Derived from the finest shade-grown tea leaves, matcha is more than just a tea; it's a form of art, an instrument for meditation, and a symbol of health. The meticulous process of shading the tea plants before harvest enhances the chlorophyll content, giving matcha its vibrant green hue and elevating its nutritional profile.
Believe it or not, this tea has been around for hundreds of years.
The origins of matcha can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty during the 8th century in China. Making powdered tea from steam-prepared dried tea leaves became common in the 12th century. In 1191, Zen monk Myoan Eisai discovered matcha and brought the seeds to Japan, where he is said to have planted them in the garden of the Buddhist temple in Kyoto.
Matcha powder ceremoniously whisked in water to create a frothy bowl of green tea can almost feel like a Zen experience. Not only is it enjoyable to make, but it is also delicious to drink. While other types of green tea offer your body great health benefits, matcha is different. In fact, it is one of the most potent, healthy drinks on the planet.
While matcha comes from the same plant as green tea, it is grown differently to maximize certain phytochemicals found within the tea leaves. The tea plant is covered approximately 25 days before harvest. This process leads to increased amino acid and chlorophyll production.
Made by grinding the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant into a fine powder, matcha has gained popularity in recent years due to its numerous health benefits.
There are many reasons to drink matcha, but here are six obvious ones why you should switch.
1. REDUCES BRAIN FOG AND PROMOTES CONCENTRATION
When paired with caffeine in matcha, L-theanine does fantastic things for the brain. Drinking matcha may help sharpen your memory, improve your focus, and shorten your reaction time. This makes matcha especially great to sip on during a hectic work day or before a big test.
Although matcha contains some caffeine, the relaxing properties of L-theanine counteract the "edgy" effects of caffeine. Therefore, a cup of matcha green tea promotes concentration and clarity of mind without producing any of the nervous energy typically identified with coffee.
Matcha is a powerful brain food that acts as a natural nootropic boosting cognitive functions, such as memory, concentration, attention and motivation.
Matcha green tea contains up to 5 times more L-theanine than a regular green tea. L-theanine is an amino acid with psychoactive properties, capable of inducing alpha wave activity in the brain. That might be one of the reasons why matcha's roots in Zen Buddhism elevate it beyond a mere beverage. For centuries, Zen Buddhist monks have revered matcha as a tool for meditation, fostering a state of heightened awareness and presence. The ritualistic preparation of matcha encourages mindfulness, creating a sacred moment in the midst of our bustling lives—a moment to savor, reflect, and be present.
2. ENHANCES ENERGY AND ENDURANCE
What better way to provide a lasting energy boost than matcha green tea? Matcha is a powerful ally in fighting fatigue.
Similar to other teas, matcha powder energizes the body from its natural caffeine content. However, after consumption, the body absorbs the caffeine differently. Thanks to matcha’s shade growing process, the amino acid L-Theanine is preserved; this nutrient slowly absorbs and releases the caffeine over a 3 to 6 hour period, resulting in a balanced energy level without the jitters and crash. Overall, opt for matcha to keep you awake and alert throughout the day.
3. FILLED WITH ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants help protect the body from free radicals, which can cause cellular damage due to their unstable molecular formation. When it comes to making your body feel great, there is nothing more potent than antioxidants. Matcha is rich in antioxidants, including catechins and epicatechins, both known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Green tea is especially powerful because it contains the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), which restores your body’s well-being and balance. Numerous ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) tests have repeatedly shown that matcha has an extremely high count of antioxidants.
On average, matcha has five times as many antioxidants as other superfoods, like raw fruits, deep green veggies, and dark chocolate. Not to mention, nutrition-wise, one cup of matcha is equivalent to 10 cups of steeped green tea.
Sipping matcha is not just a beverage choice; it's an antioxidant-rich ritual that fortifies the body from within.
4. NATURAL STRESS FIGHTER
Researchers have shown that matcha green tea effectively reduces anxiety by using an anxiety maze test on mice. What makes matcha so good at reducing anxiety? Researchers found that matcha activates the dopamine DR receptors and specific serotonin receptors in mices' brains, which suggests just drinking a little matcha tea every day can help alleviate anxiety and improve overall mood.
Though life can get busy, sometimes a good cup of tea can be the stress-free solution you need. On the surface, matcha preparation can be a soothing experience – slowly sifting fine grains of matcha, lightly whisking within hot water, and savoring the final product.
5. POWERS THE NATURAL DEFENSE SYSTEM
Drinking matcha may help fortify and strengthen your immune system, helping limit the growth of bacteria or the invasion of viruses into the body. Matcha has high concentrations of EGCG which is particularly effective at alleviating inflammation and enhancing overall immunity.
Researchers have found that the catechins in matcha green tea powder have antibiotic properties that help to improve health. Simply drinking one bowl of matcha green tea provides your body with high levels of potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium, which are known to fortify the system to help keep it at its best.
A recent study in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences concluded that drinking matcha everyday greatly enhanced the overall response of the immune system. The strikingly high levels of antioxidants in matcha take the form of catechins, polyphenols, and flavonoids, each of which aids the body’s defense in its daily hassles against free radicals that come from the pollution in your food, air, and water. On a more practical level, this can mean fewer colds and fewer sick days off work.
6. BOOSTS ANABOLIC RATE
Matcha may help boost your metabolism and increase fat-burning abilities, which could lead to weight loss. The combination of caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine found in matcha can help increase energy levels while also promoting relaxation and reducing stress. This can lead to improved physical performance and a reduction in body fat percentage.
A study found that drinking green tea extract during moderate levels of exercise increased fat burning by 17%. Another study found taking green tea supplements significantly increased 24-hour energy expenditure. Yet another study showed green tea consumption decreased body weight and helped maintain weight loss.
Including matcha in a balanced diet could help you manage a healthy weight while increasing your metabolism and energy levels.
While drinking a bowl of ceremonial matcha is the traditional way to enjoy your tea, it certainly isn’t the only way. Its versatile, powdered form allows it to shine as a functional ingredient in a variety of creative applications – like matcha lattes, matcha ice cream, and more. Overall, you can’t go wrong with the earthy, mildly sweet flavor and numerous health benefits of matcha.
One of the best things you can do to improve your body’s overall health is add matcha to your daily morning ritual.