Matcha or matcha tea is a key superfood ingredient in many health drinks - including some of our teas. But what actually is matcha & what are its health benefits? This blog post will help to explain just why matcha is good for you and why you should consider incorporating it into your lifestyle.
What is Matcha?
Matcha is finely milled green tea, which is why it is often referred to as matcha powder or matcha tea. This also explains its trademark bright green colour. The best matcha comes from Japan which is why you’ll see all our matcha is labelled ‘Japanese Ceremonial Grade’.
What are the health benefits of matcha tea?
Matcha contains small quantities of various vitamins and minerals but it's the polyphenol compounds called catechin - a potent antioxidant - that gives Matcha its reputation as a leading health ingredient. Catechins help burn fat for energy instead of muscle and are linked to the prevention of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
This powdered form of green tea is also special because when the whole leaf is ingested, the body is able to absorb a much higher proportion of its super ingredients, 137 x the antioxidant power of regular green tea.
Does green tea have more caffeine than coffee?
Both green tea and matcha contain caffeine but matcha has less than your typical coffee while giving you a prolonged energy boost.
Our matcha powder provides 12-15mg of caffeine per serving. Matcha’s caffeine is more energising and longer-lasting than coffee. This is because Matcha is higher in L-theanine (5 x more than regular green tea), an amino acid that helps your body process caffeine differently – giving you a sustained energy boost without any jitters.
What is the best way to have Matcha powder?
Typically, matcha is served hot or cold with milk or water. To take hot, pour a dash of cold water over powder and stir into a paste. This way it will be the perfect temperature to get the maximum amount of nutrients. Then pour over boiling water and stir occasionally. To take iced, pour a dash of hot water over powder and stir/shake into a paste. Add ice cold water. You can do the same with milk or add into a smoothie.
