Why Ashitaba Should Be Your Go-To Superfood

Let’s talk about a little green wonder that’s been a staple in Japanese medicine for centuries—Ashitaba. Known as “tomorrow’s leaf” for its rapid regeneration, Ashitaba is not just a symbol of renewal but also a treasure trove of nutrients.

Why should you consider adding Ashitaba to your wellness regimen? Let’s delve into the powerful health benefits and nutritional properties that make this ancient herb a standout superfood.

What is Ashitaba?

Ashitaba is a large, green herb that originated in central Japan, and has been used there medicinally for centuries due to its almost magical properties.  The magical association comes from the fact that ashitaba is a regenerative plant; if you cut a leaf from the stem, a new one will appear around a day later.  Hence the meaning of its name, “tomorrow’s leaf.”

When we consume plants, we absorb their energy, integrating it into our own bodies. Imagine the rejuvenating effect of eating ashitaba, a plant that regenerates so quickly and effectively! It supports our own renewal and vitality, making it a truly magical food!

In Japan, you’ll find ashitaba in teas and various food products, and now this miracle herb is gaining popularity in the West. Some have even called it “the new green tea,” but without the caffeine, which is a benefit I’m thrilled about!

Ashitaba’s Amazing Nutritional Profile

Ashitaba contains an impressive amount of B vitamins and antioxidants, providing your body with essential nutrients that support overall well-being. But that’s just the beginning.

Ashitaba is also loaded with calcium, iron, and potassium. In fact, it boasts significantly more of these essential minerals per serving than spinach and even our beloved kale. It doesn’t stop there – Ashitaba is also rich in niacin, vitamin K, fiber, and vitamin E, surpassing many other greens in these vital nutrients.

Let’s talk about what all this goodness means when it comes to supporting your wellness journey!

The Incredible Benefits of Ashitaba

As you might have guessed from Ashitaba’s impressive nutritional profile, it brings with it some truly amazing benefits.

Digestive Health

This powerful herb can help address a variety of issues related to an unhealthy gut, providing natural relief and support for your digestive system. Ashitaba’s natural anti-inflammatory properties can soothe irritation and inflammation in the gut, promoting a more balanced digestive environment. 

Plus, it has been used in Japan for centuries to treat GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), and soothe both occasional heartburn as well as acid reflux!

Regular consumption of its high fiber content keeps you regular, warding off constipation and bloating. While the evidence does not yet prove a direct effect on the gut microbiome, secondary healing of unhealthy gut issues points to ashitaba being a positive nutritional supplement for beneficial bacteria or probiotics.

Cardiovascular Health

Leafy greens, in general, are great nutritional aids for your cardiovascular health.  Ashitaba, in particular, possesses biological mechanisms that strengthen and stimulate red blood cell count.  Regular intake is correlated with lower cholesterol levels and healthy blood pressure readings.

Incorporating Ashitaba into your regular diet can help lower cholesterol levels and maintain healthy blood pressure. Think of it as giving your heart a natural boost every day, helping it to work efficiently and effectively.

Immune Health

To echo the above section, if a food or supplement is good for your gut, it will benefit your overall immune system.  The immune system “lives” in the gut and cannot function properly in an unbalanced bacterial ecosystem.

Ashitaba promotes immune health through its helpful effects on the gut. The anti-inflammatory properties similar to turmeric (more about all those benefits here), also give your immune function a huge boost!

Weight Loss

The Ashitaba plant is not just another weight loss fad. There is actually substantial evidence that it is a highly effective, natural weight loss supplement. The secret lies in the chalcones found in Ashitaba. Chalcones are a type of flavonoid, a class of powerful antioxidants that provide numerous health benefits. Ashitaba’s chalcones work by enhancing metabolism and promoting fat breakdown

To back this up, a fascinating double-blind study was conducted with 26 moderately obese men and women aged 25-30. They were given 200 milligrams of pure Ashitaba powder daily for eight weeks, with no other changes to their diet or exercise routine. 

The results were impressive! Most participants not only lost weight but also saw a significant reduction in harmful belly fat. This is especially important because reducing visceral fat can lower the risk of serious health issues like heart disease and diabetes.

Incorporating Ashitaba Into Your Diet

There are three principal ways to consume ashitaba:

1 – Eating or Juicing Ashitaba Leaves

Depending on where you live, getting fresh Ashitaba leaves might be a bit of an adventure. Start by checking out your local Asian market. If that’s a no-go, consider growing your own! Ashitaba is fairly easy to maintain if you start with a mature plant. 

Gardeners in Southern California have had great success and many sell their plants online. Just make sure to do your homework and choose a grower who uses organic practices and avoids pesticides.

2 – Drink Ashitaba Tea

If you’re near an Asian market, look for Ashitaba tea made from the dried leaves of the plant. If you’re not so lucky, don’t worry! You can find reputable sources online. 

Just remember, the tea industry can be a bit tricky with pesticides and non-organic practices, especially in Asia. So, always look for those non-GMO and organic seals to ensure you’re sipping on the purest brew.

3 – Ashitaba Powder for Smoothies and Supplements

One of the easiest and most popular ways to get your daily dose of Ashitaba is in powder form. You can effortlessly blend the powder into your favorite power protein smoothie or acai bowl (by the way, have you tried my chocolate ginger beauty bowl?

Ashitaba’s incredible benefits are why we included it in our Glowing Greens Powder, alongside other fantastic ingredients like amalaki, spirulina, and moringa, to name a few.

Of course, a pure blend of Ashitaba powder can work wonders for your health, but when you combine it with other superfoods, you amplify its benefits tenfold and gain a few extra healthy perks as well.

Amalaki, also known as the “fountain of youth berry,” is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, promoting radiant skin and boosting your immune system. Spirulina is a powerhouse of protein and essential amino acids, supporting muscle health and detoxification. Moringa, often called the “miracle tree,” is rich in vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory compounds, helping to balance and nourish your body.

By blending Ashitaba with these superfoods, especially in a vegan or vegetarian diet, you’re not just getting the individual benefits of each ingredient. You’re creating a synergy that supports overall vitality, energy, and well-being. 

If you haven’t yet tried the Glowing Greens Powder, you can find it here. It’s such an easy addition to your morning Glowing Green Smoothie, but honestly, I’ve been mixing it into just about any tasty smoothie recipe I can find. It’s a simple, delicious way to ensure you’re getting all the amazing benefits these superfoods have to offer!