Every time I open up a new tin of DoMatcha, I love to read the little booklet inside that lists the health benefits. Each time I read it, I am equally amazed. It's nutritional benefits read like that of any superfood but that's because it is a superfood. 1 cup of matcha is nutritionally equivalent to 10 cups of green tea.
Matcha, which means powder (ma) tea (cha) in Japanese, is made by grinding the whole tea leaf into a fine powder. When you drink matcha, you are consuming the nutrients of the entire tea leaf.
Matcha's antioxidant profile alone is unparalleled. It is high in catechins, which are the most potent and beneficial of all antioxidants. Specifically, matcha is high in the catechin, EGCG. EGCG fights bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, inhibits the aging process and reduces inflammation. Matcha contains up to 137 times more EGCG than steeped green tea. The anti-inflammatory properties of EGCG, promote clearer and more radiant skin, whiter eyes and just about any other outward sign of good health.
The antioxidant levels in matcha are 14 times higher than that of blueberries, 100 times more potent than Vitamin C and 25 times more active than Vitamin E. Matcha contains more than 70 times the antioxidants in fresh orange juice and 9 times the beta carotene in spinach.
It also happens to be rich in the amino acid L-theanine. L-theanine assists in the production of dopamine and serotonin, which enhances mood, improves memory and promotes better concentration. It also has the unique ability to stimulate alpha waves in the brain; a state otherwise mostly achieved by meditation. The relaxing effects of L-theanine, balance the stimulatory effects of caffeine, leading to an experience of calm alertness and clarity.
Because of its unique combination of phytonutrients, the caffeine in matcha is assimilated in a very different, much healthier way than the caffeine in coffee. The caffeine in matcha is released into the bloodstream slowly over time and the result is sustained energy for up to 8 hours. This also prevents the insulin and adrenalin spikes typical of coffee intake. Therefore, there is no low that follows; just sweet, steady energy. Matcha only contains about half of the caffeine found in coffee, which means its energy boost does not necessarily come from caffeine but rather a combination of matcha's natural properties.
Because it is rich in chlorophyll, matcha acts as a powerful blood detoxifier and alkalizer. Other benefits of drinking matcha regularly include: a boost in metabolism by up to 40%, burned excess abdominal fat and the support of healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Most importantly, matcha makes you happy. And as Audrey Hepburn once said, "happy girls are the prettiest girls."
Ancient Recipe:
Using a traditional bamboo whisk:
Put 1/2 -1 teaspoon of matcha in a large cup or a drinking bowl and add a small amount of hot water. Whisk in a quick, light zig-zag motion until a layer of green froth appears on the surface. Add more water if desired.
The ideal water temperature for matcha is between 150-185 degrees Fahrenheit (65-85 Celsius).
Latte Recipe:
For one 12oz to 16oz serving: Blend 1-2 teaspoons of matcha and a small amount of liquid with a spoon to make a smooth paste. Add hot or cold almond milk and sweeten with coconut sugar if desired.
Photo: Panateagreen.com
Because it is rich in chlorophyll, matcha acts as a powerful blood detoxifier and alkalizer. Other benefits of drinking matcha regularly include: a boost in metabolism by up to 40%, burned excess abdominal fat and the support of healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Most importantly, matcha makes you happy. And as Audrey Hepburn once said, "happy girls are the prettiest girls."
Ancient Recipe:
Using a traditional bamboo whisk:
Put 1/2 -1 teaspoon of matcha in a large cup or a drinking bowl and add a small amount of hot water. Whisk in a quick, light zig-zag motion until a layer of green froth appears on the surface. Add more water if desired.
The ideal water temperature for matcha is between 150-185 degrees Fahrenheit (65-85 Celsius).
Latte Recipe:
For one 12oz to 16oz serving: Blend 1-2 teaspoons of matcha and a small amount of liquid with a spoon to make a smooth paste. Add hot or cold almond milk and sweeten with coconut sugar if desired.
Photo: Panateagreen.com
