What’s All The Buzz About Matcha Green Tea?
Celebrities are drinking it, and health guru’s can’t stop talking about it, so what is it, and why is it gaining popularity in the US? Matcha Green Tea has a sweet, grassy taste that makes a delightful cup and is best when mixed with milk or soy milk for an instant green tea beverage. It can also be used as an ingredient in recipes for matcha lattes, smoothies, shakes, ice cream, baking, etc. It consists of crushed up tea leaves that end up in powdered form, so it is not steeped in water like traditional tea. However, that is not the primary reason why it is different.
Matcha Green Tea production starts about 20-30 days before harvest, when the tea bushes are covered or placed in shade. To compensate for the dark growing conditions, the plant produces increased levels of chlorophyll and amino acids.
Increased levels may just be an understatement, because some studies have shown that Matcha produces over 20 times more anti-oxidants of regular loose green tea, and surpasses other super foods known for their anti-oxidant properties.
Here’s a quick comparison for an idea of the Matcha Green Tea anti-oxidant levels:
• 6.2 times that of goji berries
• 7 times that of dark chocolate
• 17 times that of wild blueberries
• 24 times that of acai berries
• 60.5 times that of spinach
In addition, some tests have shown that it has cancer preventing properties, anti-aging properties, lowers LDL cholesterol, aids in weight loss, and increases energy. There are several different grades of Matcha, from an affordable grade for every day drinking, to rare and expensive ceremonial grades.
The Japanese have been drinking it for centuries and have a ceremony that centers on the preparation, serving, and drinking matcha. Even some westerners have found the preparation ceremony relaxing and enjoyable. Preparation does not have to be elaborate however, it can be as simple as adding a few drops of hot water to the matcha powder to create a paste, then add more water to the mixture and stir.
So if you’re ready to jump on the bandwagon, and give it a try, click here.
We’d love to hear if you feel a difference once those amazing green tea anti-oxidants start flowing through your body!
Learn more in our article: Which is healthier, green tea or black tea?
