Not only does green tea have several benefits that you can drink up, but there are also varieties that are available to quench your thirst. One of the combinations of green tea that is available is Japanese green tea. If you are considering a variation of teas, this will definitely be one to put on your grocery list for health.

Japanese green tea is also known as Ocha. It became a popular beverage in Japan about 1,200 years ago, mostly known for the health benefits that it offered. It became so popular so quickly, that is was soon a regular custom after every meal to drink the Japanese green tea. From the basics of this type of tea, there was an expansion into variations that the tea offered.

The major difference between the teas of this culture to others is that it contains very little caffeine. This is mostly because of the ability for a different variety of tea leaves to come from the area. Because of this, several prefer this type of green tea to others that are available in the market. Another difference with this green tea is that it is processed differently than other types of teas. After the green tea leaves are grown, they will all be steamed first, then dried and rolled. From here, they will be blended into a mixture to make the tea.

There are three major types of teas that will be used with this process, all which will create a various flavor. The first known leaf is the Gyokuro. This green tea leaf will produce a sweeter flavor than other green teas, and is the dominant type of leaf used in most green teas. Maccha is the second type of green tea, and differs from the other because it is processed into a powder. Maccha will be used more for tea ceremonies than for regular drinking because of the process it goes through. The third major type of green tea is Houjicha. This tea differs from the others because the leaves are roasted instead of steamed, allowing for a different type of taste.

If you want to experience the varieties a culture can produce, then looking into the Japanese green tea and the different processes that create flavor is a place to begin. This will give you a different and enriching tea experience, which can help your taste buds to find the best tea fit for you.

Julie Health writes about the benefits of green tea products at her website.

You may reprint the article above in its entirety provided the resource box and its links remain.

Often when I talk to new moms about benefits of meditation they, “I can’t do that, I can’t sit still.  My mind is too busy with thoughts.”  My advice is to close your eyes and say a mantra such as “My baby is beautiful and healthly”.  On the inhale you say quietly to yourself “My baby is” and on the exhale “beautiful and healthy”.  Repeat the breath and the mantra as long as you feel comfortable.  Notice how much more relaxed and connected to your baby you feel after completing your meditation.

Review of Sara’s Second Trimester Prenatal Yoga DVD from Amazon.com: Great Workout!, January 15, 2007 Reviewer: CRL (Chapel Hill, NC) I really enjoy doing this 35 minute routine. Afterwards I feel stretched and relaxed, and also like I got a bit of a strength building workout. Sara is easy to follow. I will continue to use this DVD after my pregnancy is over.

Remember this simple tip, if you exercise it will improve your mood!  It’s so easy to say, “I’ll do it later”.  Before you know it the day is over and you haven’t done any exercise, and all you want to do is good to sleep!  (I know, I’m a mom of two busy boys!)  But, keep in mind when you get your body moving you produce natural highs called endorphins.  Summer stated, ”When I exercise I’m in such a better mood.  I have more patience with my daughter, and I feel good all day”.  So don’t wait…get moving! 

As a mom of two I know first hand how challenging it can be to get in a workout.  I have found that if moms don’t workout in the morning they are unlikely to workout later in the day because they get tired by the time late afternoon or early evening roll around.  So my advice is to plan your day by starting with exercise in the morning.  When you exercise in the morning you will notice an increase in energy, more patience, and a better overall mood!