Beating the Winter Chill: Why We Get Hungry and How Tea Can Help
Hello, this is Jun from the online staff.
We are now in the depths of winter, and the piercing cold seems to be sticking around, doesn't it?
Have you ever noticed that during these freezing days, your hungrier feels stronger? There is actually a scientific reason for this. To maintain our body temperature in the cold, our energy consumption increases, and our metabolism speeds up. Additionally, shorter daylight hours lead to a drop in serotonin, a hormone that helps suppress appetite.
When you think about it, this winter cycle of "getting hungry and overeating" is quite natural. I, for one, definitely experience this firsthand! To manage my appetite wisely during this peak cold season, I rely on warm beverages to heat my body from the core and soothe my cravings.
Here are my personal recommendations for the perfect cup for every moment:
Dining with Sencha
When having a meal, I always choose warm Sencha. Its refreshing aftertaste cleanses the palate, allowing me to fully enjoy the flavors of the food without any lingering heaviness.
Cozy Mornings with Hojicha
On particularly cold mornings, I turn to Hojicha (Roasted Green Tea). Watching the steam rise and inhaling the toasty, savory aroma brings a sense of pure happiness that is hard to describe. Its gentle flavor is the best way to start the day.
Relaxing with a Matcha Latte
Another recommendation is a Matcha Latte made with Uji Matcha and milk (please refer to this blog for the recipe). The aroma of Matcha gently unfolds, and its mellow texture is perfect for when you want to relax. Its subtle sweetness and clean finish also seem to help ease those hunger pangs.
I hope you all enjoy a wonderful tea time unique to this season.