What is Matcha?
Matcha is a type of Japanese green tea in fine powder form that is made from shade-grown tea leaves. Unlike other green teas, instead of infusing the leaves, matcha is mixed directly with hot water, allowing the entire leaf to be consumed and its maximum concentration of nutrients to be harnessed. This tea stands out for its vibrant green color, distinctive umami flavor, and health benefit profile, which includes high antioxidant content, a balanced energy boost, and metabolism-boosting properties. Matcha can be enjoyed in its traditional form as a beverage, or it can be incorporated into baking recipes, smoothies, and other dishes to add a touch of flavor and nutrition.
List of benefits:
Vitamins and Minerals :
- Vitamins : Matcha contains essential vitamins such as vitamin C and several B vitamins. Vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system and improves skin health, while B vitamins are important for energy metabolism and brain function.
- Minerals : It is a good source of minerals such as potassium, iron and calcium. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, iron is vital for the production of red blood cells and calcium is important for bone health.
Heart Health :
- Cholesterol : Matcha may contribute to the reduction of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels and the improvement of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), which may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Blood pressure : The catechins present in matcha help improve arterial health and may contribute to the regulation of blood pressure.
Alertness and Concentration :
- Caffeine and L-Theanine : Matcha contains caffeine, which provides a gradual boost of energy and improves mental focus. Unlike coffee, matcha also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes a relaxed state of alertness and helps maintain concentration without the jitters or “crash” that sometimes accompanies caffeine consumption.
Antioxidants :
- Catechins : Matcha is extremely rich in catechins, especially EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which are powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants help fight cell damage caused by free radicals, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and promote overall health.
Youth :
- Anti-aging properties : Thanks to its high antioxidant content, matcha can help fight visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity. Antioxidants also help protect the skin from damage caused by sun exposure and other environmental factors.
Calm Stress :
- L-Theanine : The L-theanine in matcha has calming effects that can help reduce stress and promote a state of relaxation without causing drowsiness. This substance improves mood and helps balance the body's response to stress, promoting a calm and serene mental focus.
How to use:
