The health and weight loss benefits of Matcha Imperial Tea
Matcha tea is a very special variety of green tea.
Considered the healthiest, it is packed with benefits.
It is grown and prepared differently and, unlike other types of tea, the whole leaf is consumed.
Let’s find out all there is to know about this tea with its many properties.
What is Matcha tea?
Matcha literally means ‘powdered tea’. In fact, Matcha Tea or maccha is a finely ground emerald green tea powder.
It has been traditionally used in the famous Japanese tea ceremony for over 900 years.
This superfood is rich in vitamins A, B, C, E, K and minerals. It is also rich in antioxidant components. It also contains amino acids.
Matcha tea can have a grassy, bitter taste.
Cultivation and harvesting
Matcha tea is harvested by hand. This ensures selection of the youngest and smallest leaves.
The tea bushes are sheltered to avoid direct exposure to sunlight. This reduces the rate of photosynthesis and slows plant growth.
Several weeks before harvesting, the plants are covered with bamboo mats or a tarpaulin.
This step increases chlorophyll content. This gives the leaves a dark green tint, giving them their distinctive green color. It also stimulates amino acid production.
After harvesting, the stems and veins are removed from the leaves.
The leaves are then briefly steamed to protect them from oxidation. This step also preserves their taste and nutritional content.
The leaves are then sorted by size, destemmed and deveined.
At this stage, they are called tencha leaves.
The leaves are tencha leaves are then ground to a fine powder and become Matcha.
Traditional Matcha tea is ground to a fine powder by a stone mill.
Advantages of Matcha Tea
- Very rich in antioxidants, including the powerful EGCG ;
- Rich in fiber, chlorophyll and vitamins;
- Supplies vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium;
- Rich in chlorophyll. It is also an excellent detoxifier, helping to cleanse the blood and maintain blood and tissue alkalinity;
- Contains a unique form of caffeine known as theophylline, which supports energy levels.
Health benefits of Matcha Tea
- Increases metabolism and helps burn calories;
- Detoxifies the body;
- Calms the mind and relaxes the body;
- Improves mood and concentration;
- Prevents a wide range of illnesses and boosts the immune system;
- Protects against bacterial, viral and fungal infections;
- Lowers triglyceride levels, total cholesterol and hepatic glucose in diabetics;
- Stimulates fecal excretion and helps the body rid itself of harmful chemicals and toxins;
- Improves skin health;
- Prevents cancer.
Another advantage is its culinary use
In Western fashion, Matcha Tea is added to a variety of confectionery products.
Recently, a number of famous cafés in North America and around the world have even introduced it to their beverage menus.
Matcha tea and scientific evidence
– Matcha tea and ulcerative colitis
Matcha tea has beneficial effects on ulcerative colitis.
Its regular intake reduces inflammation, cramps and urgency in sufferers.
The EGCG present in Matcha green tea is likely to improve the symptoms of this disease. It also prevents the worsening of inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis in mild to moderate cases.
Consumption of Matcha tea has also been found to be very useful in the treatment of people exposed to [1] :
- PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls) ;
- PCDF (polychlorinated dibenzofurans) ;
- PCDD (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins).
– Rich in antioxidants
Matcha Tea is also rich in antioxidants.
Antioxidants are a source of nutrients and enzymes. They help the body fight radiation, pollutants and skin aging.
They also help prevent a large number of diseases.
It is estimated that a single cup of Matcha Tea can provide around 5 times more antioxidants than any other antioxidant food.
Research findings suggest that this tea also has beneficial effects on suppressing the accumulation of glucose in the blood.
It is also beneficial in promoting lipid metabolism and antioxidant activities.
According to a recent study, the water-insoluble part of this tea plays an important role in suppressing diet-induced high lipid and glucose levels. [2]
– Boost your energy levels
Matcha green tea boosts energy levels in the body.
It is rejuvenating, refreshing and contains a good amount of caffeine and other valuable nutrients, which keep the mind alert and attentive.
– Can burn calories
Drinking Matcha Tea can help you burn fat faster. In fact, this is due to its ability to help modulate fat metabolism in the body.
It also improves digestion and promotes better fat utilization at optimal levels.
– Boosts immunity
This tea also improves the immune system. Its many medicinal uses are due in particular to its immune-modulating properties.
Consumption therefore protects against autoimmune diseases. In particular, it protects against common recurring ailments that occur as a result of a weakened immune system.
– Reduces the risk of cancer and HIV
Matcha tea is very rich in EGCG, a substance with chemopreventive effects. It can also reduce the risk of cancer.
What’s more, the presence of EPIGALLOCATECHIN also helps reduce the risk of HIV infection. This may be due to the tea’s immunomodulatory effects.
– May protect against viruses
EGCG (EPI-GALLO-CATECHIN-GALLATE) has many antiviral properties.
It helps prevent viral infections, including Influenza A, Herpes, Hepatitis B & C, etc.
– Matcha tea and heart disease – diabetes
Matcha Tea has the power to reduce triglyceride levels, thanks to the antioxidants it contains.
As a result, it can prevent heart disease.
It also reduces the risk of diabetes in regular consumers.
Among Buddhist monks in Japan who drank it regularly, the rate of diabetes recorded in their community was very low.
On the other hand, a study carried out by theInstitute of Natural Medicineat Toyama University in Japan.
These researchers confirmed that Matcha Tea protects against liver and kidney damage.
This is achieved by lowering hepatic glucose levels, triglycerides and total cholesterol. [3]
Possible side effects
Matcha tea is highly concentrated in substances (good and bad). For this reason, it is generally not recommended to exceed two cups a day.
Its caffeine content may trigger certain side effects.
When consumed in excess, it can cause headaches, insomnia, irritability, diarrhea and heartburn.
This tea may also contain fluoride and lead. This content may vary according to the region where it was grown.
This tea is not recommended for children, pregnant or breast-feeding women.
How to prepare your Matcha Tea?
Matcha is a versatile and flexible tea.
Originally consumed with water, it has now become a popular ingredient in mixed drinks.
Its preparation is different from regular green tea.
It is generally prepared in the traditional Japanese way. The tea is measured out with a bamboo spoon, called a shashaku. It is then poured into a heated tea bowl, known as a chawan.
Hot water (around 70°C) is then added.
The tea is beaten with a special bamboo whisk, known as a chasen. It is beaten until it is smooth and frothy.
Where can I buy Matcha tea, and at what price?
We’ve chosen WeightWorld Matcha Tea.
This brand offers us Matcha made from 100% Japanese green tea.
You can drink it according to Japanese tradition, or use it to prepare your favorite drinks or foods.
You can prepare it as follows:
- Pour 1 to 2 teaspoons of tea powder into a cup ;
- Add the equivalent of ¾ of a coffee cup of hot water (the manufacturer recommends using boiling water);
- Whisk contents until frothy;
- Add one and a half cups of hot water;
- Your drink is ready to use.
WeightWorld Matcha Tea costs €12.95.
To find out more and order your Matcha Tea, visit the official WeightWorld website.
