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Matcha is having a moment. What are the health benefits of this green tea drink?

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Matcha’s popularity has increased in recent months, resulting in reports of: global shortages and price increases.

If you are not crazy yet, matcha is a powdered version of green tea. On the cafe’s menu, chances are you’ll see a hot or iced matcha latte, and even a matcha-flavored cake or cookie. A fast Google appears countless recipes containing matcha, each sweet and spicy.

Retailers and cafe owners they suggested The predominant reasons for matcha’s popularity are its Instagrammable appearance and alleged health benefits.

But what are the health benefits of matcha? Here’s what the evidence says.

First of all, what is matcha?

Matcha is a finely ground powder of green tea leaves that come from the plant. It is the same plant from which green and black tea are produced. However, production process distinguishes matcha from green and black tea.

In the case of matcha, the tea is grown in the shade. After harvesting, the leaves are steamed and dried, and the stems are removed. The leaves are then fastidiously ground at a controlled temperature to acquire a powder.

The production process for green tea is simpler. Leaves are collected from unshaded plants, heated and dried. We then soak the dried leaves in hot water to make tea (whereas with matcha, the whole leaf is consumed).

In the case of black tea, the leaves are exposed to air after being picked, which results in oxidation. This turns the leaves black and offers the tea a different flavor.

In countries similar to Japan, matcha is traditionally whipped with water and served in a stone bowl.
Charlotte May/Pexels

Source of phytonutrients

Phytonutrients are chemical compounds present in plants which have a number of benefits for human health. Matcha comprises several.

Chlorophyll gives plants, amongst others, green color. There is some evidence that chlorophyll can have health benefits – amongst others anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-obesity – as a result of its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage our cells.

Theanine has been shown to improve sleep AND reduce stress and anxiety. Only other known Mushrooms are a dietary source of theanine.

Caffeine is a phytonutrient that we all know well. In addition to increasing alertness, caffeine has also been shown to extend alertness antioxidant effect and a few protection against a range of chronic and neurodegenerative diseases. However, an excessive amount of caffeine can have negative unwanted effects.

Interestingly, the plants seem like shading during cultivation change the dietary composition leaf and should result in higher levels of these nutrients in matcha in comparison with green tea.

Another compound value mentioning are catechins, of which there are several differing types. Matcha powder similarly comprises more catechins than green tea. They are powerful antioxidants that have been shown have a protective effect against bacteria, viruses, allergies, inflammation and cancer. Catechins are also found in apples, blueberries and strawberries.

What are the real health benefits?

We know that matcha comprises a variety of phytonutrients, but does this translate into any noticeable health benefits?

A review published in 2023 identified only five experimental studies that gave people matcha. In these studies, participants received roughly 2–4 g of matcha per day (reminiscent of 1–2 teaspoons of matcha powder) in comparison with a placebo, in the form of a capsule, tea or food. Matcha reduces stress and anxiety and improves memory and cognitive functions. It had no effect on the mood.

AND newer study showed that 2 g of matcha in elderly people aged 60 to 85 improved sleep quality. However, in younger people aged 27 to 64, in one other study matcha had little effect on sleep.

AND research in individuals with obesity found no difference in weight reduction observed between the matcha group and the control group. This study didn’t randomize participants, and other people knew which group they were placed in.

One could hypothesize that, given that you’re going to eat the whole leaf and that levels of some nutrients could also be higher as a result of growing conditions, matcha can have more dietary benefits than green tea. However, to my knowledge, there has not been a direct comparison of the health effects of green tea versus matcha.

Matcha latte in a black cup on a brown table.
Matcha has gained popularity, but evidence of its health benefits is still limited.
Usanee/Shutterstock

There is a lot of evidence about the effects of green tea

Although a limited number of studies have examined matcha to this point and none have compared matcha to green tea, there is quite a bit of research on the health benefits of drinking green tea.

AND systematic review of 21 studies on green tea showed similar benefits to matcha in improving memory, in addition to evidence of improving mood.

There is also evidence that green tea provides other health benefits. Systematic reviews have shown that green tea results in: weight reduction in individuals with obesitylower level some types of cholesterolAND lowered blood pressure. Green tea can too reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

So for those who cannot reach for matcha right away, drinking green tea may be a good option to get your caffeine fix.

Although the evidence for green tea gives us some clues about the health benefits of matcha, we cannot ensure that they will probably be the same. Nevertheless, in case your local coffee shop has a large supply of matcha, there is nothing to say that you should not still enjoy matcha drinks.

However, it is best to save lots of the matcha croissant or cronut for special occasions. Adding matcha to foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat may negate any health benefits which may be attributed to matcha.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Health and Wellness

“Get Lifted” by John Legend (twentieth Anniversary Edition) [Interview] – Essence

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Photo credit: Danny Clinch

When John Legend unveiled his debut album in 2004, he couldn’t have predicted the extraordinary legacy it could construct over the following 20 years. Now, with the discharge the singer returns to the project that launched his profession and redefined the boundaries of R&B, hip-hop and neo-soul. Available now, the digital Deluxe Edition offers fans a refreshed tackle timeless classics with remixes, rare tracks and collaborations that bring latest energy to the music.

The twentieth Anniversary Edition includes 11 bonus tracks, including remixes from iconic artists equivalent to Tems, Killer Mike, Lil Wayne, Simi and Black Thought. Two previously unreleased songs – “Do What I Gotta Do” and “Just In Time” – offer fans an intimate look into Legend’s creative process during this era. The album’s revival doesn’t end there; will even be available as 3LP vinyl in 2025, and all copies are signed by Legend.

Reflecting on the challenges of making an original album, the award-winning artist recalled the struggles of an aspiring artist trying to search out their sound. “I wrote a lot of this album when I wasn’t signed, so the big challenge was just figuring out what would work to give me a chance to get the music out there,” he explains. . “I’ve been trying to get a record deal for over five years, but record labels were turning me down both left and right.”

It was only when Kanye West took a likelihood on Legend and signed a contract with GOOD Music that all the pieces began to alter. Working with West and touring together opened doors for the University of Pennsylvania graduate. That same yr, he signed a record take care of Columbia and was able to hit the shelves. The album’s breakout single “Ordinary people” became the anthem that defined Legend’s artistry. “When it finally came out and made it work the way it did, especially with my second single, it was really beautiful to see it start to connect and connect with people,” she tells ESSENCE.

On the occasion of the anniversary edition, Legend collaborated with artists who provided a refreshing atmosphere to Legend’s debut – but remixes aren’t just repetitions of original songs. “I’m a fan of every artist we asked to be a part of the remix,” says Legend. “They have new beats, new energy, new vibes and of course new guest artists. It really brought a fresh perspective to music and excited me to reconnect with music.”

was a breakthrough album for the Ohio-born artist, combining multiple genres in a timeless and groundbreaking way. “I felt like it happened when neo-soul was already at its peak, so in a way it was almost like my reaction to neo-soul,” Legend reflects. “We also combine hip hop and gospel and create something fresh.” Legend’s commitment to songwriting is a thread that runs deep through his work then and now.

The physical format of music, especially upcoming vinyl releases, also plays a big role in maintaining the impact of the unique album. “There will always be people who want to hold something, read the sleeve notes, and play vinyl on their record players at home,” Legend states. “Especially when you’re celebrating an anniversary like this, it’s nice to have a commemorative thing that you can keep. This album means something to people because they remember 20 years ago when they started listening to it and what it meant to them then.”

Rekindling the magic of a pioneering debut, it also stands as a testament to Legend’s enduring craftsmanship. The album stays a masterclass in musical storytelling, connecting generations of fans and proving that great music, like great artists, only gets higher with time.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

US communities phase out fluoride use in public drinking water

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fluoride, water


There is a battle raging in American cities over whether to proceed using fluoride in water.

This is a process generally known as fluoridation that began around 1945. According to to the American Cancer Society became popular across the country after scientists noticed that individuals living in water with higher concentrations of fluoride had less tooth decay.

In 1962, the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) advisable adding fluoride to public drinking water supplies to forestall tooth decay. The American Cancer Society estimates that fluoride is currently used in public drinking water supplied to roughly three in 4 Americans.

However, opponents have been warning for years that fluoride in drinking water is unsafe to devour. One of the organizations leading this initiative is Fluoride Action Network (FAN). The organization, whose mission is to lift awareness of what it claims is the “toxicity of fluoride compounds,” says many of the world’s developed countries don’t use fluoride in drinking water at the identical levels as America, or in any respect.

The organization says yes it helped over 500 communities successfully reject fluoridation, and there could also be more.

Federal leaders have gotten increasingly vocal in their support for ending the use of fluoride

While FAN says communities have rejected fluoridation for the past few a long time and the method has stalled in consequence, the fight has been thrust into the highlight over the past few months.

First, the National Toxicology Program, a federal agency throughout the Department of Health and Human Services, reported with “moderate certainty” that there may be an association between communities with higher levels of fluoride exposure and lower IQ in children. According to the Associated Press, these communities use greater than twice the advisable limit.

A month later, a federal judge apparently ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to further regulate fluoride in drinking water because higher levels could affect children.

Robert F. Kennedy, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to direct the Department of Health and Human Services, announced an end to fluoridation.


This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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Health and Wellness

WATCH: Cynthia Erivo on the importance of being a sister – Essence

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“; } }); // Drag and scroll functionality const playlistContainer = document.getElementById(‘playlist’); let isDown = false; let startY; let scrollTop; playlistContainer.addEventListener(‘mousedown’, (e) => { isDown = true; playlistContainer.classList.add(‘active’); playlistContainer.offsetTop; scrollTop = playlistContainer.scrollTop; }); playlistContainer.addEventListener(‘mouseleave’, () => { isDown = false; playlistContainer.classList.remove(‘active’); }); ‘, () => { isDown = false; playlistContainer.classList.remove(‘active’); playlistContainer.addEventListener(‘mousemove’, (e) => { if (!isDown) return; e.preventDefault(); const y = e.pageY -List Container playlist.offsetTop; const walk = (y – startY) * 3; // quick playlistContainer.scrollTop = scrollTop – walk; }); } } if (” !== ‘efoc24’) { // Check DoubleVerify Quality Targeting signals before rendering the player if ( ‘undefined’ !== PQ type ) { PQ.cmd.push(function () { // If DVQT signals are not available after 500 ms, render the player anyway. const timeout_id = setTimeout( jwPlayerRender, 500 ); // Get “Authentic Direct” signals. PQ.getTargeting({ signals: [‘abs’] }, function(error, targetingData) { clearTimeout(timeout_id); jwPlayerRender(error? undefined: targetingData); }); }); } else { jwPlayerRender(); } function jwPlayerRender( dvqt_signals=”” ) { let jw_ad_tag ​​= {“client”:”googima”,”adscheduleid”:”G7hR9pQ2″,”schedule”:[{“tag”:”https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?correlator=&iu=/21698916284/ess/VideoNews&env=vp&gdfp_req=1&output=vast&sz=400×300%7C640x480%7C1000x1%7C1920x1080&description_url=__page-url__&tfcd=0&npa=0&vpmute=1&vpa=auto&vad_type=linear&url=__page-url__&vpos=preroll&unviewed_position_start=1&v=4QHYeDGA&pmnd=0&pmxd=60000&ad_rule=1&cust_params=ttid%3D4QHYeDGA%26frnch%3D__item-franchise__%26environment%3Dproduction%26kwblock%3DAbb%2CCapOne%2CLincoln%2CUPS%2CVG%2CATTCric%2CDisney”,”offset”:”pre”},{“tag”:”https://vid.springserve.com/vast/670880?url=https://www.essence.com/news/watch-cynthia-erivo-on-importance-of-sisterhood/h=450&w=800&cb=1535″,”offset”:”50%”}]”offers”:{“bidders”:[{“id”:”jw-video-4QHYeDGA”,”name”:”jwdemand”,”publisherId”:”evcxFIDZ”,”siteId”:”WT5iFegj”,”placementId”:”24399785″},{“id”:”jw-video-4QHYeDGA”,”name”:”connatix”,”siteId”:”WT5iFegj”,”placementId”:”23419a80-fc77-4fd5-bd0c-2a4807a66a6c”}]”settings”:{“disableConsentManagementOnNoCmp”:true,”mediationLayerAdServer”:”dfp”,”floorPriceCents”:200,”floorPriceCurrency”:”usd”,”buckets”:[{“increment”:0.1,”max”:30,”min”:0},{“increment”:0.5,”max”:50,”min”:30}]}}}; // Configure ad tag on the fly… let additional_params = {}; // Input DVQT signals. if ( dvqt_signals && dvqt_signals.ABS.length > 0 ) { additional_params.ABS = dvqt_signals.ABS.join(“,”); } // Create a string of additional_parameters. let extra_params_str=””; for (enter additional_parameters) { let value = additional_parameters[key]; additional_params_str += `${key}=${value}`; if ( key !== Object.keys( additional_params .pop() ) { additional_params_str += ‘&’; } } // Update ad tag cust_params (must be URL encoded). if ( Object.keys( additional_parameters ). length > 0 ) { let ad_schedule = jw_ad_tag.schedule; if ( ‘undefined’ !== schedule type ads ) { for (let i = 0; i < ad_schedule.length; i++) { let ad_url = new url(jw_ad_tag.schedule[i].label); let query_params = new URLSearchParams(ad_url.search); query_params.set("cust_params", query_params.get("cust_params") + `&${additional_params_str}`); ad_url.search = query_params.toString(); jw_ad_tag.schedule[i].tag = ad_url.toString(); } } } let playerId; if ("undefined" !== type jwplayerQueue) { playerId = 'jw-video-4QHYeDGA'; jwplayerQueue.push({ 'instanceId': 'playerInstance_4QHYeDGA', 'playerId': playerId, 'config': { pid: 't6KP9zcV', playlist: "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/4QHYeDGA", autostart: !jw_ad_tag, repeat: true, mute: true, aspect ratio: '16:9', share: {sites: ["facebook", "twitter", "email", "linkedin"]}, cast: {}, float: {disibility: true}, autoPause: {viewability: true}, displaytitle: true, displaydescription: true, controls: true, related: {displayMode: 'shelfWidget'}, interactive: {} , ad: jw_ad_tag ​​​​} }); } // Load video. jQuery(window).trigger("jw:loadplayers"); function waitForJWPlayer(callback) { if (type jwplayer !== 'undefined') { callback(); } else { setTimeout(function() { waitForJWPlayer(callback); }, 500); } } waitForJWPlayer(function() { jwplayer(playerId).on('adsManager', function (adsManagerLoaded) { let adsManager = adsManagerLoaded.adsManager; let videoElement = document.getElementById(playerId ); let config = { anId: '929481' , camp ID: '640x360', ias_xps: "autoplay", // autoplay status ias_xbp: "2", // video destination type ias_xar: "1" // autoplay status }; // Start IAS integration googleImaVansAdapter.init(google, adsManager, videoElement , configuration });

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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