Matcha Tea Properties and Benefits
We will dedicate this entry to knowing in depth the most important advantages of the tea of the moment.
It is the best green tea if we are looking for health benefits.
What makes Matcha so unique?
The big difference with the rest of the world’s teas is that it is the only one we ingest entirely, taking advantage of all the plant’s nutrients. This, together with its high content of antioxidants and chlorophyll, has led to numerous studies to analyze its properties.
The best leaves of the plant are used to produce ceremonial-grade matcha tea. These are the youngest and most tender that are grown in a very particular way.
Before harvesting, the leavesthe plants are covered with awnings to protect them from light.
With this, we achieve several things at once:
An increase in chlorophyll gives a bright green colour characteristic of this tea.
An increased L-Theanine, an amino acid we will see later, provides the characteristic “umami” taste.
Its increased sugars and nutrients provide a sweet taste and our desired antioxidants.
Properties of Matcha tea
It is rich in antioxidants.
Antioxidants are why many people drink this tea; the main advantage is that a cup offers five times more antioxidants than any other food.
According to the ORAC method (oxygen radical absorption capacity), 1300 umoleTE/g is much higher when compared to pomegranate 105 or blueberry 93
Green tea is famous for containing organic compounds known as catechins, which are the most potent and beneficial antioxidants. EGCG (Epigallocatechin) constitutes 60% of the catechins in Matcha, ideal for preventing cancer and fighting free radicals.
It is estimated that it contains more than 100 times the amount of EGCG than any other tea.
improves calm
High-quality Matcha contains a large amount of L-Theanine, an anti-stress amino acid that promotes the production of alpha waves in the brain.
It is also proven that this substance increases memory and concentration.
Induces relaxation without causing drowsiness.
Promotes the production of dopamine that improves our mood and increases energy and endurance
It contains a lot of caffeine as other teas. Still, thanks to its unique combination of chemical compounds, it provides energy without experiencing the effects of nervousness or hypertension. It is a clean and natural energy. Drinking Matcha tea is more than just a caffeine shot.
Helps lose weight
Matcha powder is perfect for burning fat, helps maintain fitness and speeds up the body’s metabolism. It is thought that up to 4 times faster than usual.
Detoxifies and purifies
Its particular way of cultivation means that Matcha has a high concentration of chlorophyll that helps to eliminate heavy metals and toxins from the body naturally.
Strengthens the immune system
Many studies have proven that matcha tea’s benefits are its antibiotic properties. It is perfect for protecting us daily. A single bowl of Matcha tea provides significant amounts of potassium, vitamins A and C, iron, protein, and calcium.
Regulates sugar levels
This is true, but it’s not specific to this particular variety. Any tea is positive for blood sugar levels, even if you have type 2 diabetes.
It helps us to be pretty.
It is a perfect tea to take care of yourself outside. Matcha contains many antioxidants, vitamins and amino acids. This cocktail, together with chlorophyll, is ideal for the appearance of the skin, preventing stains, and nail and hair care; if we are healthy inside and out, then much better.
They improve cholesterol
Regular Matcha tea consumers show lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. At the same time, their HDL (good cholesterol) levels are higher. This is positive, above all, for the circulatory system.
It is a pleasure for the senses.
We must not forget that we are dealing with what is considered the best tea in the world. The samurai drank it before going to battle and developed a complex ceremony where each utensil and each movement, when preparing it, were the objects of admiration. Today it is easy to enjoy a cup of good Matcha tea; without a doubt, it is a pleasure that brings happiness and well-being.
Finally, a great advantage of this tea over others is the possibility of incorporating it into almost any food. It is beneficial and will help you to give an original touch to your dishes.
You can take it as a smoothie, add it to your milk, or prepare some cookies, ice cream or a delicious green cake. In addition to benefiting from its properties, you will add colour and a unique flavour to your usual recipes.
How many cups can I drink a day?
There is no specific figure that is exact for everyone. It depends on your tolerance, your desire, and your budget for this purpose.
Remember that a good Matcha is around €25/35 for 30g.
My advice is to take what you want to print k; it is not a medicine you must drink. The best property of tea is precisely this: the happiness it brings to prepare and drink it.
But if I had to get wet and give you a more approximate figure for the question of how many cups of matcha tea per day, I would say that if you are only going to consume this variety, 2 or 3 would be more than satisfactory. If you are going to drink these teas, I will take one a day.
Do you have any contraindications?
In recent times I have been able to read almost everything. Until the levels of heavy metals were significant, nervousness problems, insomnia… I have not been able to find many foundations for these theories: some very biased studies and little else.
For example, hundreds of studies (if not thousands) are looking at antioxidants, and only a few have found a problem. Everything indicates that we have more to gain than to lose.
My honest opinion is that the consumption of matcha tea should not be so relevant.
It is a good food, perhaps a superfood, as almost everything suggests. I recommend that you always look for quality and excellence. I have seen everything in this world; what I would not drink would be low-quality teas, dubious origin, or poorly preserved.
