Day #9 here on the Macrobiotic/Vegan challenge and I finally made THE TEA! (Yes, Kara…it took me this long). Kara, is the wonderful lady leading me and my group in our macro-vegan adventures this fabulous month of May. So this tea that I made up today is all thanks to her!
Miso is fermented soybean paste. I got Organic Chickpea Miso, so to avoid soybeans. I like the taste of it! Never bring the water to a boil if you’ve added Miso to it because it will kill the active enzymes and goodies in Miso! Whenever you add Miso to a soup or for tea, let the water heat up to the point where Miso begins ‘pillow’ up to the top of the water. Why Miso?
Miso Benefits:
- Reduces risks of cancer including breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer.
- Protection from radiation
- Immune strengthening
- Antiviral — miso is very alkalizing and strengthening to the immune system helping to combat a viral infection.
- Prevents aging – high in antioxidants, miso protects from free radicals that cause signs of aging.
- Helps maintain nutritional balance – full of nutrients, beneficial bacteria and enzymes, miso provides: protein, vitamin B12, vitamin B2, vitamin E, vitamin K, tryptophan, choline, dietary fiber, linoleic acid and lecithin.
- Helps preserve beautiful skin – miso contains linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that helps your skin stay soft and free of pigments.
- Helps reduce menopausal complaints – the isoflavones in miso have been shown to reduce hot flashes.
The other ingredient in this fabulous tea (or soup), is ginger. FRESH ORGANIC GINGER ROOT. ‘Peel’ skin off small piece of ginger and grate ginger. Deposit about 1-2 tsp of the grated ginger into the bottom of your tea cup. Ginger is SO fabulous too! Use on salads in a ‘ginger vinaigrette’ dressing, in cooking or in your tea! It soothes and calms not only your digestive tract and your body, but your mind too! Use ginger root to “heal digestive troubles and decrease inflammation”.
Ginger Benefits:
- Osteoarthritis. Ginger is an effective osteoarthritis treatment, specifically for the knee.
- Inflammation. Ginger contains powerful anti-inflammatory agents called gingerols.
- Nausea and vomiting. People experiencing motion sickness often use ginger to alleviate their symptoms.
- Morning sickness. Pregnant women have found relief using ginger to eliminate morning sickness.
- High blood pressure. Ginger can decrease blood pressure and acts as a blood thinner.
- Digestion. Ginger promotes the production and secretion of bile from the liver and gall bladder, helping to improve your digestion of fats.
- Free radical damage. Ginger is an amazing antioxidant and offers considerable protection against free radicals.
- Radiation exposure. Ginger has been shown to protect your body from radiation, possibly in conjunction with its antioxidant capabilities.
- High blood sugar. Ginger can help regulate blood sugar levels.
- High cholesterol. One study found that ginger can lower blood cholesterol levels, possibly pointing to ginger as an effective treatment for heart disease.
- Cancer. In lab tests, ginger extracts were found to destroy ovarian cancer cells. Another study found that the gingerols may inhibit the growth of colorectal cancer.
If you’re trying to overcome a craving for something sweet or salty, making this tea is a great way to get past grabbing for that twinkie!
Ginger & Miso Tea:
1-2 teaspoon freshly grated organic ginger root. Put grated ginger root in bottom of tea cup.
Pour 1-2 cups of water in a small pot, place on stove top, turn on burners to medium-high.
Grab your Organic Chickpea Miso, add 1-2 tablespoons to the pot of water.
Stir in Miso and wait for water to heat up. Again, DO NOT BRING WATER TO A BOIL! You’re just heating it to be hot water for your tea or soup.
Once the Miso starts ‘pillowing’ up to top of the water it is ready! Pour Miso tea water over top the freshly grated ginger root that is in the bottom of your tea cup & enjoy!
Until Next Time,
Nat
Warrior Girl Fitness 