Matcha has taken the globe by a storm. The increasing popularity of matcha is due to its healthy nutritional profile. It has gained massive fan following among tea and fitness enthusiasts. The word matcha is of Japanese origin meaning ground/ powered tea. Matcha is a kind of tea where the whole leaves are consumed. The source of matcha and green tea is the same plant. The difference lies in the method of processing. For procuring tea leaves for making matcha, the tea bushes are protected from sunlight and grown in shade for a month or so before the harvesting period. During this period of growth in absence of direct sunlight the growth of leaves is stimulated, they take on a greener hue due to increased chlorophyll. The texture of leaf and flavour are enhanced along with an improved amino acid profile.
WHY MATCHA?
People are always looking for newer and natural additions to their diet to make it healthier. Matcha provides a richer nutritional profile as compared to green tea. The consumption of whole leaves in matcha as compared to green tea provides thrice the amount of antioxidants and caffeine.
How to select and prepare matcha?
A good quality matcha has a bright green colour, is finely powdered and smooth textured. Has a sweet grassy aroma. Whisking produces creamy, frothy foamy layer on the top. To prepare matcha, take the required quantity of matcha and pass it through a sieve into a cup, add hot water and whisk it smooth. Addition of milk and sweetening can be done according to preference and taste. Matcha can also be added in the diet in the form of shots, dessert and latte.
Matcha – A health booster
Antioxidant enriched
Matcha is a storehouse of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect body cells from free radical damage, which are formed in the body during metabolic processes, on exposure to radiation, pollution, cigarette smoke etc. Matcha being a super rich source of antioxidants can be a great addition to the diet and help the body fight oxidative stress.
Liver health booster
Liver is a silent worker of our body. It plays a crucial role in food digestion and toxin removal from the body. Matcha is shown to improve liver health. People with fatty liver disease have shown significant reduction in liver enzymes with matcha consumption, which is associated with a healthy liver.
Heart healthy
Matcha intake is associated with an improvement in blood cholesterol profile. So with a good diet plan and a regular exercise routine, matcha may help boost heart health by reduction in total cholesterol, low density cholesterol and triglycerides.
Improves focus
Matcha is a rich source of amino acid, L-Theanine which is known to provide serenity to the mind. It is also associated with an improved attention span and memory performance of individuals.
Energy booster
Matcha consumption has shown an increase in physical tolerance. A boost in energy is experienced by matcha drinkers. Researchers attribute this to the natural combination of compounds found in matcha.
Supports weight loss
Matcha gives a boost to body metabolism and helps to burn fat naturally. It is totally natural with a host of other benefits and can make a great addition to weight loss plans.
May help in cancer prevention
Matcha is a rich source of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate or EGCG, a type of catechin, a powerful antioxidant, known to have anti-cancer properties. It is known to be beneficial in preventing different types of cancers.
A natural detox
Matcha tea is naturally rich in the green pigment Chlorophyll which is associated with excretion of heavy metals and chemicals from the body.
Caution in matcha use
Matcha tea is high in caffeine content. It is advisable not to go overboard with it. Prudence is advised regarding matcha intake to lactating and pregnant women due to high caffeine content. Larger intakes of matcha can cause digestive disorders like diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, insomnia. It is recommended to not exceed more than 6 mg per kg of body weight of caffeine by an average healthy adult.
Conclusion
Matcha is not a new introduction to the world. It has been consumed since ancient times by Japanese people. Matcha tea has all the qualities of green tea along with the added benefits. These unparalleled benefits provided by matcha makes it a super food. It can prove to be a healthier replacement for many beverages. The versatile nature of matcha allows it use in number of ways. And many more new ways are being discovered to add matcha in diet.
