What Makes Matcha Unique from Other Green Tea Varieties
Green tea is a well-loved drink around the world for various reasons. Aside from the health benefits that it brings, it comes in many flavors and varieties that are suited to a wide range of tastes. One variety, in particular, has captured the tastebuds of many tea drinkers around the world.Â
Matcha tea is a specific variant of green tea that is specially grown and brings with it many unique benefits. Many people have been enjoying this unique beverage for thousands of years ever since its conception in Japan. If you’re wondering what makes it different from the regular variety of green tea, then read on.
What Makes It Special?
Matcha has several qualities that make it a more superior beverage than your average green tea. Here is a short list of what makes it unique.
Preparation Method
Preparing matcha is different from that of regular green tea. The preparation and the serving of matcha is a much more intimate process due to the long history of tradition behind it. Matcha is traditionally served during Japanese tea ceremonies, where the matcha powder is measured carefully with a bamboo scoop and then placed in a bowl of hot water. The tea is then whisked with a special bamboo tool until a froth forms on top of the liquid.
Unique Health Benefits
Green tea in itself has many inherent health benefits. Matcha shares many of these same benefits and then some. Since matcha is carefully grown under shade, it has increased amounts of polyphenol and catechin antioxidants. These specific antioxidants, especially the latter, are known to effectively combat inflammation and can help promote cell damage at an accelerated rate.
In addition, matcha is also known to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar due to the same antioxidants and plant compounds that are generally found in green tea and matcha. Studies have shown that there is a 31% chance of lowering the risk of heart disease when you drink green tea on a regular basis.
Anti-Stress Properties
Many matcha drinkers attest to the calming and de-stressing properties of this healthy beverage. These properties can be attributed to the L-Theanine found in matcha. L-Theanine is known to help with the production of serotonin and dopamine, which can help enhance a person’s mood and concentration. It is also able to help fight stress by stimulating alpha wave activity in the brain, which can help induce a sensation of calm.
Effective Stimulant
The L-Theanine found in matcha also changes the way that caffeine affects your body. While other caffeinated drinks like coffee can cause drowsiness after giving you the boost you need, matcha actually keeps you in a state of alertness for quite some time after consumption. Matcha can also increase serotonin production, which can lead to improved brain function and cognitive functions.
Promotes Weight Loss
Green tea has been linked to weight loss based on the caloric content burned as it is metabolized by the body. Up to 17% of selective fat is burned during this process. While this may not seem much, complementing the regular consumption of green tea with regular exercise can definitely help with losing weight significantly.
The popularity with which matcha has grown over the years cannot be denied, especially with its many unique and beneficial properties.Â
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