Matcha Tea – History and Processing
As already stated, matcha tea is a kind of green tea that is in a powdered form. This matcha green tea had its origination in China during the Tang Dynasty reign. It was brought by the Buddhist monks from China to Japan. It enhanced the meditation in a better way. When years passed they became popular. It has become a lifestyle of the Japanese over the past 1000 years. It is used in two grades at the Chado ceremony: Koicha (thick) and Usucha (thin). It is prepared using the traditional method of whisking the tea with a bamboo whisk.
It is known for its quality and its quality is what makes it the unique product. The best quality of matcha tea plant is grown in the Uji region of Japan. Only 20% of the sun rays are allowed to reach the matcha tea plant. These plants are covered with bamboo shades to protect them from complete sun rays. This way of protecting helps increase the levels of chlorophyll in the leaves. After this process, the leaf buds are plucked steamed, dried. Then they are stone ground to produce matcha tea.
Matcha Tea aids Weight Loss
Here are the nine components that are present in matcha tea which aids weight loss. The matcha tea is
- Low in Calories
- Matcha tea is low in calories.
- 1 g of matcha tea contains about 3 calories.
- Suppose you have more than 2 g of the tea, you will not consume too many calories.
- Fewer the calories you consume, lesser the chances of those calories not getting used up.
- They are not being stored as fat.
- Rich in Antioxidants
- Camellia sinensis: a plant from where the green tea is extracted.
- As the green tea, matcha tea also contains Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG).
- It is the most abundant and proactive antioxidant.
- The EGCG content in matcha is 137 times more than Chinese green tea.
- When you drink the matcha tea, you consume the whole leaves. In most of the green tea, you discard the leaves after steeping them in hot water for a few minutes.
- The antioxidants flush out toxins, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation. These help to lose weight and accelerate weight loss.
- Boosts Metabolism
When you want to lose weight pay attention to your metabolic rate. If your metabolic rate is slow, you will not be able to shed the fat, no matter how less you eat. Matcha green tea boosts or speeds up your slacking metabolism.
- Burns Fat
It breaks down large fat molecules into smaller triglycerides. These triglycerides must be used up or excreted. The catechins in the matcha tea increase the body’s thermogenesis from 8-10% to 35-43%. Intake of this tea improves your exercise endurance. It helps to burn or mobilize fat.
- Balances Blood Glucose
- The high levels of blood glucose or blood sugar put you at the risk of insulin resistant and diabetic.
- When matcha tea is consumed it reduces and regulates the blood sugar levels.
- The presence of the good amount of dietary fiber keeps you full for a long duration.
- It prevents you from overeating.
- Lowers Stress
You start feeling fatigued, tired, and restless when the cortisol levels are high. When you are stressed out you gain weight especially in the belly region. The antioxidants and the oxygen radicals, lower inflammation and prevent weight gain.
- Provides Energy
It boosts the energy levels, increases alertness, and makes you extra proactive. The more active you feel, the more active you will be. This prevents laziness, increases your stamina and endurance levels. Thus helps in weight loss.
- Reduces Cholesterol
The richest source of EGCG, an antioxidant found in most teas. It helps reduce bad cholesterol levels.
- Helps in Detoxification
Toxic contents are built into our body due to unhealthy eating and lifestyle habits. Detoxification happens when matcha tea is in taken. It helps in weight loss, constipation, improves digestion, boost immunity, and your health.