Fundamentals of Wellness from Japanese Tea Culture -- What is Wa, Kei, Sei and Jaku?

Let's go over the history of green tea, processing methods, health benefits and turning the drinking of green tea into a way of daily life to support our overall health and wellness.

While I've never really been much of a green tea fan, as I start to get older and in the recent 2-3 years, I've start to pay more attention to my daily intake and seeking out 'treasures' that would have a net positive effect on my health, skin, hair, mood, etc. Green tea is an underrated superfood that I would like to encourage you all pay a bit more attention to, and if you see a green tea packet lying around somewhere in your suitcase, hotel room, bag pack or even as an option as a post-meal drink, take it up as the drink for that very moment.. Think about the 'Abundance' or 'HoFu' your body, health, mind and spirit will experience from this marvellous leaf that has been used medicinally for centuries.

Origins of Green Tea

Green tea originated in China, tracing back to 2737 B.C. The discovery occurred accidentally when the Chinese Emperor Shen Nong mistakenly drank water with a dead tea leaf boiled inside. He found the flavor refreshing; thus, a new beverage was born. Green tea was costly and only available to the highest tiers of elites and aristocrats in Chinese society. It was not until the 14th century that green tea became accessible to the general public for enjoyment and medicinal purposes.

Around 800 A.D., during the Tang Dynasty, an innovative book titled "Cha Jing," also known as "The Classic of Tea," was written by a Chinese man named Lu Yu. When he was a young boy, Lu Yu was adopted by a Buddhist monk and grew up brewing and serving tea. His interest in tea blossomed as he grew older, and his ability to make tea improved. He decided to take time away from the public to research and write down his findings, and "The Classic of Tea" became the first written work to explain green tea culture and art.

Green tea was first introduced in Japan by Japanese monks who studied Buddhism in China during the Nara and Heian era over a thousand years ago. It was first enjoyed exclusively by the religious classes of Japanese society but spread to the royal and other elite classes as tea cultivation started in Japan.

In the 12th century, a Zen priest named Myouan Eisai, wrote a book called Kissayojoki (喫茶養生記), in which he talked in detail about tea cultivation, green tea preparation, and how beneficial green tea is for health and long life. The success of his book led to the emergence of shared tea culture in Japan, where all levels of Japanese society began to drink green tea and adopted it as a central part of their daily lives.

In the 19th century, green tea became a huge phenomenon to the West starting with Great Britain and finding its way to America.

Difference in green tea processing methodologies

Interestingly, green tea comes from the same tea leaf as black tea. The only difference is the way it is cultivated and processed.

Tea comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant. Whether black, green, or white, the amount of oxidation allowed during the drying cycle determines the color of the tea. Green tea is among the leaves with a shorter drying period to prevent further oxidation and to retain their green color. When the moisture evaporates, they transition the leaves to the heating process for cooking and curling. The heating methods can vary due to the techniques and region. The Chinese method of green teas is to take the pan firing approach where the tea is pan or wok roasted, leaving them paler in color. The Japanese method is to deep steam the teas, giving them a brighter green color. The last step is to roll, curl, or twist the tea leaves by hand to wring out any excess water or sap. This part of the process also helps define the different tea types.

Health benefits

The health benefits of green tea are overwhelmingly vast!

To name the most common health benefits for your body and existing health conditions (if any of you may have existing ailments), see below:

1. Green tea Contains antioxidants that improve overall health

As it is one of the least processed types of tea, green tea has high levels of antioxidants and bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, catechins, and other types of flavonoids. These beneficial compounds act as the same anti-aging compounds found in red wine, dark chocolate, and blueberries, which can fight free radicals, protecting cells and molecules from damage.

2. Green tea helps protect heart health

Drinking green tea regularly over a long period of time is said to help prevent many risk factors for heart-related diseases. A study published by the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found participants consuming five or more cups of green tea every day were less likely to develop hypertension or cardiovascular disease.

3. Green tea helps promote brain health

The flavonoids found in green tea can have protective effects on neurons, which can help lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. It also contains L-theanine, a unique amino acid that can work synergistically with caffeine to improve brain function.

4. Green tea and relaxation

For those of us who drink green tea daily, we would all agree on its meditative effect. There is something tranquil about sipping a fresh brew of green tea that reminds us to slow down and breathe. A study published in Trends in Food Science & Technology shows that L-theanine in green tea provides a calming and relaxing effect to the brain. With less caffeine than coffee, green tea is a great alternative to increase alertness without getting the caffeine jitters.

5. Green tea may lower your risk of diabetes

The flavonoids and anti-inflammatory properties in green tea are believed to help improve glycemic control and reduce blood sugar levels. Therefore, drinking green tea can be beneficial for those who are at risk or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

6. Green tea promotes bone health

A study published by the University of Hong Kong indicates green tea may improve bone health. The scientists report that the 3 major components in green tea – epigallocatechin (EGC), gallocatechin (GC), and gallocatechin gallate (GCG) – can stimulate bone formation and help slow its breakdown. Some laboratory research also indicates green tea could be beneficial in reducing inflammation related to arthritis and slowing cartilage breakdown.

7. Green tea and weight loss

Does green tea burn fat? Will drinking green tea help you lose weight? This is probably the most asked question concerning the benefit of green tea. While we wish for a straightforward answer, the connection between green tea and weight loss is a gray area. Several studies show that green tea can facilitate the burning of fat and help boost the metabolic rate, but not all studies reach the same conclusion. Even if green tea does not help burn fat, you may find that drinking green tea helps in digestion after a heavy meal, especially an unhealthy meal. Research or not, you will find that green tea has a restorative quality to your body and mind.

Types of green tea

Depending on the cultivation methods, growing conditions, as well as the steaming and drying process. Each type of green tea has its own characteristics and flavor, and here are just some of the most popular classifications of green tea:

1. Sencha　煎茶

Sen (煎), the character itself means first or at the beginning.

These are the youngest picked tea leaves.

These leaves are then steamed,

rolled and dried. An excellent choice for an everyday tea, at anytime of the day, it has a good balance between acidity and sweetness.

Sencha has been renowned to decrease inflammation, lower cholesterol, and even boost the immune system..This is a perfect tea to add to your daily health routine.

2. Matcha 抹茶

Different from Sencha, where the leaves are soaked and boiled in hot water, Matcha is a powder like substance with the tea leaves as part of the powder. So essentially, you are drinking the leaves as it is included in the beverage.

Known for its bright green color, matcha is processed with high-quality

tea leaves (known as tencha)—grown in the shade a few weeks before

harvesting in order to strengthen the flavor and caffeine level.

It is then processed into a very fine powder, which is traditionally used for Japanese tea ceremonies.

Depending on how strong of a taste you prefer,

add about no more than half a teaspoon of matcha powder with water into a small-sized bowl, and then whisked with a special type of bamboo made whisk: a chasen 茶筅.

Matcha’s caffeine is absorbed more slowly because of L-theanine, offering a sustained boost of alertness that is longer-lasting than coffee.

Try a cup of green tea as an alternative to your usual morning coffee and compare how it makes you feel.

With a unique earthy flavor and unmistakable color, matcha has now become a sought-after ingredient in inventive modern cuisines and as a trendy flavoring in all sorts of Wagashi (Japanese sweets) and western-style pastries.

3. Gyokuro 玉露

玉 (Jade in English) 露 (morning dew or after rain dew). This is the most sought after tea and is considered the most "precious" of all teas. Gyokuro also uses shade-grown tea leaves, giving the tea a much more concentrated flavor. Some describe the taste as sweet and slightly seaweed-like. You can clearly distinguish the tea with its deep, dark green leaves and its unparalleled aroma. Appreciate its rich accents as you sip away, trying to decipher the depth of the richness of its flavor from how its leaves have been prepared.

4. Hojicha 焙じ茶

Hojicha (焙じ means to roast over fire) is tea that has been toasted and chilled. The tea leaves have a reddish-brown color and a roasted aroma. Hojicha is can be mild or rich tasting, depending on the type of brand you use. It also has less caffeine, which makes it a wonderful tea to enjoy especially after a late, heavy dinner to aid digestion.

Hojicha is one of my favorite teas as there is nothing that beats its aromatic tea and holds a taste that soothes the soul.

5. Genmaicha 玄米茶

This is a green tea with an interesting mix of a Sencha tea blended with toasted puffed brown rice. It gives the tea a distinctively toasted grain undertone with highlights of green tea. It’s a mild-flavored tea with an almost popcorn-like taste, with a grounding nutty base flavor to it. An excellent choice for those who prefer low caffeine tea.

There are several other popular teas with different preparation and harvesting methods such as Bancha (harvested a seaon later than when Sencha is harvested), Kukicha (Twig tea) and Konacha (leftovers of Sencha and Sencha mixed together).

Wellness

Green tea is synonymous with Japanese tea. It is the most consumed tea in Japan, valued for its health and restorative properties - mentally, physically and spiritually.

From my observations having lived in Tokyo for almost 6 years, some variant of green tea is usually served before or after a meal at a restaurant, after a massage session, at the yoga studio and even at temples and other ceremonious activities. It is interwoven into Japanese culture.

Because of its high quantities of antioxidants that are beneficial internally in our bodies, these antioxidants are also highly recommended for green tea face packs and other facial or skincare products.

*In the coming months, we would have our very own HoFu brand green tea face pack ( face mask), curated by our team. We will be sure to add this to our store once it is ready in about 6 months.

Skincare - Dermatologists rave about the positive effects of green tea on skin irritation, redness and swelling. You can try putting green tea tea bags over your eyes to reduce puffy eyes in the morning or after a bad sunburn. You can also try making it into a paste with water, milk and honey and create your own at home facial treatment.

Promotes Sleep -- Apart from the additional antioxidants, green tea is a great sleep aid. Studies have shown that green tea can actually promote both the quality of sleep and the quantity. The reason is simple: Because Theanine works to reduce stress-related hormones and neuron excitement in the brain, it helps the brain to relax.

Meditating -- While mediating, or having some "Me Time" for yourself to reflect on your day, enjoy the warmth of the hot tea as you take each sip and savor the flavors of the tea leaves. Green tea relaxes the mind and acts as a vitamin supplement for your brain, so try being in the mindset of "stillness" as you imaging "Abundance" within you. Only you are able to experience this for yourself. Soak in the atmosphere of connecting yourself spiritually to your daily cup of green tea.

Referencing the above, tea drinking ceremonies and habits date back to Mainland Chinese Buddhist monks as a tool to help calm the mind in during long meditation sessions. By the 13th century, Chinese herbal and medicinal practices, mathematical weights, art, architecture and engineering were shared with Japan. This was when the Japanese adopted the tea culture and built it into Japanese culture called, Chado.

Customary Societal Respite - The Japanese tea ceremony called Chado, “the way of tea,” is a carefully choreographed cultural tradition that joins the minds of the host and guests. There are many serving styles, and the hand movements, aesthetics, and quietude unite to engage the senses of each of the tea drinkers.

Today, Chado offers participants societal respite, a shared moment of calm detached from everyday life.

Chado epitomizes four qualities of Japanese living:

• Wa (harmony) — the desire for reciprocity both in the teahouse and in the world.

• Kei (respect) — self-awareness of individual roles and responsibilities.

• Sei (purity) — preservation of social and spiritual integrity.

• Jaku (elegance and tranquility) — appreciation of the fleeting moment to gain renewal.

Traditionally, matcha (from Japanese ma– ground and cha– tea) is carefully whisked with hot water from the kettle to make a frothy drink. Matcha tea drinkers benefit from its antioxidant properties that come primarily from flavonoids, a type of polyphenol that supports healthy aging and disease prevention.

Basic nutritional benefits from Matcha are:

• Chlorophyll — contributes bright green color

• L-theanine — amino acid that promotes calmness and slows caffeine absorption

• Phytochemicals — antioxidant-effects found in plants

(Ref: https://news.leavitt.com/healthy-habits/japanese-tea-ceremony-social-and-nutritional-benefits/)

Now that we have learned that green tea can benefit our health in so many ways and especially help deter us from acquiring severe long-term medical problems such as, high-blood pressure, hypertension, diabetes, heart problems and its high amounts of antioxidants help prevent the onset of some cancers. Why else shouldn't we try to incorporate this into our daily routines?

How to drink green tea - Hot or Cold Brew

The quality of the water used to boil or cold brew your green tea is key. If you have mountain spring water, this enhances the freshness of the tea leaves even more. If you cannot get mountain spring water, like most of us city dwellers, you may try it with high-quality bottled premium water.

(On how to cold brew your green tea in summer or if you live in tropical places, drop us a question in the comment section and we'd be happy to share how you can try out your new cold brew green tea recipe.)

**As a bonus - Try to get go to your local Asian Market or Japanese pottery store to seek out a beautifully made teapot set to enhance your experience of drinking tea and putting you in the mindset of relaxation and "HoFu". Look forward to your next tea session of "Me Time"or by inviting friends to your next tea session.

Shop at our store

Because you owe it to yourself to replenish and nourish your body with this superfood, head on over to our store by clicking ' Shop' on the top of this page, to buy our teas that are food grade organic, Halal and an award winner in many international exhibitions. *It is crucial to buy tea from suppliers and producers who partake in ethical growing farming practices and has a strong knowledge of green tea cultivation, processing, and preparation.* Try your next batch of green tea from our green tea supplier from Uji, Kyoto, Japan. The mecca of green tea farming.

The minimum order for individuals of each tea is 5kg. If any of you readers work in F&B or restaurants, feel free to order more or enquire about our teas by dropping us an email at: connectwithus@alwayshofu.com or info@alwayshofu.com and we can assist you with your order and international shipping requests.

Therefore, for the beneficial reasons are stated above, I encourage some of you readers to try drinking 1-2 cups of green tea (any of its various types of green tea or switch it up to keep it interesting) daily, by weaving it into your daily routine.

Either as a replacement of your morning coffee, as a post lunch drink, or as an afternoon 'me time' moment of relaxation when you pamper yourself for 15 minutes a day of quiet time.

Your future body will thank you!

Wishing you Abundance with each sip of your next green tea beverage,

The HoFu team

(P.S. Look out for a future episode on my favorite teas in Japan - Sobacha そば茶　and Mugicha　麦茶.)