс по Матче с Lalani! Он стоит £35, но после него вы с собой заберете домой баночку матчи от Лалани, которую они продают за £29. По моему, это просто даром!

Я буду там делать фотографии для своего блога (и тоже познавать нюансы того, как правильно готовить матчу), поэтому будет просто супер круто, если кто нибудь из моих друзей туда тоже придет!

http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/matcha-masterclass-tickets-15252552796?aff=eac2

3. Пятница, 25 Января, в 14.00 и 15.00 в British Museum - Демонстрация Японской Чайной Церемонии Urasenke Институтом. БЕСПЛАТНО.

Примерно два года назад я написала блог пост о своем опыте на этой демонстрации, который объяснит, о чем она: http://t-lovers.com/2013/04/04/japanese-tea-ceremonies-at-british-museum/?lang=ru

Детали мероприятия ЗДЕСЬ: http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar/event_detail.aspx?eventId=255

4. Воскресенье, 1 Февраля, в 19.00 в Covent Garden - Чайная Церемония и Гонги. £18 Моя любимейшая чайная фея Kat Bambul проведет вас в очередное волшебное путешествие в страну чая и незабываемых звуков гонга. И это путешествие просто нельзя пропустить!

Вот что она сама пишет о чайной церемонии в описании своего мероприятия: "Gong Fu Чайная церемония это прекрасный и медитативный ритуал приготовления и употребления чая, который берет свои корни из традиций Дао, Дзен и Буддизма, где чай считают духовным напитком.  Мы будем пить чай с древних деревьев, которым позволяют расти естественным образом в соответствии с дикой природой, которые богаты веществами, воздействующими на наше сознание и наше тело. Чай высокого качества приводит нас в медитативное состояние, где мы пребываем в философском и творческом настрое, состоянии поной удовлетворенности, свободы и открыты мистическому. Во время церемонии мы ценим красоту состояния здесь и сейчас, наслаждаемся всеми нашими чувствами и ощущаем чай, все, что окружает церемонию, нас самих и нашу связь с природой. Мы соединяемся с чайным духом, и позволяем себе течь в безвременном пространстве между небом и землей"

http://www.meetup.com/London-Gong-Chamber-Tea-Sanctuary/events/220034050/

5. Воскресенье, 1 Февраля, ВЕСЬ ДЕНЬ в Бирмингеме - Однодневный Ретрит: Медитация & Путь Чая. Оплата по принципу DONATION. 

На самом деле, это то мероприятие, которое стоит посетить, даже если вы не живете в Бирмингеме. Оно стоит того, чтобы специально туда приехать. Ник, который будет проводить этот медитационно чайный ретрит уникальная личность. Рядом с ним наступает полный Дзен. И я вам обещаю, вы вернетесь домой с ощущением, как будто вы пробыли неделю в небольшом монастыре на склоне холмов в Японии.

Регистрация по телефону 0121 449 5279.

http://www.meetup.com/LivingTea-Mindful-Tea-Drinking-Ancient-Tree-Organic-Tea/events/220003782/

Надеюсь, вам удастся попасть на какие нибудь из этих волшебных и познавательных мероприятий, и насладится чаем во всей его красе!

Sobacha tea that you can eatСобача: чай, который можно есть

Last night I had Sobacha tea, a Japanese tea, which is made from Roasted Buckwheat. Russians would probably be really amazed with this, as what Russians do is EAT buckwheat, not drink it!!!! Soldiers in the army have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner, children at school for their school dinners, and I personally have it all the time - simple buckwheat kasha with butter. Mmmm, and it's delicious.

So I think for us Russians this would seem like a strange tea, and definitely not something exotic or worth the extra money. But yes, in Japan they drink it, and apparently it's full of Rutin - which has been credited with a number of health benefits, including improved blood flow and prevention of varicose veins and leg edema. It may also help improve metabolic conditions such as insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, and polycystic syndrome.

So Russian thinking would be (and I have to confess, I had this thought cross my mind too) - can't we just mill the buckwheat kasha grains and make our own tea? But apparently, no. There are two different type of buckwheat grains - tartary and plain. And it is tartary buckwheat that japanese drink. This tartary buckwheat has more rutin, as well as contains quercetin, yet another important flavonoid, that common buckwheat does not have at all.

So this tea is worth a try, it's smooth and silky, and very tasty! Look at these buckwheat kernels floating in the water! In fact, when you steep this tea, these little grains are dancing up and down, which looks like a special dance - just for you!

And you can get this from our tea partner Whittington's Tea Emporium or if it's out of stock from Chiki Tea!

And if you enjoyed this post, may be you would like to get e-mail updates (it’s free).

All information about our future tea events (Tea walks, tours and meditations) you can find HERE.

Вчера я решила попробовать для себя новый чай - Собача (ударение на первый слог, хотя да, звучит, как собака на русском), японский чай, сделанный из гречки. Да, да, вы не ослышались, чай из гречки. Когда я первый раз услышала про него, я тоже удивилась, ведь мы, русские, ЕДИМ гречку, а не пьем ее!! Солдаты в армии едят ее на завтрак, обед и ужин (во всяком случае, я так себе представляю их рацион), дети в школе едят на обед.. Ну а лично я ем ее очень часто, и просто - гречневая каша с маслом. МММ, и это очень вкусно.

Поэтому мне кажется, что для нас, русских, идея такого чая может показаться специфичной и очень странной. Не экзотичной и не стоящей тех экстра денег, которые надо за этот чай заплатить. Но в Японии этот чай любят и пьют. Вообще, в Японии есть и лапша из гречки, и многое другое. И чай, как оказалось, тоже. Оказывается, в этом чае содержится огромное количество вещества Рутин - безумно полезного для здоровья. В его полезности входят: улучшенное кровообращение, предупреждение варикоза, улучшение обмена веществ и а также позитивный эффект на поликистоз у женщин.

Кстати, уверена, у многих, читающих этот пост, наверняка возникла идея (и честно скажу, я тоже подумала об этом) - ведь можно просто перемолоть нам до боли знакомую и такую родную гречку и сделать из нее свой собственный, дешевый чай Собачу? Но оказывается, нет. Есть два вида гречки - известная нам и тартари. И именно тартари пьют японцы. Как оказалось, тартари гречка содержит намного больше рутина, чем обычная, а также содержит в себе кверцетин, еще один важный флавоноид, которого в обычной гречке вообще нет.

Честно вам скажу, хоть этот чай и напоминает нашу родную гречку, но он также и отличается от нее. Чем, не знаю, но в нем содержатся совсем другие нотки, другие оттенки, чем в нашей гречневой каше. Сам настой безумно мягкий и обволакивающий, как будто вы пьете шелк. И хочется его пить и пить до бесконечности! И так жалко, когда чайник вдруг, совсем незаметно, становится пустым. И еще более жалко, что этот чай нельзя заваривать несколько раз, как другие японские или китайские чаи. Но наверное можно его потом просто съесть? Ложкой соскрести с ситечка, и насладиться гречневой кашей после чая. Или на йогурт положить. Вообщем, идей миллион! Главное, иметь фантазию!

Посмотрите, как эти гречневые зернышки плавают в воде. На самом деле, когда завариваешь Собачу, эти зернышки прыгают в воде вверх вниз, исполняя лишь им известный танец. Но именно танец для вас. Может он называется Танец Маленьких Гречинок, или Гречат. Название известно только им. Кстати, этот пост я пишу под воздействием этого чая, и у меня такое ощущение, что с ним развивается воображение и фантазия.  Выпив один чайничек, можно смело писать сказки про героев, которые буквально прыгают на бумагу и начинают писать историю сами. Только успевай записывать.

Вы можете купить этот чай у нашего чайного партнера Whittington's Tea Emporium или, если там вдруг его нет, у моей любимой Холли в Chiki Tea!

Если вам понравился этот пост, может быть вам захочется подписаться на новостную рассылку (это совершенно бесплатно!).

Всю информацию о наших чайных мероприятиях (чайные прогулки, туры и медитации) мозчно найти ЗДЕСЬ