Contents
1. Features of Japanese matcha green tea.
Recently I started drinking matcha green tea regularly. This is not an ordinary green tea. Leaves are harvested for him only once a year. Moreover, a few weeks before harvesting, tea bushes are shaded to protect them from direct sunlight. Thanks to this, the leaves become softer and juicier, excess bitterness leaves them. Tea made from such leaves turns out to be sweeter, and its composition increases the content of amino acids.
A distinctive feature of Japanese matcha tea is its shape: it is obtained from dried young and delicate tea leaves without veins and stems by grinding the powder in stone millstones. When preparing a drink, the powder is partially dissolved in hot water, which increases the amount of beneficial antioxidants and vitamins in this tea. If you know how to brew matcha tea, it will be much healthier than classic green tea.
Matcha is a rich source of antioxidants and polyphenols. One cup of matcha tea is nutritionally equivalent to 10 cups of brewed green tea.
There are at least 9 reasons why you should start drinking matcha:
1. Matcha is high in antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances and enzymes that fight oxidation. In particular, they rejuvenate the skin and prevent a number of dangerous diseases.
Scientists have found that matcha contains 100 times more epigallocatechin (EGC) than any other tea. EGC is the strongest antioxidant of the four main tea catechins, 25-100 times stronger than vitamins C and E. In the match, 60% of the catechins are EGC. Of all the antioxidants, it is widely recognized for its anti-cancer properties.
2. Soothes
For over a millennium, matcha green tea has been used by Chinese Taoists and Japanese Zen Buddhist monks as a relaxing remedy to meditate – and stay alert. We now know that this high state of consciousness is associated with the amino acid L-Theanine in the leaves. L-Theanine stimulates the production of alpha waves in the brain, which induce relaxation without drowsiness.
3. Improves memory and concentration
Another result of the action of L-Theanine is the production of dopamine and serotonin. These substances raise mood, improve memory and concentration.
4. Increases energy levels and stamina
While green tea invigorates us with the caffeine it contains, matcha gives us a boost of energy thanks to the same L-Thianine. The energetic effect of a cup of matcha can last up to six hours, and it is not accompanied by nervousness and hypertension. This is good, clean energy!
5. Burns calories
Matcha green tea speeds up your metabolism and helps your body burn fat about four times faster than normal. At the same time, matcha does not cause any side effects (increased heart rate, high blood pressure, etc.).
6. Cleans the body
For the last three weeks, before the tea leaves are harvested, the Chinese camellia is protected from sunlight. This results in a significant increase in chlorophyll, which not only gives the drink a beautiful bright green color, but is also a powerful detoxifier capable of naturally removing heavy metals and chemical toxins from the body.
7. Strengthens the immune system
The catechins in matcha green tea have antibiotic properties that support overall health. Plus, just one cup of matcha provides significant amounts of potassium, vitamins A and C, iron, protein, and calcium.
8. Normalizes cholesterol levels
Scientists are not entirely sure exactly how matcha normalizes cholesterol levels. However, studies show that people who drink matcha regularly have lower bad cholesterol levels and higher good cholesterol levels. Men who drink matcha green tea are 11% less likely to develop heart disease than those who do not.
9. Has amazing taste
Matcha is not only healthy, but also incredibly tasty. Unlike many other teas that we often want to add sugar, milk, honey or lemon to, matcha is wonderful on its own. I checked this statement on myself. I don’t really like regular green tea, but matcha tastes completely different and is really nice to drink.
So make a cup of matcha, sit back, relax – and enjoy the great taste and benefits of this jade drink.
2. The use of matcha tea in cooking, cosmetology, medicine.
This powder is not only good for classic brewing. Due to the beneficial properties of Japanese matcha tea and its refreshing effect, it is highly appreciated and has applications in cooking, cosmetology and even medicine.
Some people who regularly consume this tea noticeably improve the condition of the facial skin, disappear acne and other skin inflammations. You can make ice from tea and wipe your face with it or prepare cosmetic masks on the basis of tea powder.
In addition, matcha green tea powder is used to make ice cream, sweets, a variety of pastries and cocktails.
Due to its high content of beneficial properties, matcha tea is often used as a dietary supplement. If you are attracted by the beneficial properties of this drink, but you do not want to drink it, you can purchase matcha tea capsules, or take 1 tablespoon of dry powder per day. You can also add it to smoothies or juices.
Several studies have demonstrated the ability of matcha tea to increase physical endurance by 24%.
Drinking matcha tea regularly or periodically will definitely increase your tone, even if you are not taking part in a marathon. There are already a lot of loads in our life, whether it’s a deadline for an important project or unscheduled affairs and trips.
A surge of energy and strength will always come in handy.
3. How to brew matcha tea properly.
To prepare this drink, you need to take half a teaspoon of matcha and put it in a special large, low cup – matcha-javan. Then heat mineral or spring water to 70-80 degrees, pour it into matcha-javan and beat the drink until a small foam is formed using a bamboo tea whisk.
I don’t have a whisk or a special cup, but I’m fine without them.
In order to make a classic matcha tea, remember that brewing it is different from that of regular green tea.
Matcha tea is brewed in two ways, depending on preference: koicha (strong) and ledge (weak). The only difference is the dosage. For a serving of strong tea, you will need 5 grams of tea per 80 ml of water. For weak tea – 2 grams of tea per 50 ml.
4. Contraindications.
Despite the obvious benefits of matcha tea, you should also remember that drinks containing caffeine (and all green teas belong to this category of drinks) are not recommended to be consumed later than 4 hours before bedtime.
Also, scientists have found that green tea leaves contain lead, absorbing it from the air on plantations. While 90% of the classic green lead is thrown out together with the leaves, then the matcha tea, which is drunk with the leaves, enters our body along with all the lead contained in its leaves. This does not mean that you should completely abandon the use of this tea, however, you should not get carried away with it, drinking more than one or two cups a day.
5. How to choose matcha tea.
- When buying matcha tea, first of all, you should pay attention to the color: it should be bright green.
- Organic teas should also be preferred.
- It should be remembered that real, high-quality green tea is not a cheap pleasure, you should not try to look for matcha tea at a low price.