Originally published on Wellness Today.
If you think all green tea is created equal, think again.
Matcha tea, a Japanese green tea, differs from Chinese green teas in several ways. With matcha tea, the whole tea leaf is ground into a fine powder after being picked, whereas Chinese green tea is brewed from whole leaves. Tea drinkers identify matcha by its characteristic vegetal flavor—it tastes a bit like spinach with umami undertones.
Benefits of Matcha Tea:
Matcha is a nutritional powerhouse. Composed of vitamins A, C, and E, along with antioxidants, it helps neutralize free radicals to keep cells healthy, maintain DNA integrity, and prevent aging.
Matcha increases metabolism through thermogenesis; your body expends more energy while resting, so your body burns more calories.
Detoxifies the Body
The rich chlorophyll content that makes matcha green also helps expel toxins, heavy metal, and hormone disruptors from the body.
Clinical trials found that L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, supports the body’s physical and psychological stress response. L-theanine acts as a buffer by suppressing the sympathetic nervous system.
Normalizes Blood Sugar Levels
Matcha is composed of whole tea leaves, so soluble and insoluble fibers are unadulterated. The fiber in matcha helps normalize blood sugar similar to how fiber in fruit prevents blood sugar surges.
Supports Natural Energy
Naturally occurring caffeine in matcha provides focus and energy without causing an energy crash or shakiness after consumption. L-theanine helps elicit calm, sustained energy to promote productivity.
Matcha’s rich source of antioxidants, particularly Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), about 1348 units in a serving as measured by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value, is prompting scientists to study its use for cancer prevention and treatment. Studies support lower cancer rates among at-risk individuals who routinely consumed EGCG.
Aside from the traditional tea preparation, you can cook with matcha. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started!
Matcha and Honey Vanilla Yogurt (Dairy-Free)
When purchasing matcha tea, buy from a reputable source. A high-quality ceremonial grade matcha tea is expensive, but a little goes a long way, and the dividends are paid on your health!