Fine powder tea or powdered tea is referred to as ‘matcha'. Powdered green tea leaves, dissolved in hot water to make tea or used as a flavoring. Matcha green tea can be categorized into three grades: ceremonial grade, premium grade, and cooking/culinary grade. The different grades are defined by many factors. It is expensive compared to other forms of tea, although its price depends on its quality. Here Dr. Joseph Mercola, Mercola.com, reflects on what matcha green tea can do for your health: 

 

“You’ve probably heard of matcha, a type of green tea that’s been around since the 12th century,¹ but only recently gained significant popularity. Matcha-infused recipes have become the trend nowadays. But what exactly is this bitter, green powder, and what can it do for your health? Read on to find out why matcha green tea deserves all the hype that it gets.

What Is Matcha Green Tea?

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Known for its vibrant green color, rich grassy taste and numerous health benefits, matcha is the powdered form of green tea that’s traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. Zen monasteries favored matcha because of its ability to help enhance mental alertness and presence of mind, while promoting a calm, meditative state at the same time.²

It’s said that the best organic matcha green tea powder comes from southern regions of Japan, particularly Uji, Nishio, Shizuoka and Kyushu.³ Similar to other tea varieties, matcha green tea is also made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which is native to Southwest China.

What sets these tea varieties apart are their processing methods and degree of oxidation. Even matcha and the regular green tea have several distinct differences when it comes to cultivation, harvest, production and nutritional profile.

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To produce organic matcha green tea, the tea bushes must be shaded from sunlight 20 to 30 days before harvest. Protecting the leaves from direct sunlight stimulates the production of amino acids and increases the chlorophyll levels, which makes the leaves turn dark green.

After the finest leaves are harvested by hand, they are steamed to stop fermentation, which preserves their color and health benefits, and then their stems and veins are removed.^4,5 The leaves are then dried and aged in a cold storage before being stone-ground on a granite block until they turn into fine powder.

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Unlike other tea variants, which are served by soaking the tea leaves in hot water, matcha green tea is prepared by whisking the powder in hot water until a layer of froth is formed. I personally prefer this type of tea because the entire leaves are basically ingested in powdered form when drinking, which is exactly what makes matcha more beneficial versus regular green tea .

Discover the Numerous Health Benefits of Matcha Green Tea

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The unique cultivation and production of matcha are not just responsible for its rich flavor and vibrant coloring, but also for its nutritional value. Here are some of the health benefits of matcha green tea:

Enhances cognitive function and concentration — Matcha contains high amounts of L-theanine, an amino acid that may help improve your memory and concentration by increasing the production of serotonin and dopamine in the brain.6,7	Provides a significant amount of antioxidants — Matcha is an excellent source of antioxidants, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG),8 which is a catechin that may help fight the negative effects of free radicals to protect your cells and tissues against damage. It's also found to be helpful in reducing inflammation.9
Provides a calming effect — The L-theanine content of matcha improves the production of alpha waves in the brain, which helps induce mental relaxation and reduce stress levels.10	Boosts energy levels and endurance — Matcha contains a healthy form of caffeine, which may help improve energy levels and endurance without any adverse side effects.11
Detoxifies the body — Matcha has high levels of chlorophyll, which helps flush out heavy metals and toxic chemical from your body.12	Aids in weight loss — Drinking matcha may help increase your metabolic rate, allowing your body to burn fat more efficiently. Exercising right after drinking matcha green tea may increase the fat-burning rate by up to 25 percent.13
Strengthens the immune system — Aside from being rich in antioxidants and L-theanine, matcha also contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals. Collectively, these nutrients may help boost your immune system and protect your body against bacterial infections and viruses.	Improves eye health — A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that the catechins in matcha green tea may also be absorbed by different parts of the eyes, reducing your risk of glaucoma and other eye diseases.14

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, research also suggests that matcha green tea can help fight different illnesses, including heart diseases, Type 2 diabetes, liver disorders and several types of cancer.”

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Read More … Article Source: https://articles.mercola.com/teas/matcha-green-tea.aspx

 

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