Since Matcha tea has been featured in TV, online and print ads, it has become so popular because of its positive effect on weight loss. However, more than just a weight loss aid, Matcha tea is rich in anti-oxidants and amino acids. It contains many health benefits not many people are aware of.
Match Tea in Japan
Dubbed by Dr. Oz as the “champagne of green teas”, Match tea has long been revered in Japan. This richly flavored drink has always been a part of Japanese tea ceremonies. It is also often associated with Zen Buddhism. In fact, it was the Zen Buddhists who first prepared and used powdered tea in rituals and ceremonies.
How Matcha is Made
The Japanese people have always been tea lovers. This is probably one reason for their longevity. Matcha powder comes from Tencha tea leaves grown in the hills of Japan. One unique way of making Matcha is that Tencha bushes are shaded from sunlight before being harvested, dried and then finally grinded into fine powder. The process of creating Matcha is so delicate. A little mistake in the process can alter the flavor of the tea. If Matcha is not immediately brewed, it loses its freshness, anti-oxidant properties and its distinct flavor.
Health Benefits of Matcha Tea
It contains high amounts of chlorophyll.
Since Tencha tea leaves are protected from the sun’s rays, much of its chlorophyll content is still intact. Chlorophyll is not only beneficial in plants. It is also good for humans because it helps regulate hunger and cravings, contains potent anti-oxidants, protects against DNA damage and prevents cancer from developing. In addition, chlorophyll is anti-inflammatory, hastens wound healing, detoxifies the body, contains plant-based iron, and can even cure fungal infections such as Candida albicans.
It strengthens the immune system.
Polyphenols, catechins and other anti-oxidants fortify the immune system against diseases. In addition, these compounds help prevent cardiovascular diseases. It regulates blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. It also contains a special polyphenol known as epigallo catechin gallate (EGCC), a special anti-oxidant that can fight off cancer. EGCC in Matcha is found to be 137 times more compared to that found in green tea.
Matcha is rich in anti-oxidants.
Matcha tea is delicately prepared in such a way that it retains its anti-oxidative properties and vitamin content. This is one of the reasons why Matcha is also popular.
It aids in weight loss.
Matcha is rich in catechin and, theanine and caffeine (in low amount). Catechin and theanine are extremely helpful in preventing fat accumulation. They also help increase the metabolic activity of the body, thereby, causing the person to shed a few calories.
It helps improves mental focus and concentration.
Studies show that L-theanine found in Matcha is responsible for the calming effect. L-theanine stimulates alpha waves production which heightens a person’s mental alertness while also eliciting a calming effect at the same time.
Matcha is very promising because it is packed with numerous health benefits. In fact, nowadays it is not only marketed as a weight loss product. Matcha oil is also developed to become a skincare product applied topically.
Photo credit: Steenbergs on Flickr
