It seems to be the flavour of the moment and is in everything from beer to ice cream, but what exactly is matcha?
So let’s begin at the beginning, basically matcha the finely ground powder of a type of Japanese green tea. Tea plants used for matcha are shade-grown for three to four weeks before harvest so they keep that vibrant green colour as opposed to normal tea’s honey brown.
Why matcha is good for you
For the many reasons normal green tea is good for you, matcha is also good for you.
While there is research out there about the benefits of green tea and matcha, a lot more work probably needs to be done to refine just how and why they can improve your health. Here are a few health benefits based on available studies.
Matcha is rich in catechins, a class of plant compounds in tea that act as natural antioxidants. Antioxidants help stabilise free radicals, compounds that can damage cells and cause chronic disease.
Leading on from this, as antioxidant levels may also decrease the risk of bone loss. drinking tea is tied to a reduced risk of osteoporosis. The effect is likely due to the drink’s antioxidants, which help prevent bone loss and enhance bone formation.
It’s also good for your brain function, with one study finding it made improvements in attention, reaction time, and memory. Another study showed that consuming two grams of green tea powder daily for two months helped improve brain function in older people.
Catechins in green tea and matcha are also linked to lowering blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels.
Matcha’s relatively high level of caffeine compared to other green teas may also help with weight loss.
The flavour of matcha
It has a much more mellow taste than other teas and is regarded as the most aromatic form of green tea. It’s described as having a more ‘grassy’ flavour with an umami undertaste. Umami is a flavour taste described as the taste of beef broth. Foods high in umami include meat, Vegemite, shellfish, cheese and soy sauce.
The quality of your matcha
Like most things on the market, investing in a quality product is the best way to ensure you enjoy the associated health benefits.
Sometimes what we confuse as side-effects of a new dietary item are in fact reactions to chemicals that may have hitched a ride.
Your super-cheap matcha in questionable packaging may not be the bargain buy it seems, due to chemicals from soils and pesticides used during the growing process.
Many matcha brands offer information on growing and harvesting practices, so you can pick up popular matcha products informed as to the company’s quality control.
Integrate into your diet carefully
Like any new dietary addition, adding matcha to your everyday routine should be done slowly, and with care.
Before you begin consuming matcha, speak to your GP to ensure no potential interactions with your prescription medicine and natural remedies routine.
Excessive matcha intake may have side-effects for certain people, so keep your dosage within the suggested range. Yes, you can have too much of a good thing.
While studies show matcha can be good for liver function, continued excessive consumption of green teas in general may be problematic for the liver.
You’re also consuming larger amounts of caffeine. Anyone who has overdone it on the coffee front knows the experience can be prove less than pleasant.
Moderation is the key to reaping the benefits of matcha intake.
Are you a fan of matcha? Let us know in the comments section below.
