Yahoo Lifestyle What's so great about matcha anyway? Well, quite a lot actually
Ready to green? Not literally, of course (so you can delete those visions of donning Shrek make-up) – we mean by getting on board the matcha train. You'll have likely seen a matcha latte as an option on the board in your favourite coffee shop, or possibly have stumbled across a matcha-flavoured cake in your time... but what actually is matcha? And what are the health benefits of this East Asian favourite?
Ready to spill all the (green) tea, Clarissa Berry, Nutritionist for DIRTEA, the leading functional mushroom brand, has the low-down on all-things matcha.
What exactly is matcha?
So, we all know you can get a matcha latte but… is matcha a type of plant? A type of tea? Berry explains that actually... it's both. "Matcha is a specific type of green tea made from finely ground, powdered tea leaves and is the tea traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies," she shares. "To prepare matcha, tea plants are grown in the shade, increasing their chlorophyll content and giving matcha its vibrant green colour." Next, the tea leaves are harvested, dried and ground into a superfine powder, which is later dissolved in water to be consumed – be it in a fun-coloured latte, baked into a cookie or in any other way you can think up.
As for how matcha differs to a run-of-the-mill green tea, Berry notes that it's all about the cultivation and preparation, plus the "fact that the entire leaf is consumed rather than just its infusion". This also means you get a lot of extra benefits from matcha, more on that below!
What are the health benefits of matcha?
"Matcha is considerably richer in antioxidants, l-theanine, chlorophyll and caffeine [than other forms of tea], giving it additional health benefits and making it uniquely prized in the world of tea," says Berry. *Adds matcha powder to basket asap*
Elsewhere on the health benefits front, matcha is great at helping to prevent cellular damage. "It's particularly renowned for its concentration of EGCG, a potent antioxidant that can help to reduce inflammation in the body and promote both heart and brain health. It also provides a hefty dose of chlorophyll, which has antioxidant properties and is also highly nutritious."
Magical Matcha Selection Box
High-Grade Organic Matcha Powder
Vanilla Matcha Powder
Matcha Powder Super Blend
Vanilla Matcha Powder
One small-scale study also found matcha green tea could have a positive impact on retinoblastoma (a form of eye cancer) treatment, but a lot more research needs to be done in this area before we can know anything for certain.
"Matcha's richness in caffeine makes it highly energising and cognitively stimulating, similar to a cup of coffee," Berry continues, adding that interestingly matcha also provides a type of amino acid (l-theanine) that "promotes the production of calming neurotransmitters in the brain".
The expert adds, "L-theanine has been shown to reduce stress, improve mental alertness and offset some of the more stimulating effects of caffeine, such dampening unwanted effects like anxiety or jitters." An energy-boosting beverage that won't leave us feeling like the world is about to collapse around us at any minute? Erm, yes please.
What are some fun ways to get matcha in your diet?
We've talked a lot about matcha lattes, hot and cold, but matcha also lends itself well to puddings and sweet treats (try a match doughnut = change your life).
Berry recommends trying a "matcha-spiked chia pudding" comprised of matcha powder (naturally, as a brand ambassador she suggests DIRTEA's Matcha Super Blend), chia seeds, plant milk and a dash of maple syrup.
"Matcha energy balls with blended nuts and dried foods are nutrient dense and delicious," she adds. "You could add it to your morning smoothie, or even a super green wellness shot alongside spirulina or wheatgrass. It’s also great in breakfast foods – think matcha granola, pancakes, overnight oats or a Greek yogurt bowl."
TBH this all sounds good to us and not that this should matter but... green pancakes sound highly Instagrammable.
Is there anyone who should avoid consuming matcha, and why?
If you're looking to conceive, are pregnant or breastfeeding, Berry advises limiting your matcha intake to one serving per day (it's recommended to limit your caffeine intake to 200mg a day or less when pregnant and 300mg or less when breastfeeding).
"Those sensitive to caffeine should consume matcha in moderation or opt for smaller amounts than the suggested serving," she continues. "And people with certain medical conditions or those taking medications, such as blood thinners should consult with a healthcare provider before consuming matcha regularly."
How can you spot a good quality matcha from a ‘meh’ one?
First up: always ensure the matcha you're shopping is 'ceremonial grade' to ensure it's of top notch quality. "I would also always choose a Japanese matcha, due to their centuries of expertise in growing and processing matcha tea," says Berry. "Next, I would recommend opting for an organic certified matcha, which means that the matcha was grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilisers, which could otherwise contaminate the product and impact its effect on your body."
As for how to suss a dream from a dud, Berry points to the vibrancy of the colour and whether the matcha powder is a nice smooth, powdery texture.
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
You Might Also Like
