Benefits of Matcha for Your Health

Matcha tea is quickly taking the social media scene by storm, with both influencers and health practitioners ranting about the drink. But what actually is matcha? And how does it support our bodies? 

Production.

First, matcha is a finely powdered green tea originally grown in Japan and shading of the plants during the growth period enhances the processes of synthesis and accumulation of biologically active compounds. Matcha leaves are picked slightly different to green tea; with only the leaves at the top of the plant being picked as the contain the most vibrant colour and nutrient concentration. Leaves are then steamed and dried before being refrigerated and later finely ground. 

Quality. 

Matcha quality can vary largely depending on the production process and the quality of the leaves themselves. The newest, freshest, and greenest leaves being awarded a higher grade. The quality grades of matcha range between ceremonial and culinary with ceremonial being the higher with a brighter, smoother, and purer end result.

How to make a good matcha? 

We’ve all had matcha’s that taste like milk and ice, with the powder clumpy, not at all blended and sitting at the bottom, yuck. Or the ones that are made on a bad quality powder, are unbelievably bitter and make you look like a fool when you convince your friends to try it. But, its not all lost hope, 

There are a couple of things to understand when making a good quality matcha

1. You NEED a good quality powder, poor quality, poor taste

2. PLEASE remember to blend it well

3. Honey is ALWAYS the best sweetener

To make a matcha, simply combine a teaspoon of powder with a drizzle of honey (if desired), add a dash of hot water (enough to cover the powder) and blend either with a traditional matcha whisk or a milk frother. Once blended, serve as you desire, either with hot milk or (my personal preference), ice and milk (Most often, hot matchas will be more bitter so start with iced if your just starting out, I promise one day you will want them stronger)

For a free video tutorial, click the link and head to my social media. 

Now lets get into the nitty gritty, the health benefits. 

There are many health benefits for drinking matcha, whether your’re trying to make the switch from coffee, or are just wanting some more support for your health. 

Antioxidants. 

One of the most notable health-bestowing compounds in matcha tea are natural antioxidants like polyphenols. Antioxidants can account for as much as 30% of the dry weight of green tea and contain more than 15x more antioxidants than blueberries! The benefits of these antioxidants include to protect your cells from damage from free radicals, lowering inflammation and preventing chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and even cancer. 

Caffeine. 

While matcha does still contain caffeine, with older leaves containing less, the compounds in matcha regulate the release of caffeine in a very different way. Matcha’s secret ingredient is an amino acid called L-Theanine. L-Theanine stimulates the brains alpha waves, increasing a state of altertness and not only that but the combination of L-Theanine and caffeine gives you all the benefits of coffee, increasing energy and cognition, while reducing the jitters and ‘crash’ experienced with coffee. This is because L-Theanine increases the alpha brain wave activity, increasing relaxation without inducing drowsiness. The effects of caffeine in matcha are moderated by L-Theanine and because matcha is a whole leaf tea ground into powder, it takes longer to metabolise, thus providing a slow release of caffeine over 3-6 hours. 

Anti-inflammatory response.

Inflammation or the inflammatory response is the key part in most diseases in the body and leads to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage the bodies cells and lead to long term disruption of the bodies functioning. Dietary supplementation of the antioxidant EGCG, the main bioactive compound in green tea, is studied to alleviate complications of the inflammation process and alleviate signalling of inflammation pathways. It is also known to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. These anti-inflammatory processes lead by EGCG can lead to a healthier functioning body, even on a cellular level.

Micronutrients. 

Matcha is PACKED full of micronutrients, so if you’re looking for a way to increase diversity and bump your nutrient levels, this is it. Matcha contains potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc, phosphorus and just 1g contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, E and K. This, as you can imagine, makes the list of health benefits for matcha a long one. 

Just briefly, the benefits of drinking matcha can include: 

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  • Improved metabolism 

  • Reducing anxiety

  • Cellular energy production

  • Concentration

  • Focus

  • Cognitive function

  • Immune support

  • Anti-ageing

  • Enhanced mood

  • Stress relief

  • Detoxification

  • Anti-inflammation

  • Reduced cholesterol

  • Increased memory

  • Reduced neuroinflammation

  • Reduced oxidation

  • Reduced insulin sensitivity

  • Regulated insulin secretion

  • Reduced glucose absorption

  • reduced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines

  • Strengthened blood vessels

  • Reduced tumour grown factors and angiogenesis 

  • Anti carcinogenic effets

  • Cardio-protective 

  • Antiviral properties

  • Regulating carbohydrate metabolism

Its really a no brainer.

Illma Wellness would like to take this opportunity to announce the release of our very own MATCHA POWDER! Ceremonial grade and hand-picked from Nisho Japan, this certified organic matcha powder is sure to produce a health-promoting, smooth, beautiful tasing drink to add to your day. 

And if drinks aren’t your thing, check out our matcha-based recipes, including choc chip cookies! 

Head to our website at www.Illmawellness.com/shop to pick up your bag today! Or head to our social media @illmawellness to browse some recipes.