Matcha is a type of green tea of Japanese origin, to which many properties and health benefits are attributed, making it a true superfood.
We explain what are the properties of matcha tea, what are its main benefits and how you can take it to make the most of this miraculous drink.
- Related article: “The 5 types of tea, their origin and properties”.
What is matcha tea?
Matcha or Maccha is a type of powdered tea with a very characteristic green color, which is derived from ground whole green tea leaves. In fact, the word ‘maccha’ means ‘powdered tea’. It requires a special cultivation and harvesting process, which allows it to preserve all the properties of the plant.
Being in powder form, it is a type of tea that is not infused, but must be added to hot water and mixed. This way it retains its properties better, which is part of the reason why matcha tea has many more benefits than green tea. One cup of matcha contains 10 times the nutritional value of a single cup of green tea.
Matcha is a product widely used in Japanese cuisine, especially in baking, especially to give that characteristic bright green color to dishes. We can also find a wide variety of desserts that include matcha as the main ingredient.
This type of tea can be accompanied by milk, thus creating a matcha latte, but it is recommended to drink tea without added sugars that may alter the qualities of the product and reduce its properties.
Matcha tea is rich in all kinds of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which protect our body and improve the functioning of our organism. Here are its benefits.
Benefits of matcha green tea
Matcha tea has many health benefits, as it has a very high nutritional value and its properties make it practically a superfood. Here are the health benefits of matcha tea.
1. Rich in antioxidants
One of the main properties of matcha tea is the large amount of antioxidants it contains, which help prevent aging and certain types of degenerative diseases. It is rich in catechins, antioxidants with antibiotic properties that help against cancer, prevent arthritis and help lose weight.
2. Detox effect
Matcha is also rich in chlorophyll, a compound that not only gives it that intense green color, but also favors the elimination of toxins and substances harmful to the body, such as toxic chemicals, heavy metals and dioxins.
3. Improves brain functions
Matcha has a high concentration of caffeine, which helps to activate and improve brain functions. Among its benefits are increased concentration, memory and reflexes. In addition, the presence of the compound theanine reduces the negative effects of caffeine, helping to maintain attention without losing energy.
4. Provides energy
This same caffeine, added to the nutrients it provides, stimulates the body and gives it energy, in addition to improving physical endurance. And all this, as we mentioned before, without the negative side effects of beverages such as coffee or other stimulating soft drinks.
Matcha tea contains 10 times more nutritional properties than green tea.
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5. Reduces stress
Although it may seem a contradiction and despite all this energy it brings us, matcha tea also has relaxing effects. This is due to the theanine compound, which counteracts the stimulating effects of caffeine and promotes relaxation. Matcha therefore helps us to become active and energetic, but in a calm and stress-reducing way.
6. Anticarcinogenic
Its richness in antioxidants makes it a food with anticarcinogenic properties. It is rich in catechins, especially EGCG, which reduce the development of cancer cells and help prevent their appearance.
- Related article: “The 12 anticarcinogenic foods (that you should include in your diet)”.
7. Good for the heart
Matcha tea reduces excess cholesterol, triglycerides and lowers blood sugar levels. And all this without increasing blood pressure, since its relaxing effects also reduce the heart rate. It is therefore associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
8. Helps to lose weight
One of the most praised benefits of matcha tea is its slimming properties. It has thermogenic properties, which help speed up metabolism and promote faster calorie burning. It is also rich in soluble fiber, which helps fight constipation.
Contraindications
Although it is a drink with many health benefits, it should be consumed responsibly and, as with everything, should not be abused. If consumed in large quantities, it may promote the development of heart disorders, stomach problems, nervous disorders or kidney disease.
Although theanine reduces side effects, the caffeine in matcha tea takes between 6 and 8 hours to be absorbed by the body, so if consumed in large quantities or very often, it can accumulate in the blood and can be counterproductive in cases of liver disease, heart disorders or in those where caffeine is discouraged.
Its consumption should also be monitored in case of stomach problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, since its diuretic effects can be counterproductive and may cause ulcers or bleeding. Matcha tea can also cause stomach pain or nausea in some cases.
If you suffer from any illness or are taking medication, consult your doctor to find out if the consumption of matcha tea may interfere with your treatment. The same applies in case of pregnancy, as some substances may be harmful if consumed in excess during this stage.
Matcha tea is also not recommended in cases of anemia, as it promotes the rapid elimination of substances and hinders the absorption of minerals such as iron, potassium or calcium.
The preparation of the original matcha tea requires a whole ritual.
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How to prepare matcha tea
First of all, you should make sure to drink matcha of certified organic origin and not of dubious origin, as it may contain contaminants and be harmful. It is recommended to drink pure and fresh matcha, which, although it has a somewhat high price, will keep its properties intact.
To prepare it you must first boil water in a kettle or saucepan. You can also heat a glass or cup of water in the microwave for 2 minutes. Then just add a tablespoon of matcha tea powder to your glass or cup with the hot water, and whisk well until it dissolves. And it is ready to drink.
Some people prefer to sift the matcha powder with a sieve before mixing it with water, to avoid lumps. In the original Japanese ceremony, they use a bamboo brush called chasen as a whisk, with which they whisk the matcha powder in the water with a very specific movement, forming a foam on top, very characteristic of this type of tea.
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