What Exactly Is Matcha?

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Matcha seems to be the new ‘it’ trend of the food and drink world. Packed with antioxidants , it’s health benefits are preached world wide- in fact matcha has 137 times more antioxidants than regularly brewed green tea. But what exactly is this mystery green powdered subject? Well, it’s simply a special type of powdered green tea that is grown and produced in Japan. You can buy it by a brand called Zen Green Tea here..

Kate Johnston, Naturopath and nutritionist of Kore Well-Being has spoken to us about the benefits of drinking the new trendy tea.

It’s pack with antioxidants
"The standout benefit of match is its high concentration of antioxidants. One study found that it contained more than 137 times the polyphenols (a group of antioxidants) found in regular green tea… which was already high to begin with! Antioxidants are important in the body for many functions and are known to reduce the risk of many chronic diseases."

It will relax you
"Matcha has naturally high levels of the amino acid L-theanine, which is known to promote relaxation without making you drowsy."

But it will also stimulate your brain
"The L-theanine found in matcha also increases feelings of alertness and improves concentration by stimulating alpha brain waves."

It helps with high blood pressure and cholesterol levels
"Eipgallocatechin gallate (EGCG), one of the antioxidants present in matcha, has been found to improve blood flow and control high blood pressure and cholesterol levels."

It will help you lose weight
"This same antioxidant (EGCG) has also been shown to increase the body’s ability to mobilise fat for energy, and inhibits the production of new fat cells."