3 Big Benefits of Matcha Green Tea

The popularity of the matcha green tea has increased lately, with the availability of lattes, desserts, teas, and matcha shots in different places from coffee shops to health stores. Drinking matcha is not a fad, it’s one of the longest standing cultures of the Japanese people.

What is Matcha?

Just like green tea, matcha is made from the chlorophyll-rich young leaves of the Camellia sinesis plant. However, it is cultivated differently as farmers cover the tea plants one month to harvest to avoid direct sunlight. That helps boost chlorophyll content, gives the plant a darker green hue, and increases the production of amino acids. After the harvest, the veins and stems are removed, and the leaves are steamed, dried, and ground into a fine green powder known as matcha.

The matcha tea offers unparalleled nutrition and is an easy way to enjoy powerful health benefits. Here, we give you three benefits of adding matcha green tea to your everyday diet.

High in antioxidants

Antioxidants are naturally occurring chemical compounds that reduce cell damage, protects against UV radiation, prevent life-threatening maladies, and aging. Even though there are other foods lauded for their antioxidant properties, matcha is unparalleled in comparison. The antioxidants produced by matcha green tea are five times more than the content produced by any other food. Furthermore, on that note, match tea is loaded with a catechin known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), which is the most potent and beneficial type of antioxidants. EGCg has powerful anti-cancer properties. Also, they help prevent damage to the liver and kidneys.

Improves cholesterol

Heart disease is one of the leading cause of death globally. The nutrient profile in matcha green tea may help protect against heart disease and stroke.  Matcha tea helps prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol which is one of the key factors that increase the risk of heart disease. This reduces the levels of bad LDL cholesterol, including triglycerides while at the same time exhibiting higher levels of good HDL cholesterol. Therefore, adding matcha tea to your diet will help protect against disease and keep your heart healthy, giving you a longer life.

Improves cognitive performance

Matcha tea is rich in a rare amino acid known as L-Theanine, which acts upon the brains functioning, promoting a state of relaxation and alertness. While L-Theanine is common in all black and green teas, the content of this amino acid in matcha tea is five times more. Drinking matcha helps promote better concentration, enhanced mood, and improved memory without drowsiness.

Best of all, the matcha green tea is easy to prepare. But first, the powder should be added directly to boiling water as it will have a ‘grassy’ taste. The best way is to boil water, and let it sit to 175 degrees F. Sift the powder into a glass bowl and slowly add the hot water. Whisk until frothy and well mixed. Enjoy your drink and give your day a burst of health benefits and extra flavor.

If you are not a tea drinker there are other ways to reap the benefits of Matcha Green Tea by using the powder in different recipes.  Get your download of two great recipes we thought you might like to try:
                                               Green Tea Cupcakes & Green Tea cookies.  Try them today!

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