Introduction:
Matcha is nothing but green tea. The method in which it is grown and processed after harvesting makes it different from regular green tea. Matcha originated from China and Japan, where it is believed to be the drink of warriors. It has been regarded as an energy drink, and it has been consumed for centuries. It has traveled to the United States of America and then the rest of the world, being marketed as the next healthiest drink in the world. From simple matcha tea to desserts and smoothies, matcha is added to almost everything to make it healthier. It has created quite a rage among celebrities and social media platforms.
How is Matcha Prepared?
Matcha tea leaves grow on the shrub Camellia sinensis. Matcha tea plants are grown in the shade and not exposed completely to sunlight. As a result, they produce a higher amount of phytochemicals (compounds present in the plants that impart flavor, aroma, and color to the tea) and amino acids compared to other tea plants grown in the sun. Green tea is produced from fresh leaves that are not dried but steamed to maintain their green color. Drying them will lead to oxidation resulting in the black color of tea leaves. Green tea leaves are steamed for a short period and then dried. They retain some amounts of chlorophyll (green pigment present in plants) and L-theanine (an amino acid present in tea leaves), increasing their nutritional benefits. After steaming and drying, the tea is then processed to make it into a fine powder. Unlike regular green tea, matcha tea is prepared by whisking the matcha tea powder into hot water and creating a foam.
What Are the Different Ways in Which Matcha Is Consumed?
Matcha is a powdered form of green tea with high amounts of antioxidants. It may be prepared as a simple tea or added to desserts and herbal medicines. Matcha is used in beverages, smoothies, breakfast bowls, desserts, pancakes, waffles, and dips and infused into pasta sauce. In short, it is used to add flavor to everything.
What Are the Constituents of Matcha Powder?
Matcha green tea has abundant amounts of antioxidants, mainly due to the presence of polyphenols in them. Polyphenols are naturally occurring substances that have properties similar to vitamin C and vitamin E. Green tea also contains considerable amounts of catechins in it. Catechins are highly rich in antioxidants. They act against free radicals in the body and also help in the detoxification process. Matcha green tea also contains caffeine which is proven to have anti-inflammatory properties.
What Are the Potential Health Benefits of Matcha?
The following are the benefits of matcha tea -
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Increased Immunity - Matcha tea is rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C increases immunity and helps build a strong immune defense of the body.
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Rich In Antioxidants - Antioxidants are compounds that reduce the effects of free radicals on cells. They stabilize the harmful effects of free radicals and protect the cells from damage. Long-term exposure to free radicals can lead to chronic systemic diseases and even cancer.
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Anti-Inflammatory Properties - Matcha is proven to reduce inflammation in the body due to its antioxidant effect.
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Detoxification of the Body - Matcha tea is proven to flush out toxins from the body. It also aids the detoxification process of the liver.
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Improving Brain Function - Some studies state that consuming matcha tea regularly increases memory and concentration. It is also said that the ancient Japanese warriors drank matcha tea before the battles to increase alertness and calmness of the mind.
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Anti-Cancer Properties - The presence of catechins in matcha tea make them a potential anti-cancer drink. Catechins are strong antioxidants that can help prevent cancer by reducing the action of free radicals in the body.
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Improves Heart Health - Matcha green tea is proven to lower the bad cholesterol levels in the body, known as the LDL cholesterol. This property of matcha green tea can protect against the development of heart diseases.
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Aids In Weight Management - Matcha green tea helps increase the metabolism rate. Thus, it aids in weight loss and maintaining weight loss.
What Is the Best Time to Consume Matcha to Reap Maximum Benefits?
Matcha tea must be consumed early in the morning on an empty stomach to gain its maximum benefits. At most, two to three cups (150ml) of matcha tea are recommended daily.
Is Matcha a Magical Product?
There is nothing such as a magical product that will help prevent diseases or maintain good health for a long time. Good health and being disease-free combines various factors such as a good nutritious diet devoid of junk and processed food, a regular exercise routine, a good mental state, a stress-free life, and healthy habits. When people practice all these habits and supplement their diet with matcha tea, they can reap the benefits of this magical product.
What Are the Possible Side Effects of Matcha?
Matcha green tea has considerable amounts of caffeine. The adverse effects of caffeine are well-known. Excess intake of caffeine results in a lack of concentration, irritability, and physical and mental fatigue. It is like an addictive drug. Caffeine initially gives a feeling of refreshment, but the more it is consumed, the more an individual is dependent on it. Therefore, more and more caffeine is required each time. Too much matcha tea can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Conclusion:
Matcha is very similar to green tea. It only differs in the processing method, making matcha tea more healthy and nutritious. It is undoubtedly a superfood. It has numerous benefits for the body. It is a healthy drink. When consumed in moderation, one can reap its benefits.
