Letâs talk about a little green wonder thatâs been a staple in Japanese medicine for centuriesâAshitaba. Known as âtomorrowâs leafâ 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? Letâs delve into the powerful health benefits and nutritional properties that make this ancient herb a standout superfood.
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, âtomorrowâs leaf.â
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, youâll find ashitaba in teas and various food products, and now this miracle herb is gaining popularity in the West. Some have even called it âthe new green tea,â but without the caffeine, which is a benefit Iâm thrilled about!
Ashitaba contains an impressive amount of B vitamins and antioxidants, providing your body with essential nutrients that support overall well-being. But thatâs 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 doesnât stop there â Ashitaba is also rich in niacin, vitamin K, fiber, and vitamin E, surpassing many other greens in these vital nutrients.
Letâs talk about what all this goodness means when it comes to supporting your wellness journey!
As you might have guessed from Ashitabaâs impressive nutritional profile, it brings with it some truly amazing benefits.
This powerful herb can help address a variety of issues related to an unhealthy gut, providing natural relief and support for your digestive system. Ashitabaâs 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.
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.
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 âlivesâ 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!
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. Ashitabaâs 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.
There are three principal ways to consume ashitaba:
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 thatâs 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.
If youâre near an Asian market, look for Ashitaba tea made from the dried leaves of the plant. If youâre not so lucky, donât 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 youâre sipping on the purest brew.
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?
Ashitabaâs 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 âfountain of youth berry,â 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 âmiracle tree,â 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, youâre not just getting the individual benefits of each ingredient. Youâre creating a synergy that supports overall vitality, energy, and well-being.
If you havenât yet tried the Glowing Greens Powder, you can find it here. Itâs such an easy addition to your morning Glowing Green Smoothie, but honestly, Iâve been mixing it into just about any tasty smoothie recipe I can find. Itâs a simple, delicious way to ensure youâre getting all the amazing benefits these superfoods have to offer!
