Originating in China, the Acha tea culture was brought to Japan and has been a prominent part of their culture since the 12th century. Initially consumed by aristocrats, the medicinal properties of Matcha soon spread among general people, and it became a staple beverage in Japanese tea ceremonies.
Matcha is created by shading the tea plant before harvesting. This process enhances the chlorophyll production resulting in the bright green color of leaves, which contains more antioxidants as compared to regular green teas.
The leaves are hand-picked, steamed, and dried before being ground into a fine powder, which is then mixed with hot water or milk. Unlike regular tea, where the leaves are infused and then discarded, Matcha is consumed entirely, providing higher nutrient intake.
The presence of theanine, caffeine, and catechins in Matcha helps to boost metabolism, lower blood pressure while improving cognitive functions. L-Theanine, one of Matcha’s primary constituents, helps to increase alpha waves in the brain that help to reduce stress and improve mood.
Matcha has a high concentration of antioxidants, almost 137 times more than regular green teas. The antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to the body’s cells. This protection against damage helps to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
The EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) found in Matcha is a type of antioxidant that reduces inflammation and bacterial infections in the body. EGCG has shown to inhibit the activity of cancer-causing agents in the body and suppress the growth of tumors.
Matcha’s caffeine content helps to increase alertness, sharpen focus, and improve energy levels. Unlike coffee, which may cause jitters or disturb sleep patterns, Matcha’s caffeine is released slowly into the bloodstream, providing a steady dose of energy for several hours.
Matcha’s ability to burn fat and lose weight is one of its most popular benefits. Catechins present in Matcha helps to increase fat burning while reducing the absorption of fats from the diet. Matcha also helps to control hunger by reducing the secretion of the hunger hormone, Ghrelin.
The sweet and earthy taste of Matcha has made it an ideal choice for lattes, smoothies, and desserts. Adding Matcha to a healthy diet can provide a significant boost of nutrients and health benefits.
In conclusion, Matcha is a superfood and has various health benefits. Regular consumption of Matcha can contribute to a healthy diet, providing the body with essential nutrients and antioxidants, improving overall health and wellness. However, like every other food, moderation is the key to reaping the benefits of Matcha. It is essential to buy high-quality Matcha from a reliable supplier and make that a part of your healthy diet. So, next time you want to switch things up, swap your regular cup of tea or coffee for Matcha and enjoy the numerous health benefits it has to offer.