All About Matcha

Matcha shots are the hottest trend at health stores, coffee shops, and juice bars. Have you heard about it? Many coffee lovers are changing their morning java to shots of matcha; maybe it’s worth a try? Here is everything you need to know about matcha.

What is Matcha?

Matcha means “Powdered tea.” Traditional green tea is steeped in boiling water and the leaves discarded. Matcha comes from green tea leaves that are powdered, mixed in boiling water and consumed.

To make the perfect traditional matcha, mix a teaspoon of matcha powder with a third cup of water that’s heated to less than a boil. Whisk it with a bamboo brush until it froths a creamy green color.

How is Matcha Different from Regular Green Tea?

Matcha leaves have a different final production phase compared to green tea. Two weeks before the harvest, the matcha crop is covered with shade netting. The lack of light turns the leaves dark green, almost purple.

This dark color occurs due to the increased production of antioxidants, and flavonoids in the leaves. The leaves are harvested, briefly blanched to prevent fermentation and then dried in cold storage. The leaves are then stone-ground into a fine powder and packed for shipping.

5 Health Benefits of Matcha

Being that matcha is powdered whole green tea leaves, means that there are higher levels of antioxidants in matcha when compared to green tea. Matcha is a potent source of a polyphenol called EGCG, which has been shown in research to enhance metabolism, and provide other health benefits. (1)

#1 It’s Great for a Morning Start

Matcha will give you an excellent to your day. It has more caffeine per serving than coffee and has a rich, fragrant aroma. The l-theanine found in matcha creates and alert calmness, inducing a relaxed state. Ditch the espresso jitters and try a matcha instead. (2)

#2 Matcha and Meditation

The history and culture of Japan are closely tied to ancient tea ceremonies that include matcha. The soothing effects of matcha mellow out your mood, keeping your mind clear, calm, and alert.

#3 Avoid Sweetened Powders and Choose the Best Quality

Some matcha brands come flavored or sweetened. Avoid these products and choose matcha produced on an organic farm using sustainable farming and production methods.

#4 Make Your Meals Powerful

Instead of drinking a soda or water with your meal, try some matcha. Drinking a hot drink with food improves digestion and reduces inflammation of the GI tract. A serving of matcha will enhance your metabolic rate and improve the results of a fat-loss diet. (3)

#5 Reduce Inflammation

Matcha tea is also said to have anti-inflammatory properties. (4)

The Final Thought

Matcha makes an excellent, healthy alternative to your morning coffee routine. The added health benefits of polyphenols combined with a rich and fragrant aroma make it worth your while to give it a shot.

Sources

(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23201840

(2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4728665/

(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1433604/

(4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3509513/