Matcha

Is matcha good for me?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions and, as is usually the case, the answer is: it depends. At the end of the day, matcha tea can be considered simply ground tea leaves dissolved in water, so there is nothing harmful in it, it can only help and have a positive effect on health. There is a lot of talk about the health-promoting aspect of drinking matcha and its properties, so we would like to present the table of matcha contents, what makes it so unique and why products with matcha may be a good solution for you.

Why is matcha healthy ?

But before we get started, let's look at some of the reasons why people drink matcha. We like matcha mainly for its taste, but many of you drink matcha for many other reasons.

Benefits of drinking and effects of Matcha

To define whether matcha is good or bad for you, you must first look at what components matcha consists of. What makes matcha so special and what does it have that other teas don't have?

What is Matcha?

Powdered green tea is a living story about history. It is the star of the Japanese traditional tea ceremony, which dates back to the 16th century. Although it originated in China, matcha reached the land of cherry blossoms and helped Buddhist monks before meditation, and also supported the cognitive functions of samurai warriors before and after combat. This tea has become an important part of Japanese culture as it provides alertness, peace and meditation , as well as endless health benefits to all who enjoy it.

Japanese matcha is a type of green tea, harvested from young leaves and ground into an intense green powder. "Drinking plain green tea is a bit like boiling spinach, throwing it away and drinking the remaining water," says Louise Cheadle, author of The Book of Matcha. In the case of powdered Matcha, you drink a drink containing minerals and vitamins from the tea leaves.

Green tea powder - matcha, is a source of calm, long-lasting energy: it contains caffeine , a high concentration of L-theanine and much more antioxidants than regular green tea. Matcha is very popular all over the world, and due to its health-promoting properties and positive impact on our well-being, matcha has become an important element of our everyday life. In fact, Matcha also outshines the best antioxidant -rich foods.

Sources: Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, Lipophilic and Hydrophilic Antioxidant Capacitesof Common Foods in the US

Production process:

It is slightly different than regular green tea. Matcha leaves are subjected to a special 3-4 week shading process , which plays a very important role and makes green tea leaves retain more nutrients (amino acids, l-theanine, chlorophyll, caffeine). To obtain the highest quality matcha, after collecting the leaves of ripening shrubs, they are then dried using high steam pressure, the leaves are separated from the stems and then ground into a fine powder .

The result of this process is ready-to-drink green tea powder, distinguished by its intense and deep green color, full of health-promoting properties. It is worth noting that in a traditional ceremony, to enhance its effect, matcha is prepared and consumed in a bowl with only a small amount of water. More precisely, 80-100 ml of hot water at a maximum temperature of 80 C. This makes it a great solution for people who are looking for low-calorie alternatives to coffee and energy drinks, who care about the authentic taste of powdered matcha without additives such as milk or a plant-based drink, as is the case with matcha latte.

Ingredients:

Matcha contains slightly less caffeine than a cup of coffee, but thanks to the combination of caffeine and L-theanine, the absorption phase is more controlled and lasts longer. Matcha is also gentler on our digestive system , it adds energy gradually and stimulates without the feeling of the so-called "anxiety". It is a great solution and, as a coffee replacement, it can provide us with energy without the "lows" and side effects that accompany coffee, energy drinks or sweetened drinks.

Matcha does not increase insulin levels , is always GMO free and is compatible with keto, paleo, vegan, vegetarian and virtually every other diet. Matcha contains a lot of nutrients that are usually difficult to obtain in traditional diets. antioxidants, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, chlorophyll, zinc, magnesium and many others. Additionally, with so many body cleansing elements, Matcha is one of the oldest natural solutions that have a positive impact on health.

Preparation:

Green tea - matcha, is traditionally prepared in a special bowl called chawan, using a bamboo whisk called chasen . The process of mixing tea is an important part of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. To prepare matcha, add a small amount of hot water (around 70-80°C) to the bowl, followed by a small teaspoon of matcha powder. The powder is then mixed in circular and zigzag movements until it is completely dissolved and a green foam forms on the surface of the tea. The tea is then served in small bowls called chawan and is usually consumed without milk or sweeteners.

Application:

Matcha has become popular in recent years and can be found in a variety of forms, including as an ingredient in drinks, cakes, and other foods. It is also available as a supplement in capsule form and can be found as a skin and body care cosmetic. Matcha can be consumed hot or cold and is often used as a base for smoothies, lattes and other specialty drinks.

Powdered green tea: properties

Matcha for focus and learning?

Many tea drinkers like to use matcha during long periods of work or study. Probably not only due to caffeine, but also due to theanine. L-theanine is believed to work in synergy with caffeine, absorbing some of its negative effects. Among other things, it slows down the absorption of caffeine, so instead of getting a sudden energy boost and then dropping off later in the day, you get longer-lasting and more balanced energy lasting 3-5 hours .

Matcha drinkers also indicate that with matcha they do not have the feelings of nervousness and stress that usually accompany a cup of coffee. This can be helpful not only in helping you work longer, but also in helping you feel calmer, less stressed.

Be like a monk

Originally, matcha was consumed by monks to improve their concentration during long periods of meditation. Bottom line, whether you meditate, work, or study, matcha can help you get the most out of your day. An aromatic cup of infusion will stimulate the mind and concentration .

Matcha tea contains caffeine, polyphenols, is rich in amino acids and L-theanine, which is present in high concentration, thanks to which Matcha tea stimulates alpha waves in your brain. These amazing alpha waves are responsible for calming the mind and allowing you to focus on thinking.

Caffeine in Matcha

It contains caffeine, like other types of tea. The amount of caffeine in matcha can vary, but it contains more caffeine than other types of green tea because the entire leaf is consumed when drinking matcha. Generally speaking, as an easier and better translation, one could consider that a serving contains about 50 milligrams of caffeine . It's important to remember that matcha, above all, provides a gradual, zen-like energy boost that will help you stay mentally engaged and ready for action at any time of the day.

L-Theanine in Matcha

In addition to its high caffeine content, matcha is also rich in L-theanine. L-Theanine is an amino acid that gives green teas a sweet taste and aroma. Although it is found in all types of Japanese green teas, it is especially abundant in matcha. This is due to the long 3-week shading process of matcha tea.

When tea leaves are exposed to sunlight, they begin to convert l-theanine into catechins as protection against UV light . When a tea plant is cut off from sunlight (shaded), it is able to retain more l-theanine. This leads to a smoother flavor and potentially greater health benefits in matcha. The high content of l-theanine also has a positive effect on cognitive processes and, consequently, the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the body, which are responsible for our well-being, motivation, sleep and creativity.

Chlorophyll in Matcha

The higher level of chlorophyll is another effect of the long process of leaf shading. This allows plants to convert sunlight into energy. To compensate for the lack of sunlight, tea bushes must produce more chlorophyll. The result is a much greener powder with a higher chlorophyll content in the final product, matcha. Thanks to its high chlorophyll content, matcha has rich properties that cleanse our body of toxins .

Is Matcha good for the skin?

The EGCG antioxidants in matcha can be great for fighting inflammation and acne on the skin. According to research, this concerns the so-called sebum. Sebum is the natural oil found on the skin, and when it doesn't have enough antioxidants to fight off stressors like chemicals, bacteria, and UV radiation, it begins to oxidize, which can cause acne. Adding an antioxidant such as EGCG to the skin is thought to reduce sebum oxidation and may contribute to clear skin . The antioxidant EGCG also protects DNA against damage caused by UV rays.

Does Matcha help with weight loss?

Drinking matcha speeds up metabolism and may aid weight loss, as proven by a 2018 study in which participants were told to drink matcha and go for a 30-minute brisk walk. Compared to the control group, the matcha group had increased fat oxidation during walking, which may have led to greater overall weight loss . The increased energy levels that people feel when drinking matcha should lead to more activity throughout the day and more calories burned.

Calories

A cup of matcha tea without added milk and sugar contains about 5 calories . For comparison, an energy drink can have over 100 calories. When it comes to weight loss, matcha will not replace a healthy diet, but matcha may help with weight loss. Before you make changes to your diet, listen to your body, you may find that matcha will fit into your daily routine quite easily.

Lowers bad cholesterol

Matcha lowers LDL cholesterol levels. , which is also known as bad cholesterol, and too much of it can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health problems you want to avoid. Matcha can help get rid of bad cholesterol by raising HDL cholesterol levels.

Protects the liver

Some studies have also shown that Japanese Matcha may help protect the liver. The liver is one of the most important organs in the body, and keeping it in great shape is extremely important to our overall health and well-being.

Prevents heart disease

Matcha's properties include a beneficial effect on the heart. Catechins, which are one of the main antioxidants in Matcha tea, help prevent heart disease, strokes and heart attacks thanks to their antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic properties. Catechins also have lipid-lowering effects, further supporting their status as catechins for heart health. Some studies suggest that Japanese Matcha tea may regulate, lower high blood pressure and prevent the formation of cancer cells.

Matcha, or Japanese herbal tea powder, is one of the healthiest drinks you can offer your body. The list of properties and benefits is extremely long. If you are looking for ways to include matcha in your daily diet, be sure to check out the matcha gift box set , ceremonial and traditional matcha, or matcha in nespresso capsules , and try our recipes with Matcha , such as Matcha Banana Bread .

Health-promoting properties

Source: Health-promoting properties of the main bioactive compounds of matcha green tea. Kochman J, Jakubczyk K, Antoniewicz J, Mruk H, Janda K. Health Benefits and Chemical Composition of Matcha Green Tea: A Review. Molecules. 2020 Dec 27;26(1):85. doi: 10.3390/molecules26010085. PMID: 33375458; PMCID: PMC7796401.

Summary:

Tea is, after water, one of the most frequently consumed drinks in many countries around the world [1]. Its characteristic taste, smell and health-promoting effects are highly valued, as are its socio-cultural connotations [2,3]. Tea is available in many variants: in the form of loose leaves, packed in bags or powdered [4]. Matcha comes from Japan and is a powdered variety of Japanese green tea (Camellia Sinensis) of the Tencha variety [5][6].

Matcha is particularly rich in antioxidant compounds due to the special production of matcha and the cultivation method [7,8]. According to the traditional method, during most of the growing season, tea bushes are covered with bamboo mats to shade the leaves from excessive direct sunlight [4].

Shading plants during the growth period supports the processes of synthesis and accumulation of biologically active compounds, including: theanine, caffeine, chlorophyll and various types of catechins (green tea contains four main catechins, i.e. -epicatechin (EC), -epicatechin-3 gallate (ECG), -epigallocatechin (EGC) and -epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG), the latter of which is the most active and abundant, and matcha is their best condensed source).

During this process, plants are able to produce larger amounts of amino acids and bioactive compounds, including chlorophyll and theanine, responsible for the unique taste and characteristic vivid green color of matcha. As a result, once harvested, the leaves and powdered matcha are highly valued for their unique chemical composition and flavor, and are considered the most aromatic green tea [5,9].