Matcha Tea: Why is it Popular and What are the Health Benefits
Green tea is famous for its amazing health benefits and amazing aroma. Though it has been used for thousands of years, it has only become popular because of its amazing health benefits. It comes in many forms, and matcha tea is one of them which offers a higher nutritional value.
Traditional green tea is prepared by steeping green tea leaves that remove most of the nutrients. Whereas with matcha tea, the entirety of the leaf is consumed in powder form so that nothing is wasted.
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Where Does Matcha Powder Come From?
Both matcha and green tea come from the Camellia sinensis plant. Matcha is more closely related to Japan, where the tea has been greatly consumed as a ceremonial matcha drink for many years.
What gives matcha its vibrant green color? The green tea plants are kept under a tarp to reduce the amount of sun exposure. With less sunlight, the intensity of green pigment chlorophyll then imparts a rich green color to the matcha tea. Then the leaves are dried and ground into a fine powder.
Nutritional Value of Matcha Tea
The best part of this tea is that it includes no added sugar and other additives. Here are the nutrients that matcha power offers to its consumers.
- Protein
- Calories
- Carbohydrate
- Dietary fiber
- Iron
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
The quantity of these nutrients varies according to the grams of matcha tea presented in a package.
Health Benefits of Matcha Tea
Since many people are convinced of the benefits of traditional green tea, you will be surprised to learn the health benefits that matcha tea offers. Let’s get into some of the ways matcha tea can improve your overall well-being.
Acts as an Antioxidant
Foods containing antioxidants are great for health because they inhibit oxidation. Free radicals can cause damage to the body as they have unpaired electrons. The main task of antioxidants is to provide an extra electron that makes these atoms no longer free atoms.
Matcha acting as an antioxidant helps lower the risk of chronic illness and slows aging.
Help Fights Cancer
A specific type of antioxidant known as catechin EGCg is especially found in green tea plants. It may help fight cancers and inhibits the growth of certain tumors.
Improves Heart Health
Matcha tea is known to reduce triacylglyceride and bad cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Promotes Relaxation
You can add matcha tea to your diet for a little relaxation in your hectic routine. Chemically, matcha tea comprises amino acid L-theanine that greatly helps lower stress and anxiety levels, promoting relaxation.
Helps Lose Weight in a Healthy Way
Green tea is very famous for its ability to reduce weight. It works by speeding metabolism to increase energy expenditure. The ingredients in matcha tea help promote fat burning. Regular intake of matcha tea is best to maintain a healthy weight.
How to Consume Matcha Tea?
There are many ways to consume matcha powder in your diet. Let’s look at some of them.
Matcha Tea
You can drink it as a tea by adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of matcha powder to boiling powder. After mixing it thoroughly, it is ready to drink.
Matcha Latte
You can prepare a hot or cold matcha latte of your preference. Add any type of milk like cow milk, goat milk, soy, and almond. Include honey or sugar to sweeten your drink.
Smoothie Drink
Add matcha powder to your morning smoothie. Experiment with different fruits and ingredients with a teaspoon or two of matcha tea. Find the right mixture that suits your taste and provides enough nutrients.
Cover Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash
About the Author
Bibhuranjan Editorial Officer, technofaq.org I'm an avid tech enthusiast at heart. I like to mug up on new and exciting developments on science and tech and have a deep love for PC gaming. Other hobbies include writing blog posts, music and DIY projects.
