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Find Out More About The Benefits Of Drinking Mamaki Tea

By Jordan Schmidt


Mamaki is a scared plant to native Hawaiians, who have used its leaves for many generations to promote well being and overall good health. Also known as Waimea, the plant grows as a small tree with leaves between two and twelve inches long, depending on the variety and where it grows on the islands. People outside of Hawaii are now discovering that drinking mamaki tea can provide health benefits.

Early Hawaiians made use of other parts of the mamaki plant. The wood was harvested to manufacture clubs and kapa beaters. The beaters were used to break down fibers in the making of fabric for clothing and other purposes. They also used the sap to moisten kapa wauke during preparation. Some modern Hawaiians are now reviving this ancient method of making clothing.

Pregnant Hawaiian women would consume the fruit and seeds beginning in the fifth month of their pregnancy as a way to prevent thrush. Mothers would feed the fruit to their children to treat oral thrush or constipation. The berries may be used to dress wounds and sores.

In modern times, fresh or dry mamaki leaves are used to brew tea. The beverage has a mild flavor and some say it helps eliminate listlessness. Individuals with digestive disorders consume the fruit, which has mild laxative effects. The leaves are helpful for treating other internal problems with the bladder, bowels, liver, and stomach.

Making this kind of tea is a simple process that involves steeping the leaves for five minutes in boiling water and then allowing the tea to steep in water away from the heat for approximately 15 minutes. The longer the beverage steeps, the richer and deeper the infusion. Some people enjoy drinking this beverage hot, while others prefer a cold brew. Refrigerating the liquid for about 12 hours produces a tea that is milder, lighter in color, and sweeter.

This type of tea is all natural when prepared as described above. It may be consumed first thing in the morning or any time during the day. The beverage is cholesterol free, gluten free, and caffeine free, so it will not cause the user to feel jittery and is safe for consumption by people of all ages.

Mamaki provides a good dietary source of important antioxidants, including catechin, chlorogenic acid, and rutin. As people age, free radicals build up in the body as a result of oxidation and they begin attacking the cells. Antioxidants inhibit oxidation and help get rid of these free radicals. This maintains the integrity of the cells. Catechins are helpful for the cardiovascular system because they help prevent dangerous blood clots and aid in brachial artery expansion to increase blood flow.

In addition to having antioxidative properties, chlorogenic acid can aid in weight loss. It does this by promoting the slower glucose absorption after consuming food. This action speeds up metabolism and controls cravings by making the body feel satisfied. Like other types of teas, mamaki provides the body with these important nutrients, which have a positive effect on overall health while promoting a sense of well being.




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