What Is Matcha : How Is It Beneficial to Health

Matcha is the powdered form of young green tea leaves. In recent years, it has become a superfood. It is highly recommended for people who want to go on a diet or undergo any detoxification procedure. Many have testified that matcha works wonders for the body because it is a powerful antioxidant. The fine powder has a beautiful color that is enough to make you crave it. From its very look, you can say it is healthy, nourishing, and exotic. If you had the question, “What is matcha?” in mind, you now have the answer! Let’s learn more about it!

Does It Have Caffeine?

Yes! Matcha contains caffeine. A gram of matcha powder has 19-44 mg of caffeine, which makes your brain more alert. This is one of the health benefits of this wonder food. In the upcoming sections, we shall discuss its health benefits more.

Benefits  of Matcha

The advantages of matcha are many. Some of them are listed below.

• As stated earlier, matcha contains antioxidants, which are capable of fighting even cancer!
• It contains essential minerals like magnesium, selenium, zinc, and chromium.
• It is also a rich source of vitamin C, which is crucial for strengthening the immune system.
• It contains fiber – the most important nutrient essential for digestion and regulating bowel movements. In short, it plays a significant role in maintaining gut health.
• Amino acids, the building blocks of protein, are present in matcha. Protein, in turn, is helpful in body building.
• Certain studies reveal that the catechins and caffeine found in powdered green tea leaves may contribute to weight loss.
• The catechins can also reduce oxidative stress in the body.
• The caffeine in this superfood can boost brain functions.

You might now understand why many people add matcha to their diets. The list of health benefits it offers is endless. You will learn more about them as you continue reading this blog!

The Process of Making Matcha

Now, let’s take a look at the procedure using which matcha is prepared!

1. The green tea leaves are grown in the shade before harvest. The lack of sunlight makes the leaves dark green and slows down their growth, but increases the chlorophyll level. This is done for up to twenty days.
2. The green leaves are picked from the plants.
3. Soon after they are picked, the leaves undergo a steaming process to retain their color and fragrance. This process also prevents the leaves from getting oxidized.
4. Normally, tea leaves are twisted or rolled for drying, but for matcha, the leaves are kept as they are. 
5. However, before they are completely stripped of their moisture, the leaves go through a machine that separates the stem and veins from the main part of the leaf. Their remains are called “Tencha,” which is the principal substance for matcha powder.

Matcha Tea

What is matcha tea? What are the other drinks or food items to which you can add the superfood?

Taking matcha in the form of tea is one of the common ways of adding this wonder food to your diet. The tea is pretty refreshing for your brain and body.

Along with the powder, you can buy a cute little bamboo tea whisk, which is traditionally used in Japan to make a soothing cup of green tea. Whisking the powder in a cup of warm water swiftly will make it frothy on the top. Since the powder is very fine, the whisk’s minute strings help blend the powder with the warm water. 

Apart from using matcha to make green tea, you can also use its powder to prepare smoothies, lattes, sauces, and soups. Some add the powder to chia puddings, energy balls, baked goods, oatmeal, and hummus.

Benefits of Drinking the Tea

Now that you know what is matcha and why several people drink its tea, let’s take a peek at the benefits of drinking this tea.

• Its incredible detoxifying effect comes from its chlorophyll, which can remove toxins from the body.
• Matcha also contains theanine, which is a naturally occurring amino acid. Theanine has an impact on the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. So it reduces the symptoms of anxiety and helps you relax.
• This tea is said to have five times more amino acids than other teas, which is responsible for its sweet taste. So some people drink it without hesitation! 
• The tea may contain more caffeine than other teas, but it is the right amount that will activate your brain cells and pump you up! It brings down stress levels and helps keep your brain active.
• Drinking the tea prevents the onset of liver diseases. It can also boost liver health.
• Matcha is even linked to lowered risks of cardiovascular diseases. 

A study on the therapeutic potential of matcha tea from the NIH states that more research needs to be done on this beverage to prove its positive effects on humans.

Coffee Vs. Matcha

Coffee and matcha have their similarities and differences. Of course, coffee is one of the most common beverages that millions of people drink around the world. Matcha is less popular than coffee and contains less amount of caffeine than what is found in coffee. But certain studies show that matcha can keep you alert for a longer period than coffee! However, more research is needed to prove this fact.

Both beverages contain less number of calories, provided you prepare them without any sugar, milk, or cream. This might be one reason why both seem to help with weight loss. Most of us know that coffee has a roasted, nutty flavor. But matcha has an earthy or grassy flavor. 

We have summarized the differences between coffee and matcha in the table below. Feel free to take a look!

Coffee	Matcha
Very common beverage	Not as widely known as coffee
Prepared from roasted coffee beans	Prepared from powdered green tea leaves
Can keep you alert	Can keep you alert for a longer duration
Contains a higher amount of caffeine	Contains less caffeine than coffee
Has a roasted, nutty flavor	Has an earthy/grassy flavor
Boosts energy instantly	Boosts energy at a slower pace

Matcha Is Much More than Just Tea!

We are sure you are now aware of all the health benefits of our superfood and how it can be a highly refreshing detox drink that makes you alert during your studies/work. As stated earlier, you can consume matcha not only in the form of tea but also include it in your smoothies and lattes. To enjoy the full benefits of this superfood, add it to your diet in moderation. However, consult your doctor/health care professional before you start adding it to your diet.