Matcha is a green powder extracted from the same plant as traditional green tea, but with many more health benefits.
You’re probably familiar with green tea, but have you heard about matcha? So, this is another tea, which is obtained from the same herb that originates green tea. However, in a different process that guarantees matcha many more health benefits. Therefore, it is one of the most popular green teas in Japan, largely due to its antioxidant and relaxing properties. And now it has been increasingly used in Western diets.
It is extracted from the leaves of Camellia Sinensis, but from a special cultivation, which protects the leaves from the sun’s rays. This way, the natural properties of the plant are preserved, making it a much more powerful tea than the traditional green tea we know.
Furthermore, one of the most notable benefits of matchá is that it helps with weight loss. This is because it has high concentrations of caffeine, theanine and catechins, substances that accelerate metabolism. It also helps prevent diseases, reduces fluid retention in the body and increases energy.
So, let’s learn everything about matcha, from its benefits to ways to consume it.
Matcha
Matchá is nothing more than a powder, special for tea, obtained from the dried leaves of Camellia Sinensis. The process of obtaining this tea is done from the youngest leaves of the plant, which are dehydrated and turned into powder.
During production, the plant’s leaves must be protected from the sun for at least one month before being harvested. Then, the leaves are exposed to water vapor and dry naturally, in a long process. But this is necessary for its oxidation and preservation of natural polyphenols. Finally, they are ground and transformed into green powder.
Therefore, this entire process ensures that the tea maintains all of the plant’s properties in high concentration. And this is precisely what differentiates it from traditional green tea, as it maintains a greater amount of antioxidants.
Therefore, it is considered a food with high nutritional and antioxidant power. And compared to common green tea, it has much more catechins, which help in the action of free radicals, preventing cellular aging and the development of various diseases. Furthermore, it has anti-inflammatory action that guarantees several other benefits.
Benefits of matcha
Consuming matcha can bring several health benefits. Several scientific studies have already associated the consumption of this tea with improvements in brain function and weight loss. So, let’s get to know all its benefits.
Prevents premature aging
Matcha is rich in antioxidants, which makes it a powerful food. So, due to the large amount of antioxidants and catechins, it has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory action, which helps prevent premature aging.
Detoxifying action
Camellia Sinensis leaves contain large amounts of chlorophyll, which are maintained in the special process to obtain matcha. Therefore, it helps eliminate toxins present in the body. And its detoxifying action is so effective, it helps eliminate even chemical compounds, such as nicotine and alcohol.
Controls bad cholesterol
Regular consumption of this tea increases the level of HDL (good cholesterol) and consequently regulates the levels of LDL (bad cholesterol). In this way, it prevents the accumulation of bad cholesterol in the arteries, preventing them from clogging and preventing atherosclerosis.
Increases immunity
Rich in vitamins C, A, K and B complex, matcha helps to strengthen the immune system. In this way, it protects the body from infectious agents and common infections. So, by increasing immunity, tea also combats the development of microorganisms such as the hepatitis virus, the herpes virus, among many others.
Improves brain function
Due to the presence of L-theanine, epigallocatechin gallate, and caffeine in its composition, matcha can considerably improve brain function. Therefore, regular consumption of this drink increases attention, reaction time and even memory.
Increases energy
The presence of caffeine and L-theanine also has an effect on prolonging energy and providing a greater stable boost to the body. And unlike coffee, which generates energy spikes and major lows, matcha does not cause these side effects. Therefore, it helps the body to stay awake and have more energy.
Help with weight loss
Due to the large amounts of catechins present in matchá, it increases thermogenic activity that generates fat burning. In other words, accelerating body weight loss. Furthermore, epilocatechins together with caffeine help the metabolism function, accelerating weight loss.
And more than that, rich in fiber, it also helps regulate the intestine and improves fluid retention. All of this contributes to weight loss. It is ideal to be consumed before physical exercise, as it increases caloric expenditure during activity by up to 25%.
Calming effect
The active properties of matchá are well known for combating mental and psychological stress. This is probably why this tea is widely consumed by Buddhist monks.
Promotes satiety
Due to the antioxidants present in its composition, matcha helps release a hormone called cholecystokinin, which sends information to the brain that the stomach is full. And thus release the feeling of satiety.
How to consume matchá
Since matcha is found in powder form, it can be used in various drinks and recipes. However, the most common way to consume it is in tea. But it can also be included in juices and special dishes. So, let’s check out the most common ways to prepare and consume matchá.
Matcha tea
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of matcha;
- 100 ml of water
Preparation mode
Heat the water and turn off the heat before it starts to boil. Then wait for it to cool a little and put the warm water in a cup with the matcha powder. Mix well until the powder dissolves completely. If you prefer a lighter flavor, you can increase the amount of water or add cinnamon and ginger zest.
Matcha shake
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of natural yogurt
- 2 spoons of honey
- 1 spoon of matcha
- Ice cubes
Preparation mode
Place all ingredients in the blender and blend until it reaches a creamy shake texture. This version is ideal to be consumed before exercising.
Matcha juice
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of orange juice;
- 1/2 cup of soy milk;
- 1 spoon of matcha powder
Preparation mode
In a blender, place all the ingredients and blend everything. However, the ideal is to serve the juice cold and without sugar.
Muffins with matcha
Ingredients
- 2 cups of oat or almond flour;
- 4 spoons of baking powder;
- 2 spoons of salt;
- 2 spoons of matcha powder;
- 1/2 cup of honey;
- 360 ml of coconut or almond milk;
- 160 ml coconut oil
Preparation mode
In a container, mix the oat flour with the yeast, salt and tea powder. In another container, mix the honey, milk and oil. Then, gradually incorporate the liquid mixture into the flour until it forms a homogeneous dough. Finally, place the dough in muffin cups and place in a preheated oven at 180ºC for 30 minutes.
Contraindications
So although it has a huge variety of benefits, like other teas, matcha also has some contraindications. Therefore, the consumption of this tea is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women, except in cases with a medical prescription.
Furthermore, people with hypertension or hyperthyroidism should also avoid drinking tea. This is because this tea accelerates the metabolism and consequently the heart rate. However, in the case of people who suffer from insomnia, they should be careful about consuming too much of this tea, especially at night.
Anyway, what did you think of this article? Did you already know this tea? In fact, take the opportunity to also check out the hibiscus tea diet that loses 4 kilos in 15 days.
Sources: Tea Shop M de Mulher Ocean Drop Tua Saúde
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