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Introduction: Understanding Matooke

Matooke, also known as green bananas, is a staple food in Uganda’s cuisine. It is made from a type of banana that is not sweet and is cooked either by boiling or steaming. Matooke has a starchy texture and is commonly served alongside a variety of dishes such as stews, soups, and meats.

A Staple Food in Uganda’s Cuisine

Matooke is a central part of the Ugandan diet and is consumed by over 11 million people in the country. It is estimated that an average Ugandan consumes about 300 kg of matooke per year. The banana plant is grown in almost every region of Uganda, making it easily accessible to both urban and rural populations.

Nutritional Value of Matooke

Matooke is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great source of potassium, which is essential for maintaining a healthy heart. Matooke is also rich in vitamin C, which helps to boost the immune system and protect the body against infections.

Cultural Significance of Matooke

Matooke is an important part of the cultural heritage of Uganda. It is believed to have been introduced to the country by the Bantu people, who settled in the region over 2000 years ago. Matooke is not only a source of food but also plays a symbolic role in many cultural ceremonies and rituals.

Matooke in Festive Occasions

Matooke is an essential part of many traditional Ugandan dishes, especially during festive occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and cultural festivals. It is often served with other traditional dishes such as meat, fish, beans, and vegetables.

Preserving the Future of Matooke

The future of matooke is under threat due to the effects of climate change and the increasing use of pesticides and fertilizers. To preserve the future of matooke, there is a need for increased investment in sustainable farming practices and the development of better storage and processing facilities. It is also important to raise awareness among consumers about the benefits of consuming locally grown foods such as matooke.

For many people, enjoying green tea in the morning is simply part of starting the day. But together with the hot drink, not only the valuable ingredients of the leaves are absorbed, but also pollutants that are harmful to health. This is the result of the Stiftung Warentest.

Testing green tea

Stiftung Warentest examined a total of 25 types of green tea and examined them for possible harmful substances. The test included products in bags, capsules, and loose teas – nine of the 25 were organic products. The prices ranged from 87 cents to 83 euros per 100 grams.

The result

Seven of the tested products are so heavily contaminated with pollutants that they were only rated “poor”:

  • Aldi Sud/Westcliff Green Tea
  • Kaufland/K-Classic Green Tea
  • Penny/Mayfair Green Tea Natural
  • Norma/Cornwall Green Tea Natural
  • Messmer Finest Green Tea
  • Netto Marken-Discount/ Captains Tea Green tea based on Asian tradition
  • Chinese Green Tea CAP Special Gunpowder G 601

Seven other green teas were only rated “sufficient”. Five of the products in the test received the “good” award. Among them are three teas in a bag, one in a capsule, and one matcha. In the case of the loose green tea varieties, the best grade “satisfactory” was achieved. The exact placements can be found here.

Health hazards from pollutants in green tea?

According to Stiftung Warentest, however, there is no acute health risk. For lovers of green tea, however, the health risk from pollutants cannot be consistently ruled out. It only becomes critical if teas with a high level of pollution are drunk regularly. The substance pyrrolizidine alkaloid was found in nine of the 25 types of tea. This is considered potentially carcinogenic and can be completely transferred to the tea infusion – these types of tea should be avoided.

Tip: If you, as a tea fan, want to avoid excessive exposure to harmful substances, you should change the products regularly.

The Frankfurt “Green Sauce” is popular with young and old and traditionally starts its season on Maundy Thursday. The classic is prepared from seven specific herbs and served with a jacket or boiled potatoes and eggs. Now the Commission in Brussels is putting the “Green Sauce” under EU-wide protection!

“Frankfurter Green Sauce” protected throughout the EU

The “Frankfurt green sauce” is considered a specialty among connoisseurs. Hessian herb farmers fought for around a decade for EU-wide protection of “their” treat – now it’s done! The EU Commission has entered the “Green Sauce” in the Register of Protected Geographical Indications. This means that only certain herbal mixtures are allowed to bear this name.

In Brussels, it was decided that the classic “Grie Soß”, as the Frankfurt specialty is affectionately called in dialect, may only consist of the seven herbs chives, parsley, chervil, cress, burnet, borage, and sorrel. In addition, at least 70 percent of the herbs must come from the Frankfurt region and have been processed there.

Green tea is a home remedy for skin and hair, as well as to support health. We’ll show you how the effects of green tea can help alleviate minor ailments and help you live a long life.

The beneficial effects of tea

Green tea as a silver bullet against nasty diseases? Probably not. But there are studies that show that tea drinkers lead healthier lifestyles and live longer as a result. And the tea has a few good properties that make it worth enjoying. For example, it contains tannins that are said to have a calming effect on the stomach and intestines. This tea also contains vitamins such as vitamins A, B, B12, and flavonoids. And these are good for strengthening the immune system and supporting metabolic processes. For the perfect green tea effect, you should always pay attention to the temperature and brewing time when brewing tea.

Buy green tea

Before we get to the health-promoting facts, you should know which tea you should buy. Because green tea is not just green tea. There are significant differences here! Many types of tea are contaminated with pesticides or other toxic substances. Therefore, it makes sense to always pay attention to an organic seal. Because organic cultivation guarantees you good quality. In addition, the people here also benefit economically from cultivation.

Green tea for better health

In the beginning, there were only a few people interested in green tea. Then, over the years, more and more people came to appreciate the miracle cure. In the meantime, green tea has become a popular drink for many and is also a versatile household remedy. Since there are many myths about the cult tea, we’ll tell you what you can use the versatile drink for.

1) To aid in weight loss?

It is said that if you want to lose weight, you can support this with green tea. Some believe that the tea boosts fat burning. Therefore, just a few cups of tea should help burn 70 additional calories a day. However, this effect has not been scientifically proven to be significant. Therefore, you should use other tricks for healthy weight loss.

2) Green tea for atherosclerosis

Green tea prevents atherosclerosis by increasing bad LDL cholesterol into good HDL cholesterol. In addition, green tea lowers high blood pressure and improves the flow properties of the blood, which counteracts clumping and blood clotting. With a joint intake of silicic acid, the blood vessels can be kept elastic. Studies also show that this tea can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. So if you suffer from arteriosclerosis, you should definitely drink green tea.

3) The tea helps with appetite disorders

You can recognize an appetite disorder by a permanent decrease or increase in the feeling of hunger. Physical as well as psychological reasons can be responsible for this. The green tea effect can help here since the bitter substances contained in green tea stimulate the appetite center in the brain. To get an effective effect, you should drink 1 cup of green tea 1-2 times a day, preferably 1-2 hours before meals. In order to have an optimal effect, the tea should steep a little longer (5 minutes) so that the bitter substances can develop optimally.

4) As a home remedy for sunburn

Sunburn can cause reddened skin, skin tenderness, and even burn blisters. Green tea contains flavonoids, tannins, and high vitamin C, which has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects on sunburn. In addition, the ingredients of the tea are stored in the skin tissue and keep it supple. Consequently, the tea is very helpful as a home remedy for sunburn both externally and internally. For internal consumption, simply drink the tea as usual. For external use, prepare 300 ml of green tea and let it steep for 5 minutes. Then let it cool down a bit. Then soak a linen cloth in it and place it on the burned skin for 20 minutes. Repeat this 2-3 times a day.

5) Green tea for bad breath

Green tea can help with bad breath caused by bacteria. Green tea has an antibacterial effect and prevents microorganisms from multiplying in the mouth area. In addition, green tea can reduce the acidity of the stomach and counteract putrefaction, which can also cause bad breath when exhaling. Consequently, you can fight bad breath by making a special green tea mouthwash. Or you drink a cup of green tea with each meal.

Green pesto is always a real treat! You shouldn’t heat the paste – otherwise the taste could suffer. Green pesto in particular is considered to be particularly susceptible.

Heating green pesto: what exactly happens?

To explain the phenomenon in more detail, you need to take a look at the composition of basil. Like many plants, this contains chlorophyll, which among other things gives the herb its green color.

As the Center for Health writes, chlorophyll is not considered to be particularly heat-resistant. As the scientific magazine Spektrum explains, this is related to polyphenols, which, in combination with enzymes, oxidize under the influence of heat and thus also ensure the characteristic browning of green plants.

Green beans have a reputation for being a very healthy protein bomb. But under certain circumstances, the delicious garden vegetables are poisonous. Even the Bavarian consumer advice center warns.

Why green beans are poisonous

Unlike most vegetables, green beans cannot be eaten raw. They owe this fact to a specific component of the bean: phasin. The toxic molecule is a protein compound that, according to the Bavarian consumer advice center, is found in many types of fruit and vegetables. In comparison, however, raw beans contain a particularly large amount of phasin.

Phasin is actually a substance that is supposed to protect the beans. Plants have a variety of natural defense mechanisms against predators. Some rely on spikes, for example, while others prefer toxic substances. Even though green beans have been cultivated for centuries, they still contain their natural defenses.

The different defense mechanisms of plants do not all work in the same way. Beans and their phasin cause red blood cells to stick together and thus impede the transport of oxygen in the blood. In addition, phasin damages the epithelial cells in the intestine and thus disrupts the absorption of nutrients.

What does eating raw beans do?

The phasin thus hits sensitive areas in the body and can cause significant reactions. However, the reaction to the poison depends on the amount consumed. Eating some raw beans can cause mild stomach upset, intestinal inflammation, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Consuming large amounts of raw beans can also lead to death. According to the Bavarian Consumer Center, the first symptoms appear after about two to three hours. However, signs of bean poisoning can vary in severity.

Because of their low body weight, children are particularly at risk. For them, a very small amount of 5 to 6 raw beans is enough to be deadly. Children should therefore be made aware of the danger if, for example, they play with beans in a garden. Should a case of poisoning nevertheless occur, medical advice must be obtained as quickly as possible, if necessary via the poison control center.

Phasin poisoning is easy to prevent

For all bean lovers, however, the all-clear is clear: fortunately, phasin is not very persistent
Incidentally, the steam cooker often used for vegetables is not suitable for beans. The gentle cooking process does not reach the required temperature to completely destroy the phasin. Green bean blanching water must also be discarded as it contains a significant amount of phasin.

The positive effects of green tea on health are undisputed and are backed up by countless studies. Green tea from the Himalayas is of particularly high quality. We’ll tell you why Himalayan tea is so extraordinary and why green tea is generally so healthy and should be drunk every day.

Green tea from the Himalayas: That’s why it’s so healthy

Green tea from the Himalayas: At 800 to 2,500 meters, dry air alternates constantly with humid air, and it is both cool and hot (due to the strong sunshine). In addition, there is a lot of precipitation here during the monsoon, which together with the fog ensures high humidity. The southern slopes of the Himalayas offer ideal, albeit unusual, conditions for tea cultivation.

Green Tea: Numerous Health Benefits

As the German Green Cross explains, the consumption of
Furthermore, regular consumption of green tea can lower cholesterol levels. In addition, the good cholesterol, the HDL, is strengthened by reducing the bad cholesterol, the LDL. And also at

There is even suspicion that green tea may help with liver transplantation due to its antioxidant properties. Also who under one

Green Tea: Protects the heart and prolongs life

Those who drink green tea regularly may be able to prevent cardiovascular diseases and strokes – this is the conclusion reached by scientists from the Peking Union Medical College in a long-term study published in the European Journal for Preventive Cardiology. The European Union’s Community Research and Development Information Service CORDIS also reported on the results. According to this, consuming green tea at least three times a week should help you live longer and be healthier. The long-term study by the Chinese researchers examined more than 100,000 Chinese over a period of seven years, who were divided into two groups – regular tea drinkers and those who rarely consume tea.

The regular tea drinkers were, on average, 20 percent less likely to develop heart disease or stroke, and they were also 15 percent more likely to survive diseases that have been the death sentence for non-tea drinkers. On average, regular tea consumption can extend life by 1.26 years, and tea drinkers develop heart disease or a stroke about 1.5 years later

What the researchers also noticed is that the positive effects of tea on men’s health were particularly evident. Only slight improvements in health were seen in women. One reason for this could be that the proportion of tea-drinking men in the study was significantly higher than that of tea-drinking women. The scientists hold polyphenols in the tea leaves primarily responsible for the life-prolonging effects of green tea*. These are able to reduce inflammation and at the same time act as antioxidants

Green Tea: Can It Protect Against Cancer?

There is also evidence that green tea can protect against cancer. In an overview study authored by researchers from the Cochrane Collaboration, the scientists looked at a total of 142 studies on the effect of green tea on the prevention of colon, lung, breast, prostate and other types of cancer. However, the results are mixed.

In some studies, there appears to be a link between reducing the risk of developing cancer and consuming green tea. The scientists blame the antioxidants found in the substance epigallocatechin gallate contained in tea for this. These antioxidants inhibit free radicals in the body that have harmful effects. This means that oxidative stress is avoided, which damages the cells and thus causes cancer cells to develop.

Weight Loss: Lose weight with green tea

Regular consumption of green tea* can also have a positive effect on weight. A study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry links green tea drinking to modest weight gain.

In the animal experiment, mice were given particularly high-fat food for eight weeks, which made the animals overweight. The control group continued to receive normal food. The highlight: Half of the mice in each of the two groups were given two percent green tea extract

The surprising result: the mice that had the green tea extract in their food gained an average of 20 percent less weight than the mice that did not consume any green tea. They were also shown to have lower insulin resistance. Green tea also had a positive effect on the intestines: the intestinal wall was less permeable, which increased the health of the microbes in the intestine. Since the study is an animal experiment, the results cannot be extrapolated to humans without further ado, so further studies must be carried out.

Beauty: Green tea’s positive effects on the skin

As reported by the Saarland University Hospital, the flavonoid epigallocatechin gallate contained in green tea is able to have a positive effect on skin damage caused by UV radiation. Green tea also proves to be a tried and tested remedy for some skin diseases, especially if they result in vasodilatation and reddened areas of the skin.

Furthermore, green tea can also counteract the natural aging of the skin if it is processed in creams. Studies have shown, among other things, that green tea can increase the thickness of the skin in older people when used locally. An increase in keratinocytes in the skin could be proven, which play a role in inflammation, the immune system and the self-healing of the skin – and also in the self-protection of the skin from harmful UV radiation.

Another study concludes that green tea may help with acne. For example, the administration of green tea extract reduced inflammation on the nose, forehead and chin. However, according to the researchers, further studies are needed to make precise statements about the effect of green tea on acne.

How to recognize high-quality green tea

You can tell whether green tea is of high quality by looking at a few characteristics. If these aspects are given, it is most likely a high-quality green tea, according to the eco-magazine Waschbär*. It is important, among other things, the cultivation

What makes green tea so striking is its so-called “noble bitter note” and at the same time a fresh taste, which is caused by the tannins it contains and the secondary plant substances catechins. At the same time, green tea should always taste sweet, which is caused by the polysaccharides and amino acids it contains. Furthermore, minerals, essential oils and the flavor umami also play a role, which is considered the fifth flavor. Umami is described as hearty and aromatic and has a weakening effect on the bitter substances in green tea, making it more digestible in terms of taste. If one considers the aspect of green tea, the best quality tea is fetched from the tea fields with the so-called “first flush”, which is the first harvest after the winter. After that, the tea is harvested about five more times in the same year, but it no longer comes close to the taste quality of the first harvest. If a tea is labeled “Blend”, it is a mixture of leaves from different harvests.

After harvesting, the tea leaves are processed and go through a number of work steps: after the leaves have withered, they are heated, for example steamed or roasted. Heating stops the fermentation and seals the leaves so the flavor and healthy ingredients don’t escape. The leaves are then rolled so that the tea tastes more aromatic when brewed. When processing, it is important for the quality if as many work steps as possible are carried out by hand, as they are more careful than if the tea leaves are processed exclusively by machines. If the tea is processed manually, this is usually stated on the package, as this is an absolute sign of quality. Finally, it is also important that the tea is as fresh as possible. If the leaves are stored for a long time, they lose both flavor and healthy ingredients. However, there are a few types of tea that only become really high-quality through long storage.

Conclusion: Green tea from the Himalayas has many health benefits

Green tea has countless health benefits that have been confirmed in many studies. Green tea from the slopes of the Himalayas is particularly recommended, as it is considered to be of particularly high quality and tasty due to the external conditions.

In order to get green tea of impeccable quality, you can consider a few aspects of green tea production. Among other things, you should consider cultivation, taste, harvest, processing and freshness. You can ask about these aspects on the packaging or directly from your tea retailer – tea that is organically certified is generally recommended. Green tea can contribute a lot to our health – the miracle tea has a positive effect on this, among other things:

lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels
helps the liver
protects the heart and against strokes
can prolong life
can protect against cancer
helps with weight loss
can have a positive effect on the skin

Asparagus is considered the most popular spring vegetable because it not only tastes delicious, but is also an absolute nutrient bomb. But what is the difference between green and white asparagus and which variety is healthier? Here are the answers.

White or green – that’s the difference between asparagus

White asparagus grows underground and is also harvested underground. Its green counterpart grows above the ground and forms chlorophyll as soon as it stretches its head out of the ground towards the sun. Hence the green color.

In addition, green asparagus does not taste quite as mild and fine as white, but has a more spicy taste.

Since white asparagus has to be pricked, which involves a lot more effort, it is usually a bit more expensive. Green asparagus only has to be cut off.

How healthy is asparagus?

Asparagus consists of 90 percent water and is therefore very low in calories and fat-free. The fat content is only about 0.3 percent. It’s 0.47 percent carbohydrate and just over 2 percent protein, which is where “most” of the calories come from.

The popular vegetable also contains many important vitamins (A, B, C, E, K) and many valuable minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron.
The high potassium content and the asparagine, which stimulates kidney function, have a draining effect and there can be a strong smell of urine after consumption.

White and green asparagus: which variety is healthier?

Green asparagus is a bit healthier because it contains more vitamin C, folic acid and also more B vitamins than its white counterpart.
In addition, you don’t have to peel it, just remove the woody ends before cooking.
In the end, both varieties are very healthy, which is why only personal taste should play a role in the selection.

Asparagus and gout – when does asparagus become unhealthy?

However, according to the Federal Center for Nutrition, eating large amounts of asparagus can trigger gout attacks, which is why some people should consume the delicious vegetable with caution. It contains many purines, which are converted to uric acid in the body. If there is more uric acid than the kidneys can process and excrete, the uric acid level in the blood will be too high, which in turn can lead to deposits, especially in finger and toe joints.

This creates pain and swelling in sufferers, which are the symptoms of gout. If you have kidney problems or even kidney stones, it is better to consume asparagus in smaller amounts. In moderation this is not a problem, because the quantity makes the poison. Incidentally, the largest proportion of purines is in the asparagus head, so if you want to be particularly careful, you can remove it beforehand – but who wants to do without the best part?

Ultimately, both white and green asparagus are super healthy and should definitely be taken advantage of and enjoyed during asparagus season.

Practical gardening aids support you effectively in gardening. We show you the best garden tools from the internet that will help you in the garden. In this way, you ensure a beautiful and green garden that makes everyone jealous.

Practical helpers in the garden make work easier

If you enjoy gardening, you should have handy gardening tools on hand. Because many products benefit the green garden and numerous plants. No matter whether it is a small or large garden, everyone will find the right helper on the Internet. Since the selection on the Internet is very large, we have made a small pre-selection. We also recommend taking a look at the useful everyday helpers in the household.

1) Waterproof garden mat is a good garden helper

Of course, when gardening, everyone wears old clothes that can get dirty. But so that you avoid deep-seated stains and don’t have to remove grass stains in the first place, get a garden mat to put under. Because this not only keeps stains and moisture out, it also prevents small tools from disappearing underground.

2) Cultivation mat for plants as a helper in the garden

To make it easier for you to grow plants, you can use growing mats made of rock wool. Because the stone wool has a high level of air and water permeability. As a result, you achieve high yields. You can make such a growing mat yourself or buy it online.

3) Weed killer as a practical garden helper

The weed killer from Unkraut Frei Plus also performed well in the test comparison. Unlike the first two squares, this one is biodegradable, which should be important to every gardener. It also convinces with its rapid effectiveness and the long period of use from March to October. Also, note other tips for destroying weeds.

4) Fertilizer for a green garden

The COMPO green plant and palm fertilizer achieved the best test results. Because this ensures a dense lawn and a green garden. It is also biodegradable and should protect the groundwater. Here you get 20 kg for 800 m². It is also available as a plant fertilizer. Or use natural home remedies as plant and flower fertilizer for a beautiful garden.

5) Water dispenser for plants of any kind

The Scheurich Bördy as a practical garden helper provides a water reserve and waters the flowers automatically. Not only can you take care of your indoor plants, but you can also do something good for your garden plants when you are away from the garden for a long time and the heat is persistent.

6) Wooden signs to label the garden plants

Anyone who tends a garden with many plants, flowers, and herbs can quickly lose track. It is, therefore, worthwhile to identify the individual plants. For this, we recommend the wooden signs for writing as a practical helper in the garden. Because they are plastic-free and environmentally friendly. In addition, they can be used on both sides and look simple but beautiful. In addition, note practical kitchen aids for clever cooking.

7) Tying pliers as a practical garden tool

Whether for the tasks of winter gardening or in summer. Such binding pliers can be quite practical. Because you use these if you want to attach plants to climbing aids. Or want to fix tomato plants, grapes, etc. This makes tying plants easier and saves you time.

8) Auto planter as a helpful gardening tool

The automatic planter is a practical garden tool, especially for working on small beds. With this, you can easily loosen up soil or plant vegetables and plants. It convinces many people because of its easy handling and low price. You will also find out which clever helpers are useful when cleaning.

9) Spreading granules against snails

The sorrow of many garden lovers is snails. They eat the laboriously grown vegetables and the beautiful plants. In order to keep a beautiful green garden, you should buy Compo litter granules. Because this is effective against snails, but does not endanger bees and protects the environment. Then you can drive away any kind of snails and your plants can breathe a sigh of relief.

10) Full Garden Tool Set

A comprehensive set of garden tools is essential for a beautiful green garden. As a result, the Hayate set offers you a variety of practical gardening tools. They convince with their ergonomic handling and beautiful design. If you already have all the tools yourself, this is also a nice gift idea.

Matcha tea was and is the best and finest tea in Japan, which used to be reserved for the elite only. The bright green, frothy drink is still considered a cult drink.

However, the trend towards matcha tea did not come to Germany directly from Japan, but from the USA. Stars, starlets and wannabes have been spotted there with the green “in” drink in their hands for a number of years.

It is said to make you slim, fit and healthy, and helps fight signs of aging and even cancer. Like all other green teas, it also serves as a stimulating alternative to coffee with its caffeine content (tein). Is the expensive cult drink worth its price?

Why is matcha tea actually powder?

Matcha tea is one of the green tea varieties and is traditionally drunk in Japan. The tea probably originally came from China, but was forgotten there. Unlike “normal” green teas, matcha tea is not prepared as a decoction of tea leaves, but from a bright green powder.

This powder consists of finely ground green tea leaves from which the stalks have been removed. “For Matcha of the highest quality, the tea farmers even remove the leaf veins by hand,” explains Heidrun Schubert from the Bavarian Consumer Advice Center

Only the pure leaf remains, which is also consumed as a whole in tea. Since matcha tea is a so-called “shade tea”, the tea bushes are shaded with bamboo mats or similar four weeks before harvest. This makes the leaves particularly intense green.

Prepare matcha tea

If the matcha tea from the green powder is not brewed properly, neither the taste nor the effect are said to be right. Preparing matcha tea is part of a tea ceremony in Japan. You don’t have to make a ceremony out of it at home, but it still takes some practice and effort.

The water for the foamy tea should be as soft as possible, it must have a temperature of 80° Celsius when brewing. The easiest way to check this is with a roast thermometer. About a teaspoon of the powder goes into a bowl, which you then pour on with around 100 milliliters of water.

Then manual work is required – matcha tea has to be opened during preparation. To do this, take a special broom made of bamboo (the Chasen) and stir with a loose wrist in your own movement until the powder has completely dissolved and a fine foam has formed on the surface.

The right accessories

In order for the preparation to succeed, you need the right accessories – a normal teacup or blender is not enough to create the perfect foam. A set consists of the already mentioned bamboo whisk, a suitable bowl and a bamboo spoon for portioning the tea powder. Purists or lovers then get a suitable ladle and a Japanese kettle.