Know your Matcha – The benefits of Matcha and why everyone loves it!

Although Matcha originates from Japan, it is now widely known around the world as it has recently grown in popularity due to the aesthetic appeal and the many nutritional benefits.

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a powdered green tea powder, traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. However, Matcha tea is not your typical green tea. Although it is derived from the same plant Camellia sinensis, the beneficial nutrients in just 1 cup of Matcha tea is equivalent to 10-15 cups of typical green tea. What differentiates Matcha from other green teas is the way in which they are grown. The Matcha tea bushes (Camellia sinensis) are covered days before harvest to shade the plant from sunlight to boost the chlorophyll levels. This turns the leaves bright green. After the harvest, the leaves are laid, air dried then milled into a delicate powder. This tedious process required to get Matcha is why it is more premium and pricier than regular green tea.You are ingesting the whole leaf when you consume Matcha. 

Health benefits

Matcha tea contains excellent amounts of antioxidant polyphenols, including flavanols, flavonoids and phenolic acid that help protect against viruses and bacteria that can cause health problems. Matcha tea contains three times as much epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) than regular green tea. EGCG is a specific type of flavonoid that helps the body fight bacteria and prevent viruses from multiplying. Matcha also provides substantial quantities of potassium, vitamin A & C, iron, protein and calcium.

Although Matcha tea contains caffeine, it is also a rich source of L-theanine and theophylline, an amino acid that promotes a calming effect that can relieve stress. Being both a stimulant and a relaxant, Matcha can provide 4-6 hours of steady energy and is considered a healthy alternative to coffee.

How to consume Matcha

Consuming Matcha could not be easier and more versatile as there are many creative ways for you to incorporate Matcha into your diet. If you like the good old Hot Matcha latte or Iced Matcha Tea, you can get the recipe here: https://organicandwholesale.com/matcha-latte.html.

If you are wanting to be adventurous, you can always add Matcha to pancake mixes, cakes, cookies or even add it into your post-workout smoothies. You might even like to try our Plant Protein Powder with Matcha for a quick, hassle free option for your smoothies. Do remember to use Nature’s Superfoods Organic Ceremonial Matcha Powder for your drinks and Nature’s Superfoods Organic Culinary Matcha Powder for food preparation purposes.