Matcha Tea: Can This Antioxidant Superfood Give You A Reboot?

Sometimes we all just need a boost. And for most of us, that zing in the tail comes from a lovely big shot of espresso.

Let's face it, most of us are pretty hooked on the brown stuff. And while I do my best not to guzzle too much coffee, I certainly couldn't live without - at the very least - extremely strong tea.ALL THE COFFEE (Yahoo)

But caffeine doesn't really agree with me. This much I know. It gives me the twitches and stops me sleeping even if I have it long before the 3pm cut off that's recommended. So really it's part of a vicious cycle of not sleeping, drinking coffee and, er, not sleeping that leaves me tired yet wired and probably not always operating on my A-Game.

So I've always been intrigued by Matcha Tea. Caffeinated sure, but not to the same levels as black tea and coffee and with a longer 'high' as it were, it sounds right right up my street.

When Bloom sent me some of its new tea powders I decided it was time to ditch the habit, and pick up one loved by Buddhist monks - because surely they've got a better idea of what's good for the body and mind than I do?Whisk up the green tea powder for a frothy drink (Yahoo)

Why Matcha Tea?

The highest grade of green tea you can get, Matcha is a very fine, bright green powder that you mix with hot water to make tea. It's part of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony and is the most expensive and highly prized tea you can get.

It's very high in antioxidants but relatively low in caffeine, making it a good choice for those looking ot cut down. But though it does give a gentle caffeine lift, it also promises better concentration and alertness, over a longer period of time than you'd get from your cwaafeee.

That's because the amino acid L-Theanine present in the tea works with the caffeine to give you slow release energy.Tropical Match by Bloom Teas

What it promises

Matcha tea is said to speed up your metabolism, improve your concentration and boost your energy for up to four hours.

And the Bloom tea I tried awas the Tropical Matcha with mango which promises to taste nice.

What's it really like?

If you've ever tried Matcha tea you'll know it's something of an aquired taste. It's earthy in flavour and though not as bitter as standard green tea, it's not as easy to drink as a builder's brew.

So I was keen to try something that changed the taste without reducing the benefits. And this is a good bet.

Like all fruit teas, it smells more mango-ey than it tastes, but it definitely makes the Matcha more paletable if you're not keen.

Did it give me a tonne of energy?

Well I'm a big fan. I religiously supped my bright green brew every morning at around 11am and found it did give me the energy and concentration I usually lack. It's subtler than coffee - instead of a hit of caffeine careening around my body making me work at 100 miles an hour and then crash, the Matcha did seem to give me a longer energy boost and improved focus.

Plus, even better, it did this without giving me the shakes and twitches coffee and tea tend to, didn't stop me sleeping and didn't give me a crash and cravings for another hit a few hours later.

Did it speed up my metabolism?

Possibly. It's hard to tell in a month. I didn't lose a load of weight but I did feel generally more alert and the improved energy and concentration probably had something to do with a boosted metabolism.

So all in all, I'll be keeping the switch! And it gives me something to chat about with colleagues in the kitchen, which is always nice.

https://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/blogs/health-blog/matcha-tea--can-this-antioxidant-superfood-give-you-a-reboot-183629991.html

Why am I tired all the time?

Feeling exhausted is so common that it has its own acronym, TATT, which stands for ‘tired all the time’.

Dr Rupal Shah, a GP in south London, says tiredness is one of the most common complaints she sees in her surgery. “I see loads and loads of patients who complain of feeling exhausted, even though they’re sleeping well. Often it’s been going on for several months.”

At any given time, one in five people feels unusually tired, and one in 10 have prolonged fatigue, according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Women tend to feel tired more than men.

“It’s unusual to find anything physically wrong. Most of the time, fatigue is linked with mood and the accumulation of lots of little stresses in life,” says Dr Shah.

Dr Shah says she routinely takes a blood test from patients complaining of tiredness to rule out a medical cause, such asanaemia or an underactive thyroid gland.

“There’s more chance of a medical reason for tiredness if there are other symptoms as well, such as heavy periods, weight loss, a change in bowel habits, hair loss, extreme thirst and so on.”

If you want to work out how you became tired in the first place, it can help to think about:

• parts of your life, such as work and family, that might be particularly tiring
• any events that may have triggered your tiredness, for instance, a bereavement or relationship break-up
• how your lifestyle may be making you tired.

Physical causes of tiredness

There are lots of health complaints that can make you feel tired. Not just the well-recognised ones like anaemia and thyroid problems, but also more surprising ailments, such as diabetes and food intolerance.

Read more about the medical causes of tiredness.

Being overweight or underweight can cause tiredness. That’s because your body has to work harder than normal to do everyday activities. If you’re underweight, you have less muscle strength, and you may feel tired more quickly.

Pregnancy, especially in the first 12 weeks, can also sap your energy.

Psychological causes of tiredness

Psychological tiredness is far more common than tiredness that's caused by a physical problem.

One key reason is anxiety, which can cause insomnia and in turn lead to persistent fatigue. A survey by the Mental Health Foundation found that nearly a third of the population are severely sleep-deprived, often because of job and money worries. The Foundation’s report, Sleep Matters, suggests a link between insomnia and low energy levels.

The worries and strains of daily life can be exhausting, even positive events, such as moving house or getting married. And emotional shock, such as bad news, bereavement or the break-up of a relationship, can make you feel drained.

Mental health problems such as depression or anxiety can make you feel more tired. They can also prevent you from getting a proper night's sleep.

If you think your tiredness may be rooted in low mood, try this short audio-guide to dealing with your sleep problems.

Lifestyle causes of tiredness

Tiredness can often be attributed to lifestyle factors, such as drinking too much alcohol, or having a bad diet. If you drink alcohol in the evening, it tends to wake you in the middle of the night. And if you drink a lot regularly, it can make you depressed and affect your sleep. “I’m always surprised to find how often patients who complain of tiredness are drinking far too much,” says Dr Shah.

If you have a disturbed sleep pattern – for instance if you work night shifts, sleep in the day or look after young children – it can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep, and you’ll feel tired during the day.

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/tiredness-and-fatigue/Pages/why-am-I-tired.aspx

Matcha Tea: Can This Antioxidant Superfood Give You A Reboot?

Sometimes we all just need a boost. And for most of us, that zing in the tail comes from a lovely big shot of espresso.

Let's face it, most of us are pretty hooked on the brown stuff. And while I do my best not to guzzle too much coffee, I certainly couldn't live without - at the very least - extremely strong tea.ALL THE COFFEE (Yahoo)

But caffeine doesn't really agree with me. This much I know. It gives me the twitches and stops me sleeping even if I have it long before the 3pm cut off that's recommended. So really it's part of a vicious cycle of not sleeping, drinking coffee and, er, not sleeping that leaves me tired yet wired and probably not always operating on my A-Game.

So I've always been intrigued by Matcha Tea. Caffeinated sure, but not to the same levels as black tea and coffee and with a longer 'high' as it were, it sounds right right up my street.

When Bloom sent me some of its new tea powders I decided it was time to ditch the habit, and pick up one loved by Buddhist monks - because surely they've got a better idea of what's good for the body and mind than I do?Whisk up the green tea powder for a frothy drink (Yahoo)

Why Matcha Tea?

The highest grade of green tea you can get, Matcha is a very fine, bright green powder that you mix with hot water to make tea. It's part of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony and is the most expensive and highly prized tea you can get.

It's very high in antioxidants but relatively low in caffeine, making it a good choice for those looking ot cut down. But though it does give a gentle caffeine lift, it also promises better concentration and alertness, over a longer period of time than you'd get from your cwaafeee.

That's because the amino acid L-Theanine present in the tea works with the caffeine to give you slow release energy.Tropical Match by Bloom Teas

What it promises

Matcha tea is said to speed up your metabolism, improve your concentration and boost your energy for up to four hours.

And the Bloom tea I tried awas the Tropical Matcha with mango which promises to taste nice.

What's it really like?

If you've ever tried Matcha tea you'll know it's something of an aquired taste. It's earthy in flavour and though not as bitter as standard green tea, it's not as easy to drink as a builder's brew.

So I was keen to try something that changed the taste without reducing the benefits. And this is a good bet.

Like all fruit teas, it smells more mango-ey than it tastes, but it definitely makes the Matcha more paletable if you're not keen.

Did it give me a tonne of energy?

Well I'm a big fan. I religiously supped my bright green brew every morning at around 11am and found it did give me the energy and concentration I usually lack. It's subtler than coffee - instead of a hit of caffeine careening around my body making me work at 100 miles an hour and then crash, the Matcha did seem to give me a longer energy boost and improved focus.

Plus, even better, it did this without giving me the shakes and twitches coffee and tea tend to, didn't stop me sleeping and didn't give me a crash and cravings for another hit a few hours later.

Did it speed up my metabolism?

Possibly. It's hard to tell in a month. I didn't lose a load of weight but I did feel generally more alert and the improved energy and concentration probably had something to do with a boosted metabolism.

So all in all, I'll be keeping the switch! And it gives me something to chat about with colleagues in the kitchen, which is always nice.

https://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/blogs/health-blog/matcha-tea--can-this-antioxidant-superfood-give-you-a-reboot-183629991.html

Stay active in winter

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The temperature plummets, it’s dark too early, and it’s hard to work up the energy to go outside. Sound familiar? Making an effort to stay active in winter can be hard, but it’s worth it.

If you stop exercising through winter you’ll increase your risk of some diseases and be more likely to gain weight (especially if you indulge in festive food!). If you get creative and find new ways to stay active, however, you’ll find that your mood and energy rise while you keep up a healthy lifestyle.

Play Indoors

Joining a health centre gym will definitely keep you active over winter, and many health centres will offer month-by-month memberships, so you only need to attend over the cold winter months.

Weights rooms and exercise machines are great if you get trained up on using them. If you’re not a fan of fitness equipment don’t worry, as most health centres offer more than just gym facilities for people who want to stay healthy.

Your local health centre will often offer fitness classes, from energetic activities like badminton, table tennis and boot camps, to dancing, pilates and yoga.

If your local gym or community pool offers aqua fitness classes, like aqua jogging and aerobics, then head to the pool for some energetic indoors exercise during winter, or even just a few laps.

Home Workouts

If you have the space and some money to invest, then consider buying some home gym equipment, like an exercise bike, and putting it to use while you watch television or listen to an audio book.

There are also a great range of exercise DVDs on offer that could keep you healthy at home over the winter. Many are very cheap to purchase and can be carried out in the comfort of your own living room, needing nothing more than a pair of trainers to work out with. The nation’s favourite Rosemary Conley has a great Fitness Triple Pack DVD (£5.99) which has workouts suitable for a range of fitness levels.

Think Creatively

There are some activities that you may not think of as exercise, but which will still keep you active over winter.

You could:

• - put on an album you love and dance in your living room
• - spend five minutes climbing up and down your stairs
• - walk a neighbour’s dog
• - tidy your garden
• - volunteer for your local community
• - stroll around a shopping centre with friends

If you’re going to exercise outside during winter, make sure you wrap up warm with several layers, and invest in a good fleece. Wear gloves, a hat and good socks, and try to avoid going out on your own to exercise when it’s dark.

http://www.silversurfers.com/health/diet-exercise/stay-active-winter/

7 foods that boost your love life

Eat your way to a better sex life

If your sex life is lacking a little, it might be time to start stocking your food cupboard with supplies that naturally enhance your time between the sheets. Not sure what to add? We’ve got a menu of seven delicious foods that will spark your sexual appetite in no time. Get ready to eat your way to a better sex life – here are 10 romance-inducing foods to help you do just that.

Better sex life food 1: Chocolate

How many times have we heard the phrase “chocolate is better than sex”? Well, a study carried out by independent Italian researchers in 2004 found that there may actually be a link between the two. Indeed, the study found that women who consumed chocolate on a daily basis had a higher sex drive than those who did not. Scientists suggest that this is because of the high levels of serotonin and phenylethylamine found in chocolate. These natural chemicals lead to that feeling of excitement in our brain and we’re feeling frisky before we know it. Now we know why men bring chocolates over for date night – gents, you’ve been rumbled!  

Better sex life food 2: Steak

Boost the sensitivity around your sexual organs with a tasty sirloin steak, which releases dopamine and norepinephrine to get you in the mood. Sirloin steak is packed with zinc, which gives you a boost of energy and sparks your libido. If that’s not a good excuse to tuck into a six-inch sirloin, we don’t know what is. For all the vegetarians out there, you’re not left out; beetroot is packed with both of the above hormones too, meaning that this has the same impact upon your sex drive as steak.

Better sex life food 3: Almonds

Almonds are a great natural source of essential fatty acids, which aid the natural production of hormones in men. Almonds are also a natural source of vitamin E, which is important for the production of oestrogen in women. If you’re lacking in these hormones there’s a good chance your sex drive will be waning too. Stock up on almonds and you’ll be back on form before you know it. Plus, the smell of almonds purportedly sparks feelings of intimacy and passion in the ladies – ooh la la.

Better sex life food 4: Vanilla ice cream

Great news for vanilla ice cream lovers – studies have proven that vanilla ice cream makes for the perfect aphrodisiac.  The dairy in ice cream contains calcium and phosphorous, which boosts our libido and makes orgasms more powerful. Not only that, but the scent of vanilla is renowned for its ability to make us feel happy and excited. So ladies and gents, next time you’re on a date night, don’t forget to ask for vanilla ice cream with your dessert.http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/7-foods-that-boost-your-love-life/

Secrets of a PT: The Ultimate Energy Boost

Known as Bulletproof Coffee, it’s the perfect pre-workout boost, with a powerful antioxidant hit and improved mineral absorption. By the time you hit that gym floor (or just your office), you really will feel bulletproof!

The brainchild of the ‘Bulletproof Exec’, Dave Asprey, Bulletproof Coffee might just be the healthiest way to consume your morning cup of java.

After being given a cup of traditional yak butter tea in Tibet, Dave researched the benefits of adding quality fats to tea or coffee – and Bulletproof Coffee is the result.

HOW TO MAKE BULLETPROOF COFFEE

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons of grass fed, organic butter (Kerrygold unsalted grass-fed butter is a good choice)

• 1 – 2 tablespoons of Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) Oil (helps increase energy and fat loss)

• 2 cups of freshly brewed, low toxin, organic coffee beans

Butter and oil might seem like an acquired taste first thing, but it actually tastes really yummy and is great at breakfast or for elevenses – it’ll keep you going all day!

But watch out - too much coffee, or drinking java at the wrong time can have a unpleasant effects…

HERE’S MY GOLDEN RULES WHEN IT COMES TO CAFFEINE:

1. No coffee after 2pm. But hey, you might like the nocturnal lifestyle?

2. No more than 2 cups of coffee a day. If you’re stressed or have trouble sleeping, stick to one cup first thing in the morning.

3. Stick to organic coffee. Even better is low-toxin beans, such as Bulletproof Upgraded Coffee beans

4. If you want to add flavour to your coffee, do it naturally. Cinnamon, vanilla, organic dark chocolate, nutmeg and stevia are all great, natural ways to add a sweet hit.

http://www.womenshealthmag.co.uk/weight-loss/fat-burners/1346/secrets-of-a-pt-bulletproof-coffee/

Devilled tomatoes on toast

Nutritious low G.I. breakfast

This is a really satisfying breakfast ... and quick to prepare. The tomatoes and the wholemeal toast have a really low G.I. and so will release energy to your bloodstream slowly and gradually; the tomatoes are brimming with nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin A and B and minerals such as niacin, riboflavin, magnesium, phosphorous and calcium. They are also a good source of fiber and the antioxidant lycopene (good for fighting disease).

You can play around with the ingredients to make the tomatoes as hot and spicy as you fancy, but this is how we like it ...

Method

1. Heat the grill so that it is hot.

2. Place the tomatoes stem up and cut them in half horizontally.

3. In a bowl, mix together the butter, cayenne, Worcester sauce, vinegar, mustard and salt and pepper.

4. Put the tomatoes on a baking sheet, cut side up, and pop a knob of butter mixture on each tomato half. Pour over any excess juice.

5. Sprinkle the sugar over the tomatoes.

6. Place under the grill for about 10 minutes until golden.

7. Meanwhile make your toast.

8. Place four tomato halves onto each slice of toast. Scrape any excess juices from the pan and pour over the tomatoes. Eat immediately.

Ingredients

• 4 good quality tomatoes (preferably on the vine), halved
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp English mustard
• 1 tbs Worcester sauce
• 1 tsp cider vinegar
• 20g softened butter
• ½ tsp sugar
• Salt and black pepper
• 2 slices good quality wholemeal bread to toast

Vital Statistics

Serves: 2
Preparation: 5 minutes
Cooking: 10 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Good for: Low G.I. nutritious breakfast which will keep you sustained until lunchtime

Calories (kcal): 207.5
Protein (g): 5.5
Carbs (g): 20.6
Fat (g): 11.7
Fiber (g): 3.2

http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/devilled-tomatoes-on-toast/

Making scents: 12 mood-boosting smells

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Lacking energy? Need to chill out?

Forget diamonds; a girl’s cheer-making best friend is none other than the humble lemon – new research from Radox has revealed that 34% of British women turn to a citrusy whiff when in need of a pick-me-up.

But lemons are not the only scent with the power to change our disposition.

Our olfactory glands are scientifically proven to be 10,000 times more sensitive than our sense of taste, so many aromas – even unassuming ones – can have an instant impact on our mood. So, if you want to…

Feel happy

Lemons have some impressive contenders when it comes to making you feel cheerful. The tropical jasmine flower might be diminutive, but its wonderfully floral fragrance is so powerful at stimulating feelings of optimism, it’s often used as an anti-depressant.

And what about that universally-loved aroma of freshly-cut grass? Researchers in Australia have discovered that this verdant smell not only makes you happier, it can also slow down mental decline in old age. They’ve even created a perfume that mimics the smell of a cut lawn for those who can’t be bothered to get the mower out.

Calm down

Lavender is well known for its sleep-inducing properties, but it can also be an effective stress-buster. So, if you’re having a particularly busy day at work, this lilac sprig will do wonders to calm you down.

Oranges are also known for their calming effects; in fact, in a recent study by Brazilian scientists, participants who were asked to sniff orange essential oils before an exam were shown to be a lot less anxious, and the feeling of relaxation even remained after the exam (not really surprising).

Become more energised

We’ve all experienced that mid-afternoon lull, so it’s not surprising that the one factor that both men and women agreed on in the Radox survey was that they are most in need of a mood boost at 3.56pm. But next time you’re flagging, eschew that cup of builder’s brew and bask in the aroma of a peppermint tea instead.

An American study revealed that peppermint inhalers gave university basketball players more energy, speed and motivation. Reebok even got on the bandwagon and released a peppermint-scented range of sports bras (yes, really).

Feel more brainy

Spices are known for stimulating endorphins when eaten, but the heady smell of cinnamon alone can help with cognitive processes including your memory, motor responses and ability to concentrate.

Alertness and memory can also be improved by rosemary, so make sure to turn to this humble herb when in need of an extra boost of brainpower.

 http://www.silversurfers.com/health/wellbeing-health-articles/making-scents-12-mood-boosting-smells/

How to Incorporate More Raw Foods Into Your Diet

Not everyone wants to be a full raw vegan. However, even adding in more fruits and veggies into your diet can create amazing changes, such as increased energy and weight loss. Here are some tips to add more raw foods into your life on a daily basis.

1) Make a raw food rule such as having a raw breakfast each day. You can do a green smoothie of bananas, water or coconut water, and kale or spinach. It's quick, will jumpstart your energy for the day, and set you off on the right foot. You can also just grab some fruit, peel it, and eat it. Fruit is the ultimate fast food and very portable. Most people aren't too hungry at breakfast and eat alone. This would be the best meal to eat your raw.Make sure you eat enough though. Two bananas is only 200 calories and won't cut it. You'll be ravenous by lunch and overeat. This will lead to a slow metabolism and weight gain. Eat at least 500 calories for breakfast and get used to the abundance.

2) Pack raw foods such as fruit, dried fruit, and some nuts with you on the go, so you can always have a healthy choice. What's really frustrating is if you want to eat something healthy, but don't have any options. That's a major bummer. Our society is so out of touch with how to eat properly. There are often not many healthy raw options available when you are eating on the go. It's no wonder we have an obesity epidemic and 1 out of 2 Americans die of heart disease. It always helps to pack some raw healthy choices with you so you can always be prepared.

3) Have a healthy attitude about healthy foods. There could be all the organic raw foods underneath your face, but if you are having negative thoughts about them, you won't eat them. Focus on the benefits of raw foods. Get excited about all the amazing changes that are going to happen. Some examples would be weight loss, increased energy, clearer skin, and feeling better! Don't think that you are depriving yourself. This is an abundant lifestyle, with large portions, and you can eat as much as you want! On the other way of eating you'd always have to portion control your food anyways or else you'd balloon up. Plus, what are you depriving yourself of really? Toxins and chemicals that will make you gain weight, cause premature aging, and lethargy? Remember, it's just a different way of eating that will taste better overtime and deliver amazing changes in your life. Every time you have a negative thought about raw foods, try to create a counter argument that addresses the flip side. Such as if you think raw foods aren't as tasty, the counterargument could be that they will taste better over time and that life will be more tasty. You will have more energy, look and feel better, and have a greater vitality which will make your daily life more exciting and pleasurable. And yes your taste buds regenerate over time and acquire a taste for the raw foods.



http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Incorporate-More-Raw-Foods-Into-Your-Diet&id=8762975