Genmaicha health benefits
A dear friend of mine introduced me to this wonderful tea over 10 years ago and it remained as a favorite. It's scent and taste makes me relax. It literally changes my mood. It helps my digestion. The toasty brown rice flavor is great for the palate.
Our favorite sushi spot - Big Fish in Sherman oaks - serves a wicked, home made version that keeps you glued to your table and talk to your eating companions long after you are done with your sushi.
Here are some of the health benefits:
Blood Pressure
In Chinese medicine, green tea such as genmaicha is believed to help lower high blood pressure; however, research on this use is inconclusive. A study published in 2004 in the “Archives of Internal Medicine” concluded that drinking green tea daily for one year significantly reduced the risk of developing hypertension. However, other studies have shown no effect.
Heart Health
Epidemiological studies suggest that drinking green tea lowers your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. A study in the “American Journal of Epidemiology” found that people who had drunk 1 or more cups of green tea, such as genmaicha, per day in the previous year had a 44 percent lower risk of heart attack than those who drank no tea. A 2001 meta-analysis in the “American Journal of Epidemiology” on the effect of tea on cardiovascular disease estimated that an increase in green tea consumption of 3 cups per day decreased the incidence rate of heart attack by 11 percent.
Serving Tips
To prepare genmaicha, use 1 heaping teaspoonful of loose-leaf tea for each cup of water. Genmaicha, like other green teas, should be steeped at a lower temperature than black or oolong teas. The ideal water temperature is 176 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Steep your genmaicha for no longer than three minutes to avoid an overly bitter tea. If your resulting tea is too strong, use fewer leaves next time. If you’d like a stronger tea, brew your next cup with more leaves. Traditionally, genmaicha is enjoyed without added milk or sweeteners.
