Hi everyone, 

This is my first blog post and I’m thrilled to catch up on the discussion about foods related to the year of the Horse. An article post discussing an overview of related characteristics listed the following years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, and 2014. In Chinese astrology, each zodiac sign is also associated with specific types of food or ingredients that are believed to bring good luck and health to people born in that sign's year. For the Horse zodiac sign, some of the foods that are considered lucky or beneficial include carrots, oats, bananas, and soybeans. Moreso, in discussion with lifestyle and health, the article stated that since horses are known to be highly ambitious and active they should be aware of their daily habits that would contribute to their health. In addition, foods beneficial to this zodiac would be healthy snacks and vegetables such as sweet potato, spinach, beef, rosemary, pumpkin, lemon, and such. Our related lucky colors are green, yellow, and brown. In continuation, many articles have highlighted the recommended drink to be matcha tea. 

Matcha is utilized as a palate cleanser on top of its many health benefits. For example, matcha contains a compound called L-theanine that serves as a healthy and natural source of caffeine for 6-8 hours of alertness. Caffeine, which is naturally present in matcha tea, has also been linked to improved heart health. Moderate caffeine consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, likely due to its ability to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation. Continously, it holds is a rich source of heart-disease-preventing vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. In addition, the same compound acts as an anxiety relaxer, foster of deep relaxation and alertness within 30-40 minutes of ingestion, sharpen memory, and improve focus. Significantly, matcha is also known for its high antioxidant concentration, being 10x more than what is found in a cup of green tea. It’s related benefits continue further to improving skin health for all types of skin types (oily, dry, acne-prone, aging) and promoting blood flow. Matcha tea contains high levels of catechins, which are natural antioxidants that are known to have cholesterol-lowering properties. Catechins have been shown to help inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines and promote the excretion of cholesterol through the liver. Additionally, matcha tea also contains fiber, which can help reduce cholesterol absorption in the body. Overall, the combination of these heart-healthy compounds in matcha tea makes it a promising addition to a heart-healthy diet exemplified by one study found that men who drink matcha tea are 11% less likely to develop heart disease than those who don't drink matcha.

With the habits of horses constantly on the race to finish one goal and move on to the next, it is easy to forget the significance of health. Therefore, it is recommended that health check-ups are to be taken immediately before requiring major medical interventions. It has also been stated that deep-breathing meditation is a foundational grounding exercise in contrast to the fast-paced attitude of this zodiac sign. Especially, as horses would think last of their breathing, this technique is beneficial to get in touch with ourselves and our thoughts. 

Related links:

https://sethlui.com/chinese-zodiac-food-to-eat-2021/ 

https://www.orientalwebshop.nl/chinese-food-horoscope?___store=en 

https://matcha.com/pages/matcha-health-benefits

https://matcha.com/blogs/news/heart-health-and-matcha-green-tea-what-you-need-to-know 

https://the-qi.com/blogs/journal/the-best-wellness-ritual-for-you-based-on-your-chinese-zodiac-sign