Matcha, the powerful powder
Hey Muse,
WHY EVERY ONE IS TALKING ABOUT MATCHA?
Matcha is the king of all teas. It has been considered, for almost a thousand years, the elixir of Buddhist monks. It does not appear as dried leaves, but in the form of an emerald green powder.
What makes it truly unique are the antioxidant properties, which turn out to be over 100 times more than all the others.
Let's discover the benefits of this precious Japanese tea. Matcha is covered for 15 days before being harvested to avoid oxidation from the sun. Harvesting is done by hand, to maintain high quality and not alter the presence of antioxidants. It is in fact rich in catechins, powerful antioxidants, caffeine and theophylline, and in a particular amino acid, called theanine. It also contains folic acid, mineral salts, especially potassium and magnesium, chlorophyll and carotene and vitamins B1, B2 and C.
In short, a mix that makes it a drink extremely rich in health properties. Using the micronized powder, the active ingredients are concentrated and bioavailable.
Today matcha powder is widely used in cooking, not only for the preparation of the classic matcha drink, but also for the creation of sweets with an oriental flavor, such as tiramisu with matcha powder, or for the very fresh matcha latte, also added to yogurt, in ice cream or as an ingredient in a smoothie.
In addition to its antioxidant action, far superior to that of a common green tea, it also has beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
BENEFICIAL PROPERTIES OF MATCHA
Matcha contains numerous nutrients, including caffeine and for this reason it was used by Buddhist monks during meditation to keep concentration high.
But not only that, matcha has antioxidant properties, it would be able to stimulate the metabolism and give energy to the body.
Antioxidant
Matcha has superior antioxidant properties than any other green tea.
This is possible because matcha is prepared by suspension and not by infusion, the powder is directly mixed in hot water and consumed whole, giving it a higher concentration of substances.
Antioxidants are precious molecules that can protect the body's tissues from aging and chronic diseases as they are able to prevent chemical reactions that lead to the formation of harmful compounds.
Matcha contains an important class of antioxidants, catechins.
Matcha, in fact, would be able to counteract the formation of free radicals, preventing cellular aging.
Antioxidant power of matcha tea (ORAC)
ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) is a measure of the antioxidant power of each food.
Researchers from Tufts University have found that matcha has 20 times more antioxidant power than pomegranate or blueberries.
The ORAC of Matcha is 1573 units per gram, compared to 105 for pomegranate and 93 for blueberries.
2.Contains EGCG
Epigallocatechin gallate is a type of catechin and is the most abundant catechin in tea, and in particular in Matcha.
EGCG is increasingly being studied as it appears to offer protection against the development of certain types of cancer.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate is an antioxidant that would be able to protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation, counteracting the damage caused by overexposure to the sun. In addition, it contains beta-carotene which helps promote tanning
Studies show that epigallocatechin gallate possesses antibacterial and antiviral properties and would be able to inhibit the growth of many pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Immunomodulating effects are also associated with L-theanine. In fact, it is believed that theanine improves the response of the immune defenses to viruses, bacteria and other infections by enhancing the activity of gamma delta T lymphocytes, which mediate innate immunity and play a role in the recognition of antigens.
3.Theanine and Caffeine
We all have experienced how much relaxing a cup of matcha is despite the caffeine content, and that is attributable to L-theanine, which precisely counteracts the stimulating action of the central nervous system of theine, allowing you to enter a state of calm but not drowsiness: a relaxed wakefulness in which side effects associated with caffeine such as anxiety, shaking and nervousness, hyperexcitability and tachycardia are modulated.
Matcha is rich in caffeine, which allows you to enjoy the boost of energy and attention that this molecule induces, but at the same time rich in L-theanine, which thanks to its properties counteracts the negative effects associated with the consumption of caffeine, guaranteeing a state of wakefulness but also of psychophysical calm.
Caffeine and L-theanine, working in synergy, act to produce a constant release of energy that lasts for many hours. Japanese students and Buddhist monks, in fact, drink matcha to improve their level of concentration. According to recent studies, L-theanine helps promote alpha brain waves, which promote concentration.
WHICH MATCHA POWDER TO CHOOSE?
Depending on the processing of this incredible matcha drink, 3 different gradations can be found: Ceremonial, Premium and Culinary.
The Ceremonial Degree is the most valuable, ideal for the preparation of matcha drink.
Even in the Ceremonial degree, however, we must be careful of contamination from heavy metals, mold, pesticides, radiation, toxins, and always choose brands that are absolutely transparent and care about organic farming.
I fell in love with MATCHITA the minute they sent me (without asking any reason, or blinking an eye) the whole report and certifications regarding their matcha powder. I know when I use their product that I’m getting not only a super delicious matcha powder (try to believe! you’ll thank me) but also nothing harmful for my body and my hormones.
Plus, how beautiful their bamboo boxes are?
Do you like matcha? How do you usually use matcha powder?
I’m obsessed with this powder and use it religiously every morning for my matcha latte, and then I’d use my creativity to make different face masks for acne and yummy desserts (check out my Instagram for the recipe!).
Much Love,
Manuela