Matcha
Matcha has exploded in popularity in recent years. But do its touted health benefits actually live up to the hype? Read up on all you need to know about this vivid, ancient tea.
Matcha...
- ...helps protect the body's cells.Matcha is rich in valuable secondary plant substances such as flavonoids and phenols, which protect the body’s cells from harmful influences. Depending on its quality, matcha contains up to 137 times more of these antioxidants than conventional green tea.
- ...provides an energy boost.Matcha is a good pick-me-up because it contains caffeine. Unlike coffee, however, the caffeine in matcha is bound to secondary plant compounds, meaning it’s released in the intestine more slowly, taking a while for you to feel its effects.
- ...promotes relaxation.Matcha contains the amino acid l-theanine, which has been shown to have a relaxing effect.
- ...may help you lose weight.Some studies have suggested that drinking matcha might result in the body burning more fat.
- ...might help prevent certain types of cancer.While studies are far from concluding that matcha is the miracle cure some people purport it to be, initial research does suggest that a link between matcha consumption and cancer prevention might not be completely unfeasible. Two recent studies in Germany found that drinking matcha might help prevent breast cancer cells from proliferating. However more tests are needed to show conclusive results.
- ...is heart-healthy.The antioxidant plant compounds in matcha help to reduce elevated blood lipid levels, and thus the risk of cardiovascular disease. This effect has been repeatedly proven for conventional green tea, but seems to be more pronounced in matcha, as it provides the body with considerably more antioxidants than other teas.
- ...might help lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.For people with insulin resistance (precursor of diabetes) drinking matcha can be very helpful. Studies show that matcha can help normalize high blood sugar levels and thus might help counteract the onset of type 2 diabetes.
- ...shouldn't be consumed be pregnant women or very small children.Depending on the product and quantity, matcha can contain as much caffeine as a strong espresso. For unborn babies in the womb as well as for infants, this can quickly become too much. As a result, experts advise expectant and nursing mothers not to consume matcha.
What You Should Know About Matcha
Matcha has exploded in popularity in recent years, however despite all the newfound buzz, it couldn't be a more humble or common-place ingredient. In reality, matcha is nothing more than a kind of green tea. What differentiates matcha is it's production-- the tea leaves are finely ground -- as well as the plant from which it derives. Matcha tea is made from Tencha leaves, one of the finer varieites of green tea, and only utilizes the tender tips of young leaves. Most green tea, on the other hand, utilizes older leaves, and makes use of the whole plant, including stems and stalks.
Origin
sThe original home of matcha is Japan, although it has long been produced in China as well.
Flavor
Depending on its origin and quality, matcha has a concentrated green tea flavor, with a slightly more bitter note.
Find all our recipes with matcha here.
How Healthy is Matcha?
If you believe its fans, matcha should be available by prescription. Matcha devotees swear this Japanese tea powder works wonders on everything from aging to cancer prevention.
However the actual science has yet to prove most of these assertions. While some early studies have shown encouraging corollaries between drinking matcha tea and preventing fatal diseases such as breast cancer and Alzheimer's, much more research needs to be done before any of these results are determined conclusive. As of now, scientifically its only be proven that matcha has similar beneficial effects on health as other green teas.
Shopping and Cooking Tips
Storage
In Japan, unopened matcha cans are kept in the freezer; after opening, they are put in the refrigerator, where good-quality matcha will stay fresh for up to a month.
Always take matcha out of the fridge for as short a time as possible, otherwise the powder draws moisture from the air and oxidizes quickly.
What to Make With Matcha
As with green tea, there are fixed rules for the preparation of Matcha. Our preferred way to brew it is by combining 1-2 g of matcha powder with 100 ml of boiled waterm, taken off the heat and cooled down to around 175° F. In Japan, matcha is served in a special bowl, but any wide cup or even a smaller cereal bowl will work just fine. You'll need a bowl instead of a mug to produce the characteristic foam on traditional matcha tea, which you can create with a whisk or milk frother if you have one.
Besides tea, matcha can be used to add beautiful color and a subtle taste to a variety of sweets, including cakes, ice creams and puddings. It's also a great addition to smoothies.
