Matcha is made from the leaves of the same tea plant that regular tea comes from. The only difference is how they are grown, when the leaves are picked and how they are processed. Tea plants used to make matcha are usually shaded for 2weeks before picking to increase the chlorophyll levels. Once the leaves are picked they are then steamed, dried and finally ground into that fine green powder we all know as matcha.
 
Matcha has more nutrients in it than regular tea as the whole leaf is ground. Matcha is full of antioxidants, in particular one type called Catechins. Studies have shown Catechins to be extremely powerful in preventing oxidative stress in our cells caused by free radicals. As mentioned in previous posts oxidative stress is the route cause of most chronic illnesses. In addition Catechins help regulate blood pressure, help with body fat loss in particular visceral fat (The bad fat surrounding our internal organs.)
 
Have a read below to see more of the benefits of this bright green powder.
  • Helps with weight loss - You may have seen many different bottles of ‘diet pills’ saying they are made with matcha or green tea. There have been many studies done, with positive results showing that when combined ideally with exercise matcha (green tea) can speed up weight loss by speeding up the metabolism. Taken on its own without exercise it can still speed up weight loss, but the results won’t be as significant.
  • Improve brain function - studies have shown that matcha can improve attention span and reaction time. This could be down to the caffeine it contains. Matcha also contains L-theanine which can help with attentiveness, wakefulness and calmness. In addition it has been shown to have a positive effect on stress levels and anxiety.
  • One of the best food sources of Catechins - Catechins are a group of antioxidants and as mentioned above they are extremely powerful in preventing oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Matcha contains 137 times more the amount of polyphenols called EGCG than regular green tea.
  • May help prevent cancer - There have been some studies done on the benefit of EGCGs found in matcha and their ability to inhibit the growth of certain cancers. 
  • Reduces high blood pressure - Again thanks to the Catechins found in matcha studies have shown that they can protect against heart disease and regulate blood pressure. People who include matcha or green tea in their daily diet are at a lower risk of death from a heart attack.
  • Help detox our body - The livers main job is to detox our blood from toxins, chemicals and other nasties, but matcha can help too. The chlorophyll found in matcha helps promote the elimination of toxins, chemicals and heavy metals from our body.
Matcha might not be suited for everyone - it does contain a higher amount of caffeine than regular green tea, but not nearly as much as a cup of coffee. Matcha is not recommended for children or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Matcha and green tea can interact with certain prescription drugs so always speak to your Doctor if you are on medication before introducing it to your diet.