Magical make up of matcha
Tea is the second most consumed beverage globally, surpassed only by water. Among the various types of teas, Japanese matcha has garnered global attention for its distinct flavour, vibrant green colour, and remarkable health benefits. Made from finely ground Tencha leaves of Camellia sinensis, matcha is a powdered form of green tea with a rich concentration of bioactive compounds, offering superior nutritional and therapeutic value compared to other teas.
What sets matcha apart is its traditional cultivation method. The tea plants are shaded for several weeks before harvest, which boosts the synthesis of specific bioactive compounds like theanine, caffeine, chlorophyll, and catechins. These compounds contribute significantly to its health-promoting properties.
Matcha is exceptionally rich in polyphenols, which can make up around 30% of its dry weight. These natural antioxidants combat oxidative stress and inflammation, acting similarly to Vitamins C and E, carotene, and tocopherol. Notably, matcha contains four main catechins — (−)-epicatechin (EC), (−)-epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG), (−)-epigallocatechin (EGC), and the highly potent (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). EGCG is the most abundant and active, offering broad-spectrum health protection.
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Economic Times
2 hours ago
- Economic Times
Want lower blood pressure and stronger legs? Japanese walking might be the simple daily fix you need
Japanese walking, or interval walking training, involves alternating between brisk and slow walking for short periods. This method, developed by Japanese researchers, offers numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, increased muscle strength, and better blood sugar regulation. It's a simple, low-impact exercise suitable for various fitness levels. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What is Japanese Walking? How can you practice Japanese Walking? Why are three minutes required for the intervals? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Who benefits the most from this Japanese walking method? What are the health benefits of Japanese walking? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Is Japanese walking easier and better than regular walking? Can shorter intervals still help? FAQs Could a simple change in your walking style be the key to improved health? A growing number of physicians and researchers believe so. " Japanese walking ," a method developed nearly two decades ago, is now being praised for its numerous benefits, including lower blood pressure , increased muscle strength , and better mental health. Interval walking training ," which is currently referred to as "Japanese walking, a straightforward regimen that alternates between slow and fast walking, was created by Japanese researchers almost 20 years quickly for three minutes (roughly 70% of your maximum aerobic capacity) followed by walking slowly for three minutes (roughly 40% of your maximum aerobic capacity). For a total of 30 minutes each session, repeat the cycle, as per a report by Very Well used three-minute intervals in the original study because older participants started to feel fatigued after you couldn't initially handle three-minute intervals, you would probably still see some improvement with shorter with three minutes of regular walking, followed by one minute of brisk walking , and extending the duration of the brisk walking interval as your fitness increases would be entirely most suitable individuals for Japanese walking are those who feel bored or stuck with their daily walking schedule. People who are striving to reverse insulin resistance, early metabolic syndrome, or have mild joint issues can benefit from low-impact exercise is ideal for older adults or beginners because it is simple to start, requires no equipment, and may provide long-term cardiovascular and metabolic National Hospital physical therapist Kevin McGuinness said, "This is a useful strategy for people who can't tolerate activities like running or hiking due to injury, weakness, or balance issues."Anahita Kalianivala, PhD, a clinical psychologist in Reno, Nevada, believes that strategies such as interval walking can be surprisingly effective in re-training the nervous system to tolerate explains that a common technique for managing chronic pain in cognitive behavioral therapy is time-based activity pacing, which helps the body and brain associate activity with safety and the ability to continue rather than danger and the need to crash, as quoted in a exercise has been demonstrated to increase VO2max, decrease blood pressure, and aid in blood sugar regulation. Interval walking was found to increase peak aerobic capacity, thigh muscle strength, and blood pressure.• Interval walking is an effective way to improve long-term health, particularly for middle-aged and older adults.• It consists of alternating short periods of brisk walking and slower-paced recovery, which dynamically engages the cardiovascular system.• Interval walking is simple to learn, requires no special equipment or gym access, and causes metabolic you would like to try Japanese walking, you could ease yourself into the routine by beginning with shorter bursts of brisk walking than the three-minute intervals used in alternating speeds gives your heart and muscles a better workout while reducing can begin with shorter intervals and progress gradually.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Drinks, desserts, stir-fries: Yuzu is having its moment
Matcha exotic fingers with yuzu Yuzu blueberry tart Earlier this year, yuzu – a staple in Japanese and Korean cuisines – was named the flavour of 2025 by a company that provides flavouring products. No wonder then that the vibrant citrusy fruit with notes of mandarin, grapefruit and lemon is finding its 'it' moment across cuisines, including Indian. Dubai-based executive pastry chef Rajkumar Kalal says, 'Yuzu's intense citrus flavour is a hit among food connoisseurs as it hits that perfect tangy note, especially when incorporated in desserts like mango yuzu cheesecake, banana yuzu parfait, and raspberry yuzu petit gateaux.' Adds chef Jay Kasawlekar, 'Yuzu infuses cheesecakes, mousses, and sorbets with an unparalleled bright, tangy, and aromatic twist. Essentially, yuzu's concentrated zest and juice elevate both sweet and savoury dishes. It works great with vegetables and vegan dishes as well and is also a key ingredient in condiments like ponzu and yuzu kosho.' 'Yuzu has a bright, complex citrus flavour; it's more aromatic than normal citrus fruits. Yuzu pairs well with desserts using berries and fruits, lending a refreshing tangy flavour,' says Rajkumar Kalal, executive pastry chef. Blue pea yuzu lemonade 'Healthy, aromatic & versatile' What works for yuzu is its versatility – the peel can be used as zest to flavour cakes or frostings or sliced into strips and infused in syrups. Yuzu juice is considered an ideal replacement for lemon or lime juice in dipping sauces, brine or pickles, or even added to sparkling drinks for a citrusy sour note. Not just taste, yuzu also packs in health benefits, say experts, including potentially elevating one's mood and boosting immune health. Says sports nutritionist Pallak Shah, 'Yuzu contains antioxidants which help protect the body from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. It also has a significantly higher vitamin C content than other citrus fruits.' Yuzu in traditional Japanese dishes : Light yuzu salt ramen noodles: The addition of yuzu helps balance the savoury saltiness of the delicate, flavourful broth Miso-ginger marinated grilled salmon: Drizzle yuzu juice over the miso-ginger marinated fish for a delicate, aromatic flourish to the salmon Yuzu cheesecake: It's creamy and smooth like a cheesecake with a burst of tanginess from the yuzu. It's fragrant and delicate, with a balanced flavour profile Yuzu ponzu: A dipping sauce made with yuzu, vinegar, and soy sauce – add a dash of mirin or dashi for added complexity Pair it right: Noodles (soba or udon): Yuzu zest or juice in dipping sauces enhances cold or hot noodle dishes Soy sauce & miso : Classic umami-rich pairings for yuzu in dressings, glazes, and marinades Avocado: Yuzu brightens creamy textures, great in tartare or guacamole with an Asian twist Pickled vegetables: Yuzu's floral citrus adds depth to quick pickles Savoury main course dishes : Yuzu-chilli glazed paneer or halloumi skewers, roasted cauliflower with yuzu-tahini dressing, yuzu kosho vegetable stir-fry – the options are endless Matcha: Yuzu's acidity lifts the bitterness of matcha – excellent for cakes, tarts, or ice creams White chocolate : Creamy, sweet, and citrusy – works perfectly in ganache, truffles, or mousse Vanilla & almond : Yuzu's brightness cuts through richness, enhancing custards, panna cotta, or financiers Berries: The tartness of the fruit pairs well with yuzu in compotes, glazes, or tarts Coconut: Yuzu cuts the fat in coconut-based desserts like panna cotta or sorbet Honey: Good in yuzu teas, syrups, or poached fruit desserts Green or jasmine tea: Infuses a citrus floral profile into drinks Yuzu soda, yuzu ginger fizz, yuzu mojito, yuzu cucumber sparkler or yuzu lassi : Create a variety of beverages by spotlighting yuzu juice combined with other ingredients Indian mithai with a yuzu touch : Yuzu jalebi: Mix yuzu juice and zest into the jalebi batter. Then soak the fried jalebi in a yuzu-infused sugar syrup. This balances the sweetness with the bright citrus notes Yuzu rasgulla : Adding yuzu juice to the syrup of rasgullas gives this sweet, spongy dessert a tangy flavour that pairs beautifully with its sweetness. Yuzu ghewar with rabdi : For ghewar topped with rabdi, you can infuse the rabdi with yuzu zest and the ghewar batter with yuzu juice. This can help elevate your regular ghewar to something new and exotic - Inputs by chef and food stylist Jay Kasawlekar Written by: Yashaswi Kochar One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
Universal Artificial Blood For All Types In Clinical Trials, Could Save Millions
In a medical breakthrough that could save millions of lives, Japanese researchers have started clinical trials to explore the effectiveness and safety of universal artificial blood. Led by Professor Hiromi Sakai at Nara Medical University, the artificial blood, usable for all blood types, could have a shelf life of up to two years. If successful, it could transform the emergency medicare system across the globe. Their approach involves extracting haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying molecule in red blood cells, from expired donor blood. It is then encased in a protective shell to create stable, virus-free artificial red blood cells, according to a report in Newsweek. Unlike donated blood, these artificial cells have no blood type, eliminating the need for compatibility testing and making them invaluable in emergencies. Notably, donated blood has a shelf life of just 42 days, and even then, there is not enough of it, and requires compatibility amongst different blood groups. For the trial, the researchers administered 100 to 400 millilitres of the artificial blood to 16 healthy adult volunteers in March. If the test safety and efficacy are achieved, the researchers are hoping for practical use by 2030, making Japan the first country in the world to deploy artificial blood for real-world medical care. "The need for artificial blood cells is significant as there is currently no safe substitute for red cells," said Professor Sakai. Social media reacts Reacting to the start of the clinical trials, social media users marvelled at the potential implications with some claiming it was a Nobel Prize-winning endeavour, if it was a success. "If true, and not inordinately expensive, this is going to be completely transformational," said one user, while another added: "If it is safe, this is worth a Nobel Prize." A third commented: "Japanese scientists are really doing the most between this, regrowing teeth, and the shots that make cats live longer. Really hope this stuff makes it worldwide." Notably, the US has been developing ErythroMer (made from 'recycled' haemoglobin) for the past few years, and has already started pre-clinical testing. Last year, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announced a Rs 394 crore ($46 million) grant to a University of Maryland-led consortium to develop a shelf-stable, field-deployable whole blood substitute with ErythroMer as its core.
