Matcha is a variety of green tea which is known to be even healthier than other types.
It contains caffeine and antioxidants in large quantity. This is because the entire leaf powder is consumed. Thus, making it powerful than any other regular green tea.
About 280 mg of caffeine is present in one cup (237 ml) of standard matcha. This is significantly higher than a cup (237 ml) of regular green tea, which provides 35 mg of caffeine.
For this reason, matcha may have even more benefits than regular green tea. Just make sure not to consume more than 2 cups (474 ml) per day.
How is it prepared?
There is a traditional Japanese way to prepare this tea. It is measured with a bamboo spoon, or shashaku, into a heated tea bowl known as a chawan.
Further hot water is added to the bowl and whisked until it becomes smooth.
It can be prepared in several ways:
- Standard
- Usucha (thin)
- Koicha (thick)
Just mix one teaspoon of powder with two ounces of hot water, mix it well and your tea is ready.
Heal benefits of matcha
Being a variety of green tea, they share the same health benefits. Here are the main health benefits associated with drinking matcha green tea.
1. Rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants protect our cells and tissues from getting damaged. Therefore, drinking matcha tea will help your body fight inflammation, help maintain healthy arteries, and promote cell repair.
A study proved that it contains up to 130 times more antioxidants than regular green tea.
2. Reduces risk of heart diseases
Drinking this tea regularly may help improve several of these risk factors, including total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels.
Moreover, it may guard against the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol, another major heart disease risk factor.
3. Might help in weight loss
Green tea has always been a classic remedy for weight loss.
Research indicates that it increases your total calories burned by enhancing your metabolic rate. It has also been shown to increase selective fat burning by up to 17%.
4. May boost relaxation and alertness
This tea consists of an amino acid called L-theanine in high quantity. It could increase alpha waves in your brains which are linked to mental relaxation and may help fight stress signals.
L-theanine also alters the effects of caffeine in your body. Thus, matcha tea might offer a minor but long-lasting buzz than coffee.
For this reason, matcha may have even more benefits than regular green tea. Just make sure not to consume more than 2 cups (474 ml) per day.
