Most of us might not be familiar with Ashitaba, an herb native to Asia, which has been a go-to home remedy in Japan for centuries. The Japanese seem to have discovered something significant, as Ashitaba is more nutrient-rich than vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, celery, and cucumbers. It’s part of the Apiaceae family, which also includes familiar foods like celery, carrots, and fennel. Ashitaba is believed to stimulate Qi, the life force said to flow around every person.
Ashitaba tea is hailed for its health benefits, offering properties such as cytotoxic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antibacterial effects. Packed with 13 minerals, 11 vitamins, carotene, saponins, proteins, fiber, germanium, glycosides, chlorophyll, enzymes, coumarins, and a unique flavonoid called chalcones, Ashitaba is truly a health powerhouse. Many people are switching to Ashitaba as an alternative to other leafy greens due to its milder taste, akin to celery root or guava leaves.
When harvested, Ashitaba releases a golden sap rich in healing properties. Some countries are now using this nutrient-dense sap to make “super food” drinks. With its purported health benefits, Ashitaba is garnering worldwide research interest. Drinking Ashitaba tea can be advantageous for anemia, strengthening bones with calcium, reducing excess water retention, and boosting heart health. It also contains fiber and proteins for muscle building and chlorophyll for healing.
Natural antioxidants in Ashitaba tea provide multiple benefits, such as enhancing the immune system, preventing joint and skin inflammation, and lowering the risk of age-related conditions. These antioxidants combat the cellular damage caused by free radicals, which are particularly harmful to the skin.
Ashitaba contains melatonin, an antioxidant that not only slows aging by fighting free radicals but also aids in restful sleep. Melatonin, primarily released by the pineal gland, helps regulate sleep-wake cycles and is commonly used to address sleep issues like jet lag or shift work.
Among the 20 flavonoids in Ashitaba’s chalcones, 4-hydroxyderricin and xanthoangelol are particularly effective in reducing visceral and subcutaneous fat, boosting metabolism, which helps with weight loss. The glycoside compound in Ashitaba substitutes for sugar, curbing sweet cravings and promoting an alkaline pH in the body, thereby suppressing appetite for fatty foods.
A healthy digestive system is crucial for nutrient absorption and waste elimination. Ashitaba tea’s chalcones help relax the intestines, facilitating digestion and improving bowel movements. The tea also acts as a diuretic, aiding in the removal of excess water and supporting better digestive health.
Detoxification, essentially cleansing the blood, is vital for good health. Ashitaba tea, rich in chlorophyll and vitamin B12, assists in forming hemoglobin and red blood cells without stressing the liver.
Diabetes involves the body’s impaired ability to produce or respond to insulin, leading to issues with carbohydrate metabolism and elevated blood sugar levels. Ashitaba tea shows promise in preventing or delaying diabetes, thanks to its ability to reduce insulin usage and regulate blood sugar levels with its chalcones.
Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, greatly influenced by diet. Ashitaba tea supports heart health by regulating blood sugar and is rich in potassium, which enhances heart muscle function.
Ashitaba tea is also effective against colds and flu. Its antioxidants boost the immune system, while its anti-inflammatory properties help prevent arthritis and joint discomfort.
Additionally, Ashitaba tea strengthens brain function by promoting healthy brain nerves, thanks to its high B12 vitamin content, which stimulates Nerve Growth Factor production. This helps prevent memory loss from conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
In summary, Ashitaba tea offers numerous health benefits, making it a convenient and natural way to maintain health and a youthful appearance. Among its benefits are improved central nervous system function, diabetes prevention, and digestive health improvement. Looking for more super teas? Explore the benefits of Cistus tea and Chinese puer tea!
