One thing that can help reverse damage to “Old Eggs” – green tea & fertility

Many things can age our bodies and our eggs faster than merely the march time. In fact, studies of IVF patients show that chronological age is not the same as fertile age. Meaning there are certain lifestyle factors that make some people (and their eggs) age faster than others.

Some of the big culprits are sugar, stress, sleep deprivation, inflammation-causing foods like industrial seed oils and fried foods, and chemicals.

But don't despair, these things are largely in our control! Aside from avoiding and minimizing those culprits, there is an all-natural solution to and way to prevent "Old Eggs".

If you want to turn back the clock on your eggs and speed up the recycling of cells and collagen fibers, your new best friend is... Green tea! 

Green tea stimulates collagen synthesis and interferes with glycation and formation of free radicals that age our cells.

Matcha green tea is even better and more potent.

What is Matcha?

Matcha tea is a type of Japanese green tea in a powdered form.

Matcha, other green teas, and black tea are all actually made from the same plant - Camellia sinensis. Most green teas are simply made by steaming fresh Camellia leaves.

Matcha tea is made from the fresh leaf tips that have been shaded from the sun between the time when the new leaf shoots start to appear and when they are picked. The shade is said to increase the content of chlorophyll and other nutrients, including the amino acid L-theanine. After picking the best leaves, they're steamed, gently air-dried, and then ground into a fine powder.

Matcha tea is a powerful antioxidant that protects our cells and our eggs.

Matcha contains types of plant flavonols called catechins, of which the most abundant is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

Catechins have been found to have anti-inflammatory activity, anti-cancer, and anti-aging properties.

They stimulate collagen synthesis and interfere with glycation and formation of free radicals that age our cells and our eggs.

A study carried out at the University of Colorado found that the content of EGCG in a cup of matcha can be over 100 times greater than in a cup of standard green tea.

So Matcha has far more powerful anti-aging properties than regular green tea.

What else can Matcha help with? 

Green tea also improves metabolism and weight loss. A study of 35 obese men and women found that those who drank four cups of green tea daily for two months lost significantly more weight than those who consumed a placebo.

The L-theanine in green tea has been found to have a relaxing effect, reduce anxiety, and increase focus and concentration.

Green tea can also help prevent Alzheimer's. Studies have suggested that catechins in green tea can reach the brain and help protect neurons and reduce the decline in brain function.

Where to find Matcha.

There are tons of options for Matcha - from ceremonial to cooking grade Matcha. I buy mine from Amazon, this is the one I like.

It's important to buy organic matcha. Reports by Greenpeace on teas from India and China found that they can contain significant levels of pesticides.

How do you make Matcha tea? 

The traditional Japanese way to make it is using a bamboo whisk and tea bowl:

1. Boil water
2. Add 1-2 tsp Matcha (depending on your taste/caffeine preference) into a wide mug
3. Add a few drops of water to Matcha powder and mix it into a paste with a spoon
4. Add more hot water to the paste mixture and whisk vigorously in a zig zag motion until the tea is frothy
5. Enjoy your Matcha tea

However, I've discovered a much easier way to make my Matcha tea: with a milk frother!

I prefer mine as a Matcha latte, and use unsweetened almond milk instead of water.

All I do is add almond milk and a spoonful of matcha to the milk frother, hit the button and voila - it's ready in a minute, without all theat zig zagging whisking! Easy peasy.