Matcha is finely powdered green tea that originated centuries ago in Japan. This miracle green tea is a super-food that has now become popular all over the world because of its health and beauty benefits.
How is Matcha tea made?
Whether it's black, oolong or matcha, all teas are made from the Camellia sinensis plant. The tea leaves used in making matcha are specially grown and processed.
- The green tea plants for matcha are grown in shade to prevent direct sunlight 3 weeks before the harvest. This increases chlorophyll content making the leaves greener.
- The finest handpicked tea buds are steamed and air-dried.
- Then, the leaves are destemmed and deveined, thus forming tencha.
- Matcha is made by grinding tencha into very small size (5 - 10 microns) which takes a lot of time.
Matcha Vs Other Green Teas
- About 3 times more Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an important antioxidant, than regular green tea [1]
- Approximately 10 times more nutritional content than other green teas
- More caffeine than green tea
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How to make Matcha green tea?
What You'll Need
- A bowl
- A bamboo whisk
- A teaspoon of matcha green tea powder
- A cup of boiled water
Directions
- Put 1-2 teaspoon of matcha green tea powder in the bowl using a sifter.
- Add boiled water. Use water that is just under boiling point.
- Stir up with the whisk until the tea is foamy.
- Enjoy.
Benefits of Matcha Green Tea
Fights Cancer
The flavonoids and polyphenols in matcha are strong antioxidants. They fight against free radicals and environmental pollutants in the body which help in preventing various types of cancer. [2]
Helps You Lose Weight
EGCG, found abundantly in matcha green tea, helps in losing weight by boosting your metabolism, speeding up fat oxidation and improving insulin sensitivity. [3, 4]
Helps to Concentrate
Caffeine, whether consume through coffee or matcha green tea, produces same effect; it keeps you awake and improve brain function. But there is an additional compound called L-theanine (amino acid) in matcha green tea which is known to inhibit possible hype and anxiety caused due to caffeine.
Overall, caffeine and L-theanine work together to improve mood, reduce mental and physical stress, increase concentration ability.
Takes Care of Your Heart
EGCG improves your cardiovascular by reducing blood pressure and inhibiting oxidation of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), the bad cholesterol. [5, 6]
Beauty Benefits of Matcha
What matcha does for your hair?
Matcha is rich in panthenol, a provitamin B, which is a common ingredient of shampoos and conditioners. Panthenol keeps your hair moisturized and glossy.
Panthenol, Vitamin C and Vitamin E found in matcha strengthens your hair and reduces hair fall by removing split ends and contracting the scalp.
What matcha does for your skin?
You can get many skin benefits from matcha by drinking it or by applying it topically.
If you have acne, then you should definitely try matcha. EGCG in matcha helps reduce acne by checking the IGF-1 levels and consequently reducing oil secretion on skin. [7]
The antioxidants in matcha can also provide protection against sun damage, rejuvenate aging skin, and even reduce dark circles. [8, 9]
Side Effects of Matcha Green Tea
Drinking matcha green tea excessively can have some side effects on you because of its
Caffeine Content
There is 70mg of caffeine per 8 fl. oz. of matcha, which is higher than your regular green tea. So excess intake of matcha may lead to restlessness, anxiety, nausea etc. [10]
Upset stomach
Drinking strong green tea in empty stomach can lead to upset stomach. As matcha green tea is itself a strong green tea, it is better to avoid this tea in an empty stomach. [11]
Reaction with Certain Drugs
If you are under any medication, drinking matcha green tea might not be a good idea. So, the best thing you can do is to consult with your doctors before you drink this tea. [12]
Pregnancy unfriendly
As matcha green tea has comparatively high amount of caffeine than other teas, the risk of miscarriage, premature delivery or difficulty in conceiving may arise with excessive intake of this tea. Pregnant women are suggested to stay away from this tea. [13]
