Not all teas are created alike. For instance Matcha Green Tea has soared in popularity over the past few years. Wherever you look, you can find matcha shots, lattes, smoothies and even matcha flavoured desserts. Like green tea, matcha is derived from the camellia sinensis plant. Unlike green tea however, it is grown differently, which results in a different flavour and nutrient profile. Japanese farmers grow matcha by covering the plants 20 – 30 days before harvest. This ‘shade growing’ technique increases the chlorophyll content, boosts the amino acid levels and also gives it a darker green colour.
Upon harvesting, the leaves are deveined and de-stemmed and ground into a fine powder, known as matcha. This unique processing gives matcha a significantly higher level of caffeine and antioxidants as compared to regular green tea. In this post let’s take a look at the proven health benefits of Japanese Matcha Green Tea.
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Matcha is a powerhouse of antioxidants
Matcha is one of the most potent sources of antioxidants. It contains a particular class of antioxidants called catechins. Catechins along with polyphenols help in combating oxidative stress, and protect your vital organs from damage. When added to warm water, the powdered and concentrated form of matcha releases the nutritional and antioxidative benefits of the entire tea leaf.
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Matcha may help protect the liver
The liver plays a major role in helping detoxify the body, flush out the system and in metabolising medications. Matcha can help significantly in protecting and even rejuvenating the liver. The phytonutrients in matcha decrease liver fat and increase its productivity.
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Matcha may help improve brain function
Matcha’s high concentration of caffeine and plant nutrients increases brain function and alertness in older people. A half teaspoon of matcha (1gm) contains 35 mg of caffeine and an everyday consumption of this quantity can significantly increase attention spans and decrease fatigue.
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It may improve heart health
Cardiac arrest, and heart disease are the leading causes of death worldwide. The catechins contained in Matcha can seriously help alleviate these conditions. Matcha like any other green tea helps lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. This along with the antioxidants help protect the heart, its arteries and veins, significantly improving the quality of heart health.
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Can help in healthy weight loss
Almost any weight loss supplement worth its salt, almost always contains ‘green tea extract’. In fact over the past several years matcha extracts too have become more and more common in weight loss products. Much like green tea, Matcha helps speed up one’s metabolism and aids in burning calories. Combined with an optimised diet and exercise regimen, matcha can help support healthy weight loss.
Japanese Matcha Green Tea is one of nature’s most transformative and healthy offerings. Meishi Oriental Authentic Japanese Matcha Tea is an amazing way to begin your journey of discovery of this wonderful ingredient.