Matcha Health Benefits & Recipes

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anti-aging, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, EGCG, longevity, Matcha, Matcha green tea, Matcha Health Benefits, Matcha Recipes

The health benefits of matcha tea exceed those of green tea because when you drink matcha you ingest the whole leaf, not just the brewed water.

One glass of matcha is the equivalent of 10 glasses of green tea in terms of its nutritional value and antioxidant content.

matcha tea

抹茶 “fine Powder Tea” (camellia sinensis) Japanese Origin

MATCHA AND OPTIMUM HEALTH

A cancer-fighter, a fat-burner, and much more, matcha leaves other green teas far behind

Every day, countless people throw away valuable antioxidants and minerals. While seemingly unimaginable, thats exactly what happens when you brew a cup of green tea because water can only extract a fraction of green teas benefits. The majority actually remains unused, trapped in the tea leaves. In reality, the only way to truly take advantage of green teas full potential is to consume the entire leaf. But that doesnt mean you need to start eating tea leaves. The simplest solution is to just enjoy a bowl of matcha. Because matcha is straight, stoneground tea leaves, matcha provides you with green teas powerful arsenal of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids in a way no other green tea can. In fact, to even begin to match the potency found in a single serving of matcha, you would need to drink at least ten cups of brewed green tea. When it comes to helping you achieve and maintain optimum health, matcha is without equal.

ORAC to the Max: Matcha Is an Antioxidant Powerhouse

One of biggest the buzz words in nutrition, antioxidants are naturally occurring chemical compounds that prevent aging and chronic diseases. Nowadays, a variety of fruits and vegetables are lauded for their antioxidant properties, leading to a host of products with all kinds of claims. But matcha is unparalleled in comparison. Firstly, matcha is packed with exponentially more antioxidants according to the latest innovation in antioxidant research. Using the testing method known as ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity), experts at Tufts University discovered that matcha possesses an amazing twenty times more so than pomegranates or blueberries. Matchas ORAC rating is a mighty 1300 units per gram, compared to pomegranates 105 units per gram or blueberries 91 units.

Among many benefits, matcha…

Is packed with antioxidantsincluding the powerful EGCg
Boosts metabolism and burns calories
Detoxifies effectively and naturally
Calms and relaxes
Enhances mood and aids in concentration
Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium
Fights against viruses and bacteria
Is rich in fiber
Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar
Does not raise insulin levels

The Catechin EGCg: Matchas Incredible Cancer-Fighting Antioxidant

Even better, matcha also contains a unique, potent class of antioxidant known as catechins, which arent found in other foods. In particular, the catechin EGCg (epigallocatechin gallate) provides potent cancer-fighting properties. Most importantly, EGCg and other catechins counteract the effects of free radicals from the likes of pollution, UV rays, radiation, and chemicals, which can lead to cell and DNA damage. Since over 60% of the catechins in matcha are actually EGCg, a daily matcha regimen can help restore and preserve the bodys integral well-being and balance.

Effortless Calm: The Unique Amino Acid L-Theanine

Over a thousand years ago, matcha came to Japan as an aid to meditation practice. During long hours of sitting, monks would drink matcha to remain alert yet calm. Modern science has recently confirmed the lessons of centuries of tradition. Matcha is rich in L-Theanine, a rare amino acid that actually promotes a state of relaxation and well-being by acting upon the brains functioning. While stress can induce beta wavesan excited, more agitated stateL-Theanine creates alpha waves, which lead to a state of relaxed alertness. And while L-Theanine is common in all tea, matcha may contain up to five times more of this amino acid than common black and green teas. As an additional benefit, L-Theanine may help memory and learning and ability all the while inhibiting any possible side-effects from caffeine, a natural component of green tea. Therefore, a bowl of matcha promotes concentration and clarity of mind without any of the nervous energy found in coffee. Try matcha as a pick-me-up for the afternoon or anytime you need extra focus.

Energy Booster

One of the most unexpected benefits matcha drinkers experience is a boost of energy through the day. In one study, researchers had thought that this was from the caffeine in matcha, but they found that it was actually the combination of matchas natural properties. Another recent study in particular found that matcha even improved physical endurance by 24%. Even if you arent facing a grueling workout, matcha can help you through the everyday marathon, whether its that project due the next day or getting the kids from school to soccer practice.

Calorie Burner

Already nearly calorie free, matcha is a great addition to a weight loss program by tackling the problem from both sides. It boosts metabolism and burns fat. One recent study even suggested that matcha may help burn calories by four times. At the same time, matcha does not put any stress on the body. It doesnt raise blood pressure or heart rate, making it a safe alternative to questionable quick fixes or pharmaceuticals ridden with side effects.

Detox Deluxe

Green is truly the color of health. Matcha helps to safely cleanse and purge the body of harmful elements. Chlorophyll the element that gives green tea and other plants their signature verdant color is also a powerful detoxifier, helping to eliminate both chemicals and heavy metals from the body. And because matcha is carefully shade-grown, it is substantially richer in chlorophyll than other green teas, making it a superior daily detox.

source & where to purchase matcha ~ http://www.matchasource.com/buy-matcha-tea-s/1.htm

Matcha_chart

Matcha Properties ~

L-Theanine (amino acid)

L-Theanine is a unique amino acid found almost exclusively in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) and is the primary amino acid component of green tea. The shading of the tea plants before harvest, increases the L-Theanine content, giving Matcha its characteristically pleasant and sweet flavor.
The effects of L-Theanine are truly amazing. It has the unique ability to stimulate the production of alpha waves in the brain. A state otherwise mostly achieved by meditation and characterized by a calm alertness and relaxed mental clarity. No wonder Zen monks appreciated a good cup of Matcha before their hours-long meditation sessions.
The relaxing effects of L-Theanine act antagonistically against the stimulatory effects of caffeine thus leading to an experience of calm alertness.
Clinical studies have also shown L-Theanine can reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, improve memory and learning abilities, diminish PMS symptoms and have mild antioxidant activity.

Antioxidants (EGCG, Catechins, Polyphenols):

Matcha contains up to 137 times more of the antioxidant EGCG than steeped green tea and has one of the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) counts of all the ‘super-foods’ presently known to us. ORAC is a method of measuring antioxidant capacity and Matcha has been quoted to score 1384 TE/g, which is more than Acai berries (1027 TE/g) and far more than blueberries (24 TE/g).
Antioxidants help the body to eliminate free radicals that destroy healthy tissue and play a large part in the development of degenerative diseases. But not only do antioxidants help your body fight these diseases; they also play an important role in maintaining a strong and healthy immune system.

Caffeine/Theine:

All teas derived from the tea plant (camellia sinensis) contain Caffeine, sometimes referred to as Theine. With one-half teaspoon of Matcha (1 gram) you consume about 35 mg of caffeine, which is less than coffee (80-120mg).
Due to its unique combination of phyto-nutrients, the caffeine in Matcha is assimilated in a very different and much healthier way than caffeine from coffee. The caffeine in Matcha binds to the larger catechin molecules and is released into the bloodstream slowly over time as the catechins are broken down and assimilated. The results are a sustained energy for 3-4 hours. This mechanism also prevents the insulin and adrenalin spikes typical for coffee intake, so you never have to experience the ‘after-low’ that follows when the blood sugar drops.
Any potential negative effects from caffeine are also balanced by the relaxing and calming influence of the amino acid L-Theanine. The combined effect is a state of mental clarity, calm alertness and sustained energy.

Chlorophyll:

The precious tea plants, which are reserved for the production of Matcha, are shaded from direct sunlight for 2-4 weeks before harvest. The result is a substantial increase in chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll has been known to act as a strong blood detoxifier and to help balance ph levels. It is also known to have antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties.