Just a few decades ago very few people outside of Japan had ever heard of the nation’s favourite green tea, matcha, but now it’s in nearly everything! You can find matcha-flavoured ice cream, cakes, cookies, crackers, candies, and even doughnuts! It’s an exciting new taste sensation and people just can’t get enough of it!
The bright green colour of matcha sets it apart from all other teas, it looks like a field of new grass in spring, and some would say it tastes like one too, but in a good way! Matcha has a uniquely different flavour than other traditional green teas because the tea leaves it is made from are ground up into a very fine powder. Although it comes from the same camellia sinensis tea plant, matcha’s high chlorophyll and amino acid content gives it that unusual, yet delectable grassy taste, which might take a bit of getting used to, but it grows on most people quickly!
Matcha’s chemistry also makes it one of the most healthy substances we can consume! Scientific nutrition studies have shown that matcha has many healthy effects!
- Matcha contains large amounts of fibre, which can help to promote better digestion.
- Matcha contains a high number of cancer-fighting antioxidants, in particular the catechin called epigallocatechin gallate, so much so that many physicians now proscribe it to their patients who are battling cancer!
- Matcha has been demonstrated to have a positive effect on the reduction of the body’s blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
- Matcha can help mental performance and boost mood. The matcha tea powder has the ability to activate dopaminergic neural networks in the brain and has an efficacious effect on reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Matcha contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that are essential to good human health like vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, vitamin K, selenium, chromium, zinc, and magnesium.
- Matcha has been shown to boost the body’s metabolism with the effect of helping it burn more calories, making it a favourite for those who are undertaking weight loss programs.
- Matcha contains around 70 milligrams of caffeine per cup compared to coffee which contains 100 to 120 milligrams per cup, making matcha a less caffeinated alternative to coffee.
- Matcha is rich in catechins, a class of plant compounds found in tea that are able to act as natural antioxidants that help stabilize free radicals, harmful compounds that damage cells and can be the cause of chronic disease. Unlike other green teas, matcha is grown in the shade which increases its chlorophyll content and allows the leaves to release large amounts of catechins when boiled in water.
The Japanese are famed for traditionally having exceptional good health and long lifespans, much of which has been attributed to their very healthy diet which consists of large amounts of fish, grains, and fresh vegetables. After enjoying their meal, what do they drink to wash it all down with? Matcha, of course! So, if you want to enjoy something that has a delightful taste and is also really good for you, try matcha!
