Minister's Morning Teas

24/05/2021

Carica papaya is the scientific name of the orange and green fruit known more commonly as papaya. It tastes sweet and has a soft texture that many find appealing. The seeds are also edible, although they’re more bitter than the fruit itself. Papayas contain high levels of antioxidants vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Diets high in antioxidants may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Additionally, papaya's high fiber content may reduce the risk of heart disease. High-fiber diets lower cholesterol levels. Papaya also has folic acid, which is essential for converting the amino acid homocysteine into less harmful amino acids. High levels of homocysteine, an amino acid primarily found in meat products, are a risk factor for heart disease. So eating papaya in your diet may lower homocysteine levels, reducing this risk factor.

In addition to keeping your body healthy, papaya can also help your skin look more toned and youthful. The vitamin C and lycopene in papaya protect your skin and may help reduce these signs of aging. The powerful antioxidants in papaya can help your skin recover from sun damage and may defend against wrinkling.

21/05/2021

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L) is part of the Apiaceae family, which contains 3,700 species, including carrots, celery, and parsley. All parts of the plant are edible, but people most commonly use the fresh leaves and dried seeds in cooking. Cilantro has been a part of global cuisine for a long time.

People use cilantro as a flavorsome addition to soups, salads, curries, and other dishes. In some parts of the world, people call it coriander. In the United States, cilantro refers to the leaves, and coriander refers to the seeds. Its nutritional content may provide a range of health benefits.

It is a good source of antioxidants, which prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals. It's antioxidants have been shown to fight inflammation in your body, may reduce brain inflammation, improve memory, and reduce anxiety symptoms. Coriander may also lower blood sugar by activating certain enzymes. In fact, it’s powerful enough that people with low blood sugar should use it cautiously.

19/05/2021

Olives are small fruits that grow on olive trees. They belong to a group of fruit called drupes, or stone fruits, and are related to mangoes, cherries, peaches, almonds, and pistachios. Olives are very high in vitamin E and other powerful antioxidants. Studies show that they are good for the heart and may protect against osteoporosis and cancer. The healthy fats in olives are extracted to produce olive oil, one of the key components of the incredibly healthy Mediterranean diet. Olives are often enjoyed in salads, sandwiches, and tapenades. These stone fruits is very easy to incorporate into your routine and makes a great addition to a healthy, whole-foods-based diet. In the Mediterranean region, 90% of olives are used to make olive oil.

18/05/2021

Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that is naturally high in fiber and B-vitamins. It provides antioxidants and phytonutrients that can protect against cancer. It also contains fiber to enhance weight loss and digestion, choline that is essential for learning and memory, and many other important nutrients.

Fiber in cauliflower is important in preventing constipation, maintaining a healthy digestive tract, and lowering the risk of colon cancer. Studies have shown that dietary fiber may also help regulate the immune system and inflammation. As a result, it could help decrease the risk of inflammation-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity.

17/05/2021

Seaweed is a form of marine plants and algae that grow in salty water. Traditionally an Asian-cuisine favorite, this sea vegetable has made its way across the oceans and become a popular ingredient in western dishes, too — you’ll see it wrapped around sushi, roasted as a kid’s snack, and served as a bright green seaweed salad. It’s unsurprising, as the delicious umami-flavored ingredient is not only versatile, but low in calories and packs a serious nutritional punch.

Seaweed or sea vegetables are full of nutrients. Coming in a multitude of colours, textures, shapes and sizes, all types contain a rich supply of minerals, most prominently calcium, copper, iodine and iron. They are also rich in protein, fibre and vitamins, specifically vitamin K and folic acid, while being low in calories and fat.

Thanks to their impressive nutritional profile, seaweeds are beneficial to health, and are thought to help the body fight illness and disease. The Japanese have one of the highest life expectancies in the world, and one significant, standout dietary habit is their regular consumption of seaweeds. Seaweeds contain a molecule known as fucoidans, which are believed to be responsible for these impressive health benefits, contributing not just to overall life expectancy, but also to immunity and cardiovascular function. If a superfood is something that’s packed with nutrients and comes with serious health benefits, then yes seaweed can be considered a superfood.

14/05/2021

Bran, the hard outer layer of whole cereal grains such as oats, wheat, rice, and corn, contains healthy doses of protein, iron, fiber, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and other nutrients, including B-vitamins. Many people associate it with a "healthy" muffin or "good" choice of breakfast cereal. Milling strips the bran from grains, significantly reducing the nutritional content of refined products such as white flours, quick-cooking rice, and breakfast grits.

Bran contains the highest concentration of fiber in whole grains, with wheat and rice bran leading in percentages of both soluable and insoluable fiber, which aid digestion and promote healthy gut bacteria. A quarter-cup serving delivers 6 grams, or 22.1 percent of the daily recommended value. For comparison, a quarter cup of oat bran contains 3.6 grams of fiber. Rice bran delivers the highest doses of B vitamins, oat bran has the most protein, and corn bran is the lowest in fat, but wheat bran overall delivers the most nutrition per calorie. Wheat bran is high in fiber and contains lignan phytochemicals and phytic acid — all of which may be associated with a reduced risk of colon and breast cancer.

13/05/2021

Tofu, or bean curd, is a popular food derived from soya. It is made by curdling fresh soya milk, pressing it into a solid block and then cooling it – in much the same way that traditional dairy cheese is made by curdling and solidifying milk. The liquid (whey) is discarded, and the curds are pressed to form a cohesive bond. A staple ingredient in Thai and Chinese cookery, it can be cooked in different ways to change its texture from smooth and soft to crisp and crunchy.

Tofu is a good source of protein and contains all nine essential amino acids. It is also a valuable plant source of iron and calcium and the minerals manganese and phosphorous. In addition to this, it also contains magnesium, copper, zinc and vitamin B1. An excellent food from a nutritional and health perspective, tofu is thought to provide many of the same benefits as soya beans.

An excellent source of amino acids, iron, calcium and other micronutrients, tofu is a versatile ingredient with many health benefits.

05/05/2021

Eggs are a very good source of inexpensive, high-quality protein. More than half the protein of an egg is found in the egg white, which also includes vitamin B2 and lower amounts of fat than the yolk. Eggs are rich sources of selenium, vitamin D, B6, B12 and minerals such as zinc, iron and copper. Egg yolks contain more calories and fat than the whites. They are a source of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K and lecithin, the compound that enables emulsification in recipes such as hollandaise or mayonnaise.

Eggs are also a useful source of vitamin D, which helps to protect bones and prevent osteoporosis and rickets. Shop wisely, because the method of production – free range, organic or barn-raised – can make a difference to vitamin D content. Eggs should be included as part of a varied and balanced diet. They are filling, and when enjoyed for breakfast, may help with weight management as part of a weight-loss programme, as the high protein content helps us to feel fuller for longer.

03/05/2021

Bean sprouts are produced by the seeds of all types of beans but the two primary types in the world come from mung beans and soybeans. They contain a high level of protein, at an average of 5 grams per cup of these sprouts. According to USDA, mung beans contain significant levels of vitamin C and vitamin B6, they also contain iron, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin, thiamin, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and copper. These tiny sprouts also have an extremely low level of fat, no cholesterol, and no saturated fat. The dietary fiber content is excellent – more than 2.5 grams per cup, along with a low level of other complex carbohydrates. Finally, the calorie count of these sprouts is quite low, providing no more than 65 calories per cup.

The crunchy, tasty goodness of bean sprouts can be incredibly beneficial to overall health because they are packed with plant protein, contain no fat, and are very low in calories. They are helpful in weight loss, boosting bone, heart, and liver health, treating brain disorders, and improving digestion. Bean sprouts are also good for optimizing metabolism, balancing cholesterol levels, maintaining good eyesight, and having an antioxidant effect. These sprouts are rich in folates so they also benefit women’s health and prevent birth defects in children.

30/04/2021

Chili peppers are the fruits of Capsicum pepper plants, notable for their hot flavor. They are members of the nightshade family, related to bell peppers and tomatoes. Chili peppers are a popular spice in many parts of the world and well known for their hot, pungent flavor. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and various unique plant compounds. These include capsaicin, the substance that causes your mouth to burn. Capsaicin is the main bioactive plant compound in chili peppers, responsible for their unique, pungent taste and also very high in antioxidant carotenoids, which are linked to numerous health benefits.

28/04/2021

Sesame is a great, healthy addition to any diet and is considered a superfood by many. Being a “superfood” means that it has added health benefits and often contains high amounts of nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants.

Many different cultures use sesame as a “prescription” for everything from improving skin, teeth and hair to helping with digestion. Sesame has compounds called ligans which have cholesterol and blood pressure lowering effects. Also contained in sesame is vitamin E, an antioxidant that can help decrease inflammation in your body. However, keep in mind that to take full advantage of the health benefits of sesame, you would need much more than what you generally find on a menu. You will often see sesame as a garnish or in small quantities as sesame oil.

To increase the amount of sesame you get every day, try adding some to your diet by sprinkling sesame on cereal or yogurt, adding it to your salads and stir fry dishes and opting for sesame seed buns.

22/04/2021

You’re probably familiar with miso from the side soups you’ve been served at Japanese and other asian restaurants, but there’s a whole lot more to this magical fermented superfood than meets the eye! Available in various different types and crammed full of nutrients, miso is a versatile superfood which is equally as tasty in sweet dishes as it is in savoury.

We see miso as an ancient superfood. It has been enjoyed throughout Asia for centuries as a delicious soup and as an ingredient in cooking with great health credentials. Miso is highly nutritious, packed full of vitamins, antioxidants, protein and minerals that help to strengthen your immune system, keeping you healthy and well.

This Japanese condiment benefits also our brain health. Probiotic-rich foods such as miso may benefit brain health by helping improve memory and reducing symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression, autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Miso benefits also our heart health. Miso soup may reduce the risk of death from heart disease. If you’re planning to give miso a try, just keep in mind that its flavor can be strong and quite salty. A small amount can go a long way.

Minister's Morning is a brand of organic teas, all of which are proudly produced in the Japanese tea heartland of Shizuoka. Our lineup includes matcha, houjicha, green tea amongst others.

21/04/2021

Broccoli is a branched, green vegetable with either purple or more commonly green flower buds. It belongs to the cruciferous family, along with cauliflower, cabbage and kale and it can be eaten raw or cooked. It is a good source of fibre and protein, and contains iron, potassium, calcium, selenium and magnesium as well as the vitamins A, C, E, K and a good array of B vitamins including folic acid.

Research found that consuming steamed broccoli regularly lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing the total amount of cholesterol in the body. It also contains certain carotenoids called lutein and zeaxanthin that reduced the risk of age-related eye disorders, such as cataract and macular degeneration. Night blindness is also associated with a deficiency of vitamin A. Broccoli contains beta-carotene which the body converts to vitamin A.

Another key component of broccoli is a phytochemical known as sulforaphane, which plays a part in enhancing detoxification of airborne toxins, such as cigarette smoke, and could help reduce the risk of certain cancers. Further research has suggested that broccoli may have anti-cancer properties and could reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Whether you eat broccoli raw or cooked, it is a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

16/04/2021

Shiitake mushrooms are one of the most popular mushrooms worldwide. They are prized for their rich, savory taste and diverse health benefits. While typically eaten like vegetables, shiitake are fungi that grow naturally on decaying hardwood trees.

Compounds in shiitake may help fight cancer, boost immunity, and support heart health. They are low in calories and they also offer good amounts of fiber, as well as B vitamins and some minerals. In addition, shiitake contain many of the same amino acids as meat. They also boast polysaccharides, terpenoids, sterols, and lipids, some of which have immune-boosting, cholesterol-lowering, and anticancer effects. Overall, shiitake mushrooms are an excellent addition to your diet.

15/04/2021

Cucumbers are considered one of the absolute best foods for the health of the skin, joints, liver & kidneys. They are also a natural energy tonic with their rich array of phytonutrients and electrolytes.

Cucumbers are loaded with the mineral silica, which is an essential component for healthy connective tissue (muscles, ligaments, cartilage, bone, & skin). It is also full of ionic potassium, magnesium, & vitamin C which give it a powerful alkalizing effect within the body. Additionally, cucumbers are particularly rich in fluids that hydrate the skin, joints, and tissues.

Scientists discovered that one of the best senolytics, a class of molecules with the potential to prevent a host of age-related diseases, available is a naturally occurring compound in cucumbers: fisetin not only performs a surgical strike on worn-out cells, but it also significantly decreases inflammation, another major factor in the advance of old age and the accompanying rise in cancer risk. The humble sandwich filler has been found to have the power to slash your cancer risk.

There are so many ways cucumbers can help you and with so many health benefits, they should naturally be a part of your daily nutrition plan.

14/04/2021

Eating pistachios is always a great idea because they contain several key nutrients that our bodies need for healthy functioning. They contain high numbers of healthy fats, plenty of antioxidants, loads of fiber and protein. Pistachios, a superfood nut for all ages, are also considered as one of the foods richest in vitamin B6 which helps to form hemoglobin (carrying oxygen in our red blood cells) and to regulate blood sugar levels. In fact, they are so rich in potassium that they have more potassium than you’d find in a banana! Vitamin B6 also helps the body to build strong immunity and, if you consume pistachios on a daily basis, you are helping your body to fight off viruses and bacteria. Since pistachio nuts contain high levels of the essential vitamins A and E (which have excellent anti-inflammatory properties), they can help your body to reduce inflammation in any area and are a great natural alternative to regular anti-inflammatories.

"It is important to take care of your eye health and pistachios help you to do this by supplying large quantities of zeaxanthin and lutein which both help to keep our eyes healthy. The antioxidants in pistachios are unusually easy for the stomach to digest, so no nutrients are wasted! This is great news because the tocopherols and polyphenols in pistachios help to prevent heart disease and cancer.

Pistachios also work wonders with your skin! This is because (with their good fat content) they help your body to combat skin dryness. The healthy fats contained in pistachio nuts are excellent carriers and a wonderful base oil which is the basic ingredient in natural therapies such as traditional massage therapy and aromatherapy."

13/04/2021

Almonds are not only healthy, we would even call them superfood. They are actually the most nutritionally dense nut, meaning they offer the highest concentration of overall nutrients per calorie and per ounce. What’s more, almonds are a good source of potassium, calcium, vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorous, and iron. Now that’s something to go nuts over!

Almonds may also help with weight loss, reducing fat mass, and lowering systolic blood pressure in combination with a low-calorie diet. Studies suggest eating almonds alone— without making any other dietary considerations— could spur a healthier diet all around. When subjects added almonds to their regular diets, they unintentionally upped their intake of healthy options like plant proteins and fiber, while reducing intake of some less-than-healthy picks packed with cholesterol and sugar— no nutritionist required. Plus, a recent study shows that snacking on almonds can reduce hunger without leading to weight gain. And because almonds are so nutritionally dense and include a good deal of fat, a small handful is a good-sized serving. About 1 to 1.5 ounces of almonds per day is a good amount to reap health benefits, and should be used to replace a portion of less-healthy saturated fats, often found in fatty meats and dairy.

12/04/2021

Black beans should be part of every diet. They have a satisfying texture and mildly sweet flavor. They’re also incredibly healthy, providing multiple vital nutrients with minimal fat and sugar. The antioxidants, fiber, protein, and carbohydrates in black beans make them nutritionally powerful. A diet rich in beans can reduce your risk of several serious medical conditions and help your body to process calories more effectively.

Black beans help prevent cancer because they’re filled with phytochemicals that protect your cells from damage — and black beans are thought to be even more packed with antioxidants than other varieties. Beans are also full of fiber, which has been found to lower the risk for colorectal cancer. A recent study at the Harvard School for Public Health even found that eating more beans and less rice can lower diabetes risk by as much as 35 percent.