If you're not drinking matcha green tea yet, you're behind the times! Get with the program and try this metabolism-enhancing, stress-reducing, immune-boosting, cholesterol-lowering, teenage-mutant-ninja cancer fighter! Although people drank green tea in China more than 1,000 years ago, it became an important part of the Japanese culture.
2. The 8 Wonders of Matcha
Green Tea
If you're not drinking matcha green tea yet, you're behind the times! Get with the program and try this
metabolism-enhancing, stress-reducing, immune-boosting, cholesterol-lowering, teenage-mutant-ninja cancer
fighter! Although people drank green tea in China more than 1,000 years ago, it became an important part of the
Japanese culture. They named the tea matcha. Zen Buddhist monks drank it to remain alert and calm during long
hours of meditation. Japanese tea leaves grow in the shade to increase chlorophyll content. These chlorophyll-
rich leaves are then handpicked, steamed, dried and ground into a fine green powder. The history and cultivation
of the tea is interesting, but what matters most to health enthusiasts is its antioxidant content. One cup of matcha
green tea has as many antioxidants as 10 cups of regular tea!
MATCHA GREEN TEA ANTIOXIDANT LEVELS
6.2 times that of Goji Berries
7 times that of Dark Chocolate
17 times that of Wild Blueberries
60.5 times that of Spinach
3. Cancer Preventer
Green tea contains potent antioxidants called
catechins, which scavenge for dangerous free
radicals in the body. The most powerful
catechin found in green tea is EGCG
(epigallocatechin gallate), which is believed to
be a powerful anti-carcinogen.
A 2003 University of Colorado study confirmed
that drinking 1 cup of matcha green tea has 137
times the amount of antioxidant EGCG
compared to a conventional cup of green tea.
4. Anti-Ager
One of the locales in the world where people live the longest is Okinawa, Japan. The Okinawan
people's longevity has been partly attributed to regular consumption of Matcha Green Tea.
Matcha green tea is the most popular green tea in Japan, but is rapidly gaining more popularity
throughout the world because of its ability to combat inflammation, oxidation and aging.
5. Lowers LDL "Bad" Cholesterol
A 2011 study featured in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrated that administration of
green tea beverages or extracts significantly lowered serum total cholesterol and LDL "Evil Emperor Zurg"
cholesterol concentrations.
6. Weight Loss
A 1999 study featured in the American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition demonstrated that green tea extract
rich in catechins has thermogenic properties and
promotes fat oxidation beyond that explained by the
tea's caffeine content.
It was found that consuming green tea increased
thermogenesis (the body's rate of burning calories)
from 8-10% to 35-43% of daily energy expenditure.
Another study demonstrated that exercising
immediately after drinking matcha green tea resulted
in 25% more fat burning during exercise.Both studies
suggest matcha green tea can enhance both resting
metabolic rate and fat burning - can I get an Amen?!
7. Detoxifier
Matcha is grown in the shade, which is why it is richer in chlorophyll than other green teas. Chlorophyll is the
pigment responsible for giving leaves their green color. The Hulk would be proud!
Chlorophyll is purported to detoxify the body, but this has yet to be scientifically proven. I wanted to mention it
because of its supposed ability to clear the body of toxins, heavy metals, poisons, dioxins and hormone disrupters.
8. Mind Improver
Matcha green tea contains up to 5 times more L-theanine than conventional green tea. L-theanine is an amino acid with
psychoactive properties, capable of inducing alpha wave activity in the brain.Stress is known to induce the brain's beta
wave activity, leading to a more agitated state. Alpha wave activity can relieve stress, promote relaxation and even lower
blood pressure.
Although matcha contains some caffeine, the relaxing properties of L-theanine counterbalance the "jittery" effects of
caffeine. Therefore, a cup of matcha green tea promotes concentration and clarity of mind without producing any of the
nervous energy typically associated with coffee.
9. Fiber
Matcha green tea leaves contain a high level of easily-absorbable dietary fiber. The benefits of dietary fiber
include its ability to ease constipation and stabilize blood sugar levels.
10. Improve Energy
Try a cup of matcha green tea as an afternoon "pick-me-up" anytime you need extra focus. matcha green tea is
an ideal substitute for coffee because it provides an energy boost without the headaches you might get from a
coffee crash.
11. Tips To Better Your Matcha
Experience
Matcha green tea is available as a concentrated powder and can be found at health food stores. I recommend
organic matcha, because it is produced without any artificial fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides. Do not add
matcha green tea powder to boiling water because it will taste "grassy." Boil the water and let it sit for 5 minutes
before adding the tea.
It might take some time to get used to matcha's flavor. Give in to the power of the tea!