Ashitaba Seedlings Philippines

What is Ashitaba?

Ashitaba is a lush green plant that has its origins on the island of island of Hachijo  Japan where the warm tropical currents pass by on their way North to meet the cold Arctic waters of the Pacific. Its name means "tomorrow' leaf". aptly termed due to its ability to reproduce its green stem and leaf almost on a daily basis.

Ashitaba's scientific name, Angelica Keiskei Koidzme, comes from the Latin name for "angel", most likely due to its "heavenly", well known health benefits that have given it such notoriety. The inhabitants of Hachijo Island are well known for their longevity, having some of the longest life spans on earth (i.e. many commonly live well into their 90's in god health). Ashitaba has been an integral part of their diet for hundreds of years.

When all aspects of their life style were analyzed, the researchers found that the consumption of Ashitaba was a heavy contribution to their healthy, extended lives. Even the local residents of the island refer to Ashitaba as the "longevity herb". As more research has been conducted on this special strain of angelica, Ashitaba has been attracting more and more attention from the scientific community.

The oldest written record of the benefits of Ashitaba appear to be more than 2,000 years old. Of the many thousands of known plants, Ashitaba belongs to the elite 1% category called "medicinal plant".

From the Ming Dynasty to the Shogun warriors, the Ashitaba plant traveled from China to Japan and was a well guarded secret of strength and longevity for hundreds of years among the classes of society.

Ashitaba is a true functional Super Food, containing a vast spectrum of beneficial properties and a unique array of phytonutrients, including 11 vitamins, 13 minerals, chlorophyII, enzymes, carotene, germanium, saponins, proteins, plant fiber, glycosides, coumarins, and a potent, rare class of flavonoids called Chalcone.

                                                                         Ashitaba Spouts

Why Ashitaba is an ideal food for vegans and vegetarians?

It is not difficult to ascertain why Ashitaba exerts so many positive effects on health when you consider the broad range of nutrients it contains - including 11 different types of vitamins and 13 minerals.

Nutritional analysis reveals that 100 grams of Ashitaba powder contains the beta-carotene content equivalent to four carrots, the vitamin B2 content equivalent to 28 cloves of garlic, the vitamin C content equivalent to 4 lemons, and nine times the amount of iron found in spinach. It also contains vitamins B1, B3, B5, B6, biotin, folic acid, and the minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, copper, manganese, sulphur and silicon.

Most plants are devoid of vitamin B12, which is normally only obtainable through meat, fish and eggs. However, Ashitaba is a good source of this nutrient, making it an ideal supplement for strict vegetarians and vegans, who omit these foods from their diets and are at risk of suffering from a deficiency. A shortage of B12 can cause serious cognitive and nervous system problems, in addition to increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and pernicious anaemia.

Chalcone is the most characteristic element that we found from Hachi Jo Island Ashitaba

Tested by Osaka University of Pharmacy, Japan

Rich, Complete Balanced Nutrition -
Besides the unique substance - Chalcone, Hachi Jo Island Ashitaba also contains protein, amino acid , vitamins and minerals. Compared to other vegetables, it contains more potassium, a mineral with diuretic effect.

Composition of Nutrients in Ashitaba Powder/Tablets (100g)

The above analysis was done by Japan Food Research Laboratories, authorized by Japanese Government.