drink that is in the heart of authentic Japanese culture and increasingly quoted by nutritionists as an ‘antioxidant powerhouse’, matcha green tea has recently gained tremendous popularity in the world of health and fitness. This verdant tea is stone ground from Japanese tea leaves, and its health benefits more than surpass those of conventional green tea.
At the top of the list of benefits of matcha green tea is its high concentration of antioxidants. A traditional serving of matcha green tea provides 137 times more antioxidants than normal green tea. Stored away from light and oxygen during the cultivation process, the tea is much richer in chlorophyll than other green teas, which is also what helps it retain its bright green colour. Chlorophyll is a very powerful detoxifier, and plays an important role in removing chemicals and heavy metals from the body.
In addition, consuming matcha green tea helps a great deal with weight loss. Not only does this tea burn body fat, but it also boosts metabolism. The antioxidant compound, EGCG [epigallocatechin gallate], which has been scientifically shown to increase metabolism and reduce the growth of fat cells, is highly prevalent in the tea.
Moreover, according to many, matcha green tea is better than coffee for daily energy and productivity. Unlike coffee, it provides a boost of caffeine without giving you the jitters. Instead, it provides a more balanced, relaxed level of energy that can be sustained throughout the day. What’s more, it is much lighter on the digestive system than coffee, which makes it better for daily consumption.
However, matcha green tea is rich not only in physical benefits, but also in psychological benefits. It contains ample amounts of L-theanine, an amino acid that helps people deal with stress. Matcha green tea also contains the antioxidant theanine, a powerful mood stimulator that increases dopamine and serotonin levels, which especially helps with anxiety and depression.
Recommended Matcha Products
Matcha tea bags: Organic 100% Double Green Matcha Tea Bags
Matcha tea powder: Midori Spring Organic Ceremonial Super Premium Matcha Tea
Matcha starter kit: Smitten By Matcha
Images courtesy of: Eatthis.com, Match-tea.com, Republic Of Tea, The Tea Spot, Prevention.com