What’s all the hype about super antioxidant green matcha tea? Why is it such a bright colorful green and is it really that beneficial? Matcha green tea does have a handful of benefits:
- High amount of antioxidants: in comparison to other superfoods, it’s antioxidant content is very high, meaning it can prevent cell damage and diseases linked to cell degeneration such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and cancer.
- Helps with weight loss: it accelerates your metabolism, becoming a good calorie burner or supplement during weight loss routines
- Reduces ‘bad’ cholesterol and strengthens cardiovascular system
- strengthens bones
- Removes toxins from skin: with antibacterial and cleansing properties, it can be a great facemask or moisturizing cream
- Keeps your gums and teeth clean
- Gives a non jittery alertness or ‘relaxed’ concentration
Matcha comes as a powder and most of its benefits come from the fact that the whole leaf is consumed. The preparation from plant to powder is very special and this is the only raw form of matcha available. Fortunately, from the powder you can make, bake or add it to any recipe. In Japan, where it originates, it is used to color and to add flavor to candies, ice cream, cakes and more.
Tea is the most typical form of consuming matcha. The recommended amount is 1 to 2 servings or cups per day, which is equivalent to 10 to 20 cups of regular green tea. 1 gram or half a teaspoon of matcha has 32 mg of caffeine, which is a lot. Tea can be prepared with a sifter, hot water and a bowl.
If you’re not that much into drinking tea or hot beverages, consider baking! There are so many recipes of matcha ranging from pancakes to muffins all the way to pies, cookies, brownies, fudge. The majority use 1 to 1 and a half tablespoon of matcha powder along the other ingredients.
On a healthier angle, you can also sprinkle matcha on granola, oatmeal, and breakfast bowls. It is very common to see matcha lattes or green smoothies that have match in its ingredients. I have seen people sprinkle matcha on popcorn!