With the world becoming more and more health-conscious – health foods, superfoods, and healthy options have become a lifestyle for people. Matcha is one of the most famous health food very popular these days. But to understand the health benefits of Match Green Tea- we need to first look at what Matcha actually is and how it works.
Matcha is a specially cultivated and processed variety of green tea leaves. This is a traditional drink in many South-East Asian countries like Japan, China and Korea. Matcha is essentially derived from green tea leaves, but it is the process that stands out. The plants used for making matcha green tea are grown in shade-grown for about four weeks before they are harvested. Then, veins and stems are removed from the plant during the processing. When the plants are in the shade, they produce more caffeine and theanine. After the processing, the matcha is generally found in fine powdered form, unlike other forms of tea, which usually have left. Matcha is usually consumed a bit differently than other teas because of its fluffy powdery nature. It normally floats in liquids like water and milk.
What are –
Theanine- An amino acid analogue primarily found in plants and some fungal species and is the key component of green tea. If you have tried matcha, then theanine is what gives it that quintessential umami kick!
Caffeine- Caffeine is a component found in some species’ plants, fruits, and nuts. Known to reduce stress, anxiety and drowsiness, it is popularly found in coffee and green tea.
Now lets us look at the health benefits of drinking Matcha green tea and why we should know about it-
- Matcha green tea is rich in anti-oxidants, and nutritionists believe they help stay hydrated and boost the body’s metabolism.
- Due to the high content of chlorophyll and theanine in matcha, it helps in detoxing the body and cleanse the system
- The slow release of theanine helps in providing a calm energy boost, unlike other drinks like espressos and black coffee, which can only spike your energy levels instantly.
- Several tests and research show the stress-reducing properties of consuming matcha green tea.
- Matcha is also believed to have some amazing skin benefits like reducing puffy or swollen eyes, helping in controlling skin pigmentation, along with anti-ageing properties.
- If consumed on a regular basis, Matcha is believed to promote good heart health and might also help protect the liver as it helps in flushing out the toxins from the body.
Matcha is essentially consumed as a beverage, but it can be consumed in various forms like Matcha green tea drink, matcha lattes, matcha infused iced teas or even matcha flavoured ice creams. They are also used to infuse matcha flavours in desserts like mochi, matcha flavoured tiramisu, matcha muffins, various forms of Japanese desserts, etc. They are easy to work with the umami gives it a nice flavour. Apart from that, these days, matcha is also found in the form of effervescent tablets that you can infuse in your water and drink for optimum health benefits. If green teas are not your preferred choice of beverage than you can go for these tablets.
In olden times, matcha was used in making the Japanese Ceremonial Matcha green tea. This is an age-old Japanese custom that involved the preparation, serving and drinking of matcha tea served hot. It is a very detailed activity and is supposed to have meditative and spiritual meaning. The matcha used in the tea ceremony is a very high-grade matcha.
Many people have replaced their teas and coffees with matcha, and they believe that it is the right step in the direction of a healthy lifestyle. But of course, you should always do careful research and understand how it works. It should be taken in beneficial and moderate amounts that is appropriate for your body and not replace for food. You can enjoy your matcha lattes, your green teas, and your matcha flavoured mochis, soba noodles – and get all the health benefits it provides!