What is Matcha?

Origin of Matcha

Before teapots, early Chinese custom was to grind tea leaves into a powder and then whip or beat the ground tea in a bowl with hot water. While the Chinese eventually abandoned “beaten tea” in favor of steeped tea leaves, the Japanese popularized the method.

In the early 12th century, one of Japan’s own Zen priests studying in China’s Buddhist monasteries returned to Japan with tea plant seeds and bushes. Eisai, the young priest, used his experience in China growing and drinking “beaten tea” to popularize “the way of tea” as a meditation ritual within his community of Japanese Buddhist monks. He eventually spread the tea drinking custom throughout Japan.

Matcha health benefits

Numerous studies on green tea have revealed a number of scientifically supported health benefits. While much of the research has focused on green tea, the benefits also apply to matcha because matcha is made from whole green tea leaves.

• Could help in cancer treatment

Green tea has long been researched as a cancer-prevention supplement. Women who drank more than 10 4-ounce portions of green tea per day developed cancer 7.3 years later than those who drank fewer than three 4-ounce portions per day, according to one older study.

• Could aid in the prevention of type 2 diabetes

Some animal studies suggest that green tea may help the body release more insulin, thereby preventing diabetes. Insulin is a hormone that aids in the transport of blood sugar into cells where it can be burned for energy. Green tea may also improve how well cells respond to insulin and lower blood sugar levels in the same way that some medications do.

• Depression may be alleviated.

After researchers accounted for other factors, one study of workers in Japan aged 20 to 68 years discovered that those who drank more than four cups of green tea per day had a 51% lower chance of having depressive symptoms than those who drank less than one cup of green tea per day.

• It may protect brain function

A review of 36 studies discovered that green tea lowers the risk of cognitive disorders. These brain problems, which are more common after the age of 65, typically have an impact on learning, memory, movement, language, attention, and problem solving. Mild cognitive impairment to dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease are among them. According to the findings, the more green tea consumed, the better the protection against such disorders.

• Male fertility may be improved

In a study of healthy Chinese men, those who drank tea had a higher total sperm count and sperm concentration—indicators of fertility—than those who did not. Men who drank tea at least three times per week had higher sperm counts. Following a review of previously published research, scientists discovered that green tea contains a high concentration of polyphenol antioxidants. These antioxidants protect healthy cells, including those found in testicular tissue.

• Could aid in cholesterol reduction

According to one study, green tea drinkers who are healthy weight have significantly lower levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. LDL is considered “bad” cholesterol because it causes cholesterol buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.

• Matcha may reduce Blood pressure

Green tea consumption has been shown to significantly lower both systolic (upper) and diastolic (lower) blood pressure. The effects were even more pronounced in people who already had high blood pressure or other risk factors for heart disease. Green tea’s ability to relax blood vessels, which improves blood flow and reduces inflammation, contributes to the outcome.

• Bone health may be protected

In a study of postmenopausal women in Korea, those who drank no green tea or less than one cup daily in the previous year were more likely to have reduced bone mass in their spine or thigh than those who drank green tea three times a day.

How to make Matcha?

Matcha is made differently than brewed tea and is very simple to make if you have the right tools.

Step 1: Bring 100 mg of filtered or spring water to a boil (about 1/3 cup). Remove from the heat and set aside for 2 to 3 minutes to cool.

Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 teaspoon matcha powder. Mix in a splash of hot water with a bamboo whisk to make a smooth paste.

Step 3: Pour in the remaining water and stir with the bamboo whisk, flicking the whisk back and forth, until the matcha is incorporated and a thin frothy foam forms on top.

Step 4: Savor and enjoy.

Matcha caffeine Contents

Matcha has more caffeine than green tea, about the same as black tea, and less caffeine than brewed coffee. Because matcha is made from tea bushes grown in the shade, the tea leaves retain more of their caffeine content. Furthermore, because you consume the ground tea leaf when sipping matcha, you consume more caffeine than you would from the extraction of steeped green or black tea leaves. However, as with all drinks derived from caffeinated plants, the amount of caffeine in a cup of matcha tea will vary depending on how the matcha was processed and prepared. Read the packaging carefully, or ask your tea supplier for caffeine information specific to the matcha you’re purchasing.

Where to buy Matcha?

Matcha is best consumed as soon as possible after it is harvested. Because matcha is a ground tea, any exposure to oxygen will immediately begin to degrade the tea’s color and flavor. It can keep fresh for several weeks to a few months if kept sealed in a cool, dark place (unlike dried tea leaves which can last for up to a year or two). Buy your matcha from a reputable company that can tell you when and how the tea was processed and packaged to ensure you’re getting a fresh matcha worth sipping. Inquire with your tea supplier about the best way to brew that particular variety of matcha.

What are the different ways to use Matcha?

If you’ve never used matcha powder before, try these seven ways to incorporate it into your diet.

1. Make some matcha tea.

Matcha is traditionally prepared as a simple green tea. To make matcha tea, place two teaspoons of matcha in a mug with hot water and stir to dissolve.

2. Add it into your baked goods.

Matcha powder is easily incorporated into baked goods such as muffins, scones, healthy cookies, and more. Matcha powder can be used in place of some of the flour. For breakfast, try making matcha pancakes or waffles. The powder will turn your baked goods green, which can be entertaining for children or for special occasions.

3. Add it to your oatmeal or granola in the morning.

One of the simplest ways to incorporate matcha into your diet is to simply stir some into your morning cereal.

4. Make use of matcha noodles.

For a unique and healthy meal, look for premade matcha noodles (or look up recipes to make your own) to use in soups, noodle salads, or other fun recipes.

5. Give your green smoothie a boost.

Why not make it greener if it’s already green? A few teaspoons of matcha powder will make your green smoothie recipe even healthier.

7. Sprinkle it on your popcorn.

Sprinkle a little matcha powder onto your popcorn for a fun and healthy snack during movie night.

Begin reaping the potential health benefits of matcha right away. Visit your local health food store and try out various brands to find your favorite. Matcha powder can be added to almost any meal, making it simple to establish a new healthy habit with this potent superfood.

In moderate amounts, green tea is considered safe as a beverage. A small number of people taking concentrated green tea extracts have reported liver problems. Although there is no definitive link, if you have a history of liver disease, you should consult your doctor. Green tea and its extracts contain a lot of caffeine, so if you are caffeine sensitive, look for a decaffeinated version.

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