An iconic beverage in Japan, matcha tea, is popping up among the genZ for its timeless appeal and versatility. It is just another green tea that involves consuming the entire tea leaf ground into a fine powder. This method locks a rich supply of antioxidants and nutrients.
There are stories about matcha tea and its origin. Popular opinion is that matcha was introduced by Zen monks in the 12th century. Initially, the drink was used in meditation practices due to its calming yet invigorating properties. A fun fact is that samurai warriors drank matcha before battles to enhance their focus and endurance.
It is a fact that matcha is consumed worldwide for not being unique but also for its impressive health benefits, which include improved metabolism and mental clarity. Wanna know more about matcha tea? Stay together with our article!
What is Matcha?
Matcha tea is fine and powdered green tea from Japan consumed as a whole tea leaf. Traditionally, matcha is prepared by whisking the powder with hot water until it becomes frothy.
Boiling water is added to the green tea powder instead of steeping it. A key component of the Japanese tea ceremony is the careful preparation, presentation, and consumption of matcha.
Although matcha powder was originally used as a ceremonial tea, it is today a common green tea powder used in cooking, salad dressings, and beverages including matcha lattes and boba tea.
Matcha tea is beneficial for our health and mind, and has many health benefits. Which we will discuss in a later part of our article.
Also Read : 10 Best Green Tea Brands in 2024
How is Matcha tea prepared?
Matcha tea is a smooth and fluffy beverage that is made using a few steps. Here’s a traditional method:
Sift the Matcha tea powder: Using a fine sieve, transfer one or two teaspoons of matcha powder into a bowl. This reduces the possibility of clumping and ensures a smooth consistency.
Boil the water: Raise the water’s temperature to approximately 175°F (80°C), or a simmer. If the water is boiled before adding the matcha tea powder, the tea may taste bitter.
Add water to matcha powder: Pour a tiny amount (about two to three ounces) of hot water into the bowl containing the matcha tea powder.
Whisk well: Using a bamboo whisk (chasen), quickly whisk the mixture in a zigzag manner until it foams. It should finish in 15 to 30 seconds. The goal is to create a layer of foam on the surface.
Add more water if needed: Feel free to add an extra 6 ounces of hot water in total to get the right strength. To produce a thicker, more concentrated matcha tea (koicha), use less water. To produce usucha or thinner tea, add more water.
Pour the matcha tea into a cup and start sipping right away: Even while matcha tea is often consumed without milk or sugar, you may customize it to your preferences.
With this preparation procedure, matcha tea or matcha lattes become more than just a drink; rather, it becomes an activity that emphasizes its ceremonial and contemplative qualities.
Also Read : Best Matcha Tea Brands in India 2024
Health Benefits of Matcha Tea
Matcha tea or matcha powder has several health benefits due to its high antioxidant, vitamin, and mineral content. It promotes relaxation, increases metabolism, sharpens the mind, and strengthens the heart. You get sustained energy from its unique combination of L-theanine and caffeine without getting jittery as you would with other caffeinated drinks. Here is a detailed list of 10 different matcha tea health benefits:
Detoxifies body
Matcha tea helps with body cleaning because of its high antioxidant content, particularly its catechins. As you know, catechin is a compound that helps to remove harmful pollutants and free radicals. The chlorophyll in matcha tea powder benefits blood filtration and the liver. The fibre in matcha powder is also good for digestion and getting rid of trash. Regular matcha tea consumption speeds up the body’s natural cleaning processes and raises metabolism.
Helps in boosting brain functions
Matcha tea enhances brain function due to its high caffeine and L-theanine content. L-theanine promotes relaxation without making you feel drowsy, which enhances concentration and cognitive function. Caffeine, included in matcha tea powder, improves alertness and memory. Matcha lattes, which are made with matcha powder, deliciously provide these health benefits. Regular use enhances mental clarity and focus, both of which are beneficial to overall health. Due to its many health benefits, matcha tea might be pricey, but it’s still a valuable addition to your diet. Check out matcha tea prices at our e-store, Orgo All-Natural.
Matcha is very high in antioxidants
Matcha tea’s antioxidants, particularly the catechins, are excellent in scavenging harmful free radicals. Compared to other green teas, matcha powder has a considerably greater antioxidant content since it uses the entire leaf. As a result, matcha lattes are delicious and nourishing. Regular consumption of matcha tea powder may improve overall health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Its high antioxidant content and many health benefits make it a great choice for anybody trying to drink more nutrient-rich beverages.
May reduce heart disease risks
Matcha tea is beneficial for heart health because of its high content of antioxidants, particularly catechins, which lower cholesterol and blood pressure. The antioxidants in matcha powder improve blood flow and reduce the risk of heart disease. Matcha lattes made with powdered matcha tea are good for your heart because they lessen the buildup of arterial plaque. Just two of the many health benefits of matcha tea are its ability to reduce inflammation and improve heart health in general. Though matcha tea is more expensive than regular tea, but its heart-healthy qualities make it an excellent addition to any diet.
Promotes Digestive Health
Digestive health is enhanced by matcha tea’s high fibre and antioxidant content. When added to matcha lattes, matcha powder helps with regular bowel movements and decreases intestinal inflammation, both of which improve digestion. Healthy gut flora is maintained by the catechins in matcha tea powder, which inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. These health advantages of matcha tea improve digestion in general and nutrient absorption in particular. Despite its expensive cost, matcha tea is still an excellent addition to your diet due to its advantages for digestive health.
Aids in weight loss
Matcha tea may aid in weight loss because of its high catechin and caffeine content, which accelerate metabolism and encourage fat burning. Matcha powder increases energy and enhances calorie burn during exercise. You can drink a glass of matcha lattes before high mobility. These ingredients in matcha tea powder enable efficient fat loss without compromising muscle mass. In addition to these health benefits, matcha tea reduces appetite and blood sugar levels. Since matcha tea can help lose weight, it is a costly but worthwhile addition to any weight-loss program that aims to improve body composition.
Provides Relaxation
Due to its high L-theanine content, matcha tea aids in increasing focus and tranquillity. This component of matcha powder promotes tranquillity without depleting you by counteracting the sleepy effects of coffee. Drinking matcha lattes prepared with matcha tea powder can make you feel happier and less nervous. Despite its high cost, matcha tea’s relaxing properties make it a great complement to everyday routines, enhancing mental and emotional clarity.
May help prevent cancer
Strong antioxidants in matcha tea, especially catechins, fight free radicals and stop the formation of cancer cells, helping to prevent cancer. Due to the high concentration of these chemicals, matcha powder is an effective weapon in the fight against cancer. Drinking matcha tea can lower your risk of cancer and help you stay generally healthy. At Orgo All-Natural, we offer you the best quality matcha tea powder. Visit our website to explore matcha tea prices.
May help in protecting the liver
The high content of catechins in matcha tea, which have been demonstrated to have hepatoprotective properties, protects the liver. By lowering oxidative stress and inflammation, these antioxidants support the liver’s health and function. In addition to helping the liver cleanse, matcha tea powder can shield the liver against damage brought on by toxins and long-term alcohol usage. By incorporating matcha powder into your diet, you may protect the general health and well-being of your liver.
Boosts Energy and Stamina
L-theanine, found in matcha tea, counteracts the effects of caffeine to give you a steady energy boost while enhancing attention and alertness. Because of its strong antioxidant content, which lowers oxidative stress, it improves endurance. Additionally, matcha’s caffeine and other ingredients speed up metabolism, which improves stamina. Because of its synergistic effects, matcha is a popular choice for improved physical performance and prolonged vitality.
Is Matcha healthier than regular green tea?
Both regular green tea and matcha offer similar health benefits, although their nutritional profiles do vary a small amount. Since matcha is made from the whole tea leaf ground into a fine powder, it maintains more antioxidants and nutrients compared to regular green teas that are steeped in hot water and then strained.
To provide a natural source of catechins and chlorophyll which help with the metabolism, immune system and mental clarity; matcha powder contains significantly higher concentrations of these ingredients than regular green tea.
Though, they both help with weight loss and heart health and it does have antioxidant properties so it helps a lot against cancer. Whether you select one or the other is completely down to personal preference – whether you like a more potent hit of nutrients with matcha tea or enjoy green tea for its milder flavour.
Conclusion
Ultimately, matcha tea shows itself to be a superfood with a potent concentration of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It retains more nutrients than regular green tea due to its unique production process, making it a healthier choice for those who are worried about their health.
Incorporating matcha into your daily routine may be enjoyable and invigorating. Matcha tea contributes to long-term health goals while boosting metabolism and energy levels, and promoting overall well-being.
