Considered to be one of the most powerful superfoods today, the health benefits of matcha tea have known and a tradition in Japan for more than 900 years, Matcha is produced from high-quality leaves known as tencha, that are sheltered from the sun to produce a vibrant shade of green due to the increased amount of chlorophyll. Matcha leaves are harvested by hand and briefly steamed to protect the leaves from oxidation.
The health benefits of Matcha tea has led to it’s rapid gain in popularity. If you’ve been to a health shop or café lately you might have spotted ‘Matcha’ tea items on the menu.
Here are 5 reasons why you should be drinking more Matcha green tea:
1. High levels of antioxidants.
Just 1 cup of matcha tea provides at least three times as many antioxidants as regular green tea — the highest rated by the ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) method.
2. Energy-boosting power.
Move over coffee! Matcha is a perfect energy enhancer but with no caffeine jitters. Matcha contains about half the amount of caffeine than regular coffee.
3. Aids in weight loss.
When it comes to boosting your metabolism and helping with weight loss, few things are more beneficial than matcha green tea, due to its high concentration of catechins (an antioxidant).
Green tea extract is rich in catechins, has thermogenic properties and promotes fat oxidation.
4. Offers immune system support.
Matcha contains amazing immune-boosting properties. Like many antioxidants, catechins have a multitude of healing properties on a cellular level. They are effective in fighting various bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Just one bowl of matcha provides substantial quantities of potassium, vitamins A and C, iron, enzymes and calcium.
5. Mental alertness along with a calm feeling.
Matcha tea works well to provide a calming effect to the mind and body as it contains L-theanine, a unique amino acid that assists in boosting alpha waves in the brain. These alpha waves promote mental relaxation and induce a feeling of mental clarity and a more alert state of mind.
How to Drink Matcha?
A great way to include matcha in your daily routine is by simply drinking it on its own, or by adding it to a smoothie or other beverage.
This Matcha Tea Smoothie Recipe is easy to make and so refreshing, for sustainable energy all morning.
Matcha Mango Mint Smoothie
Ingredients
- 3 big handfuls of spinach, washed
- 1 cup mango, fresh or frozen
- 15 mint leaves, washed
- 1½ tsps matcha green tea powder
- ½ cup frozen/fresh strawberries
- ½ banana
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1 cup water
- ½ – 1 tsp Perfect Sweet™ xylitol
Blend all of the ingredients in a high-powered blender. Pour into a glass and enjoy.