Matcha Tea Benefits, Uses, Dose & More

Matcha is a type of green tea that is made by taking young tea leaves and crushing them into a bright-colored powder. Its increased popularity has made Matcha teas, lattes, desserts, and shorts available in coffee shops and health stores.  When you drink tea, you ingest the whole leaf and get 100 percent of the nutrients contained in the leaf.

In the old times, the tea leaves are ground by the granite stones into a fine powder. The grinding process is done in the dark to safeguard the nutrients. There are usually three grades of matcha. Premium grade is best for everyday consumption; the ceremonial grade is of high quality and is used in the tea ceremonies. Matcha for cooking is the low-cost type that can be added to desserts.

What is Matcha and how it’s made?

Matcha is a special type of tea plant known as ‘Camellia Sinensis.’ This tea it produces is called ‘Tencha.’ Farmers grow it by covering the tea plants for about 20 to 30 days before harvesting to avoid direct sun shade.

It increases the chlorophyll level in the leaves, boosts amino acids, and also makes them nutrient-rich. It also gives the plant a dark green shade as well as leaves a better texture and flavor. 

Once the leaves are harvested, the veins, as well as stems, are eliminated, and the leaves are handpicked, steamed, dried, and stone grounded into a fine powder called a ‘matcha.’

Difference between Matcha Tea and Green Tea

Matcha tea is different from that of regular green tea. It is prepared by infusing leaves in hot water and then eliminated. It means that you are drinking the entire nutrients contained in the tea leaves.

Both matcha and regular brewed green tea contain ‘caffeine,’ but it is less than regular brewed green tea. It also includes more EGCG. However, powdered matcha has more catechins per gram in comparison to brewed green tea and is usually more expensive.

Does it Taste Bitter?

The best quality matcha is bright green. An average tea is yellow and grainy to the touch. If the leaves are of good quality, it tastes good. But usually, when the leaves are whisked into hot water, the tea produces a mellow smooth flavor i.e. a slightly sweet taste. There is no bitterness at all.

How to Make Matcha Tea?

a) Whisk 1 to 2 tablespoons of matcha powder and 2 ounces of warm water using a bamboo whisk.
Note: For a thin tea, lower the powder to a half teaspoon and combine with 3 to 4 ounces of hot water. If you need a concentrated version, mix 2 tbsp of powder with 1 ounce of water.
b) Use a tea strainer to filter the tea into a bowl.
c) After that, add hot water and whisk it again.
d) Pour the foamy tea into a cup and enjoy.

Dose

It is best to take only one or two cups per day. Always find certified organic tea to reap the benefits of the matcha without risking the side effects.

Health Benefits of Matcha Tea

As you know, matcha is a form of green tea, so it has been assumed that the benefits that green tea contains would be from the matcha also. 

-Full of antioxidants
-Prevent disorders
-Relaxes mind and body
-Burn calories and increase metabolism
-Packed with chlorophyll, vitamins, and fiber
-Lower BP, blood sugar, and cholesterol
-Boost mood and concentration

Increases Cognitive Functioning 

The amino acid compound found in the tea ‘L-theanine’ promotes relaxation and well-being by enhancing alpha wave activity in the brain. It also prevents the energy crash followed by the caffeine intake. When combined with caffeine, it induces a state of alertness.

Many studies have also found that L-thiamine also possesses antibacterial and cognitive benefits that enhance tension, calmness, and relaxation.

The caffeine present in it boosts memory, focus, attention, and performance. Some experts even claim that matcha has five times as much L-theanine as other teas, but it has not been proven yet.

Traditionally Involves Meditation

The best quality matcha tea has been grown for centuries and forms a part of the old Japanese tea rituals. It has been associated with ‘Zen.’ Preparing and sipping matcha boosts meditation and helps to lower cortisol, inflammation, and BP. It also enhances compassion and self-esteem.

Fights Cancer

Matcha is full of health-boosting compounds. Some of them have been proven to prevent cancer in animal and test-tube studies. Green tea has an antioxidant ‘catechins’ that possess anti-tumor properties. It stabilizes the dangerous free radicals in the body to prevent chronic disorders and cell damage.

Matcha green tea has at least three times as much ‘Epigallocatechin gallate’ (EGCGs) as other green teas. EGCGs fight cancer by guarding the cells from DNA damage and also blocking the proliferation of the tumor cells. 

One study related to test-tube babies found that EGCG in the tea kills prostate cancer cells. Further study is required to determine how it affects humans.

Guards Liver

The liver flushes out harmful toxins from the body, processes nutrients, and metabolizes drugs. Many studies have found that matcha boosts liver health. Since matcha is rich in chlorophyll, so the higher consumption of this tea lowers the risk of aflatoxin-associated liver cancer.

Type-2 Diabetes

Many studies have found that people who drink green tea have a minimal risk of type-2 diabetes in comparison to those who don’t.

Lower Heart Disorders

A lot of studies have found that matcha could also have the same effects on the body as that of green tea. A study published in JAMA in the year, 2006 concluded that the consumption of green tea lowers mortality.

This study followed nearly 40,000 Japanese participants in the age group 40 to 79. Those who drank a minimum of five cups of tea per day had a minimal risk of death mainly from cardiovascular disorders. 

Another study has found that the catechins in green tea possess anti-thrombogenic and anti-hypersensitive effects which can reduce the lipids.

Even scientists have spotted that taking the consumption of green tea per day lowers the total cholesterol levels. Also, when you mix tea with a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, it guards your heart and prevents the disorders.

Weight Loss

The green tea extract found in matcha tea speeds up the metabolism burns up fat, and boosts energy- all of which result in weight loss.

Uses

Traditionally, one teaspoon of powdered matcha is combined with one-third of a cup of hot water to make tea. But now you can prepare iced or hot tea by blending one teaspoon of the matcha powder with one-third of the warm water and drinking it or putting it over the ice.

-Add matcha powder to oatmeal, smoothies, puddings, cakes, and desserts. 
-Add matcha to the salad dressings with a little bit of vinegar, sweetener, and oil.
-Prepare homemade granola bars with matcha.
-Add foamed milk to prepare a matcha latte. 
-You can also add it to the pastries and bread for the rich color and flavor.

Where to Buy?

You can buy match tea at the health food stores, mainly tea stores online. But make sure that you get only the pure matcha powder because most of the packets also contain artificial sweeteners, added sugar, etc. It can also be found at the famous coffee shops and cafes.

Is There Any Side Effects?

Drinking matcha and green tea is entirely safe and healthy. But those people who are sensitive to caffeine should be aware of the fact that matcha tea contains a decent amount of it.

In the year 2016, WHO also spotted that the intake of hot drinks such as tea and coffee boosts a high risk of esophagus cancer. However, this risk is much less.

Should You Feel Worried About Lead in the Tea?

Lead present in green tea is a big concern. As per the study, lead used in the green tea bags does not absorb into the water.

It has shown that famous brands like Encha Organic Matcha, Kirkland Signature Green Tea, Rishi Teahouse Matcha, The Republic of Tea Double Green Matcha Tea, and Teavana Imperial Matcha, DoMatcha powders are lead-free. They also do not contain other metals and pesticides. It means that you can consume it safely.

Matcha Do’s and Dont’s

-Tea plants may be grown in the soil contaminated with lead. So before consuming the entire leaf, make sure that you check it carefully.
-Consume only the teas grown in Japan. The high-quality matcha comes from the Southern areas of Japan such as Uji, Kyushu, Shizuoka, and Nishio.
-Seek brands that have no lead and heavy metals presence.
-Just note that the best quality matcha is a bright green color and has a powdery consistency.
-Avoid the cheap ones
-Do not sip prepared versions, instead make it at your home.
-One gram of matcha has one gram of dry powder. For example, 30 grams of matcha tea is enough for one month.