Matcha Could Help Ward Off Cancer
While there’s no specific research proving the anti-cancer benefits of matcha powder itself, scientists have been reviewing green tea as a category for years. Older studies have linked the powerful antioxidant EGCG to cancer prevention and preventing colon cancer cell growth. One other study indicates that green tea could be effective in synergy with anticancer drugs for cancer prevention. It’s the EGCG that’s the magic compound, which might inhibit cancer cell growth by killing malignant cells.
How To Prepare Matcha Tea
Matcha is brewed differently than other types of green tea. Instead of steeping a tea bag and removing it, you’ll add matcha powder to a cup of hot water. With matcha, you consume the entire tea leaf.;
Brewing instructions:;
- Boil water and add 8 to 12 ounces to a mug.;
- Add 1 or 2 scoops of matcha powder .;
- Use a matcha whisk to blend the powder into the water until the mixture is frothy.
- Add honey or sugar for a sweeter flavor.;
Matcha powder can also be mixed with milk or a dairy alternative to make a creamy latte or added to a smoothie. Once you’ve finished brewing, have a seat, take a sip, and enjoy your healthy beverage.;
Drinking Green Tea May Promote Healthier Cholesterol Levels
EGCG strikes again: Science hasn’t exactly concluded why, but a 2016 review of studies suggests that thanks to this compound, consuming green tearegularly can result in a significantreduction in bad cholesterol .LDL is the type of cholesterol that leads to a buildup of fatty acids in the arteries, which some experts say increases your risk for heart attack and stroke.
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Cancer Prevention And Support
We already know that the significant contribution of antioxidants is beneficial in a system focused on preventing or treating cancer. A study by Dr. Gloria Bonuccilli showed that tea could not only have potential anti-cancer effects but also have a therapeutic effect on our bodies by mediating the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells.
History Of Matcha Tea Vs Green Tea
Green tea and matcha powder share similar origin stories. Both teas are cultivated from the Camellia sinensis plant, which can be traced back nearly 5,000 years to ancient China when it was discovered by Emperor Shen Nung.
For hundreds of years green tea was considered a precious medicine that was only available to the most elite members of society. Around 800 A.D. during the Tang Dynasty, a Chinese man named Lu Yu published a book titled The Classic of Tea. This was the first publication documenting the art and culture of green tea in China.;
During the Song Dynasty, Buddhist monks began crushing green tea leaves into a rough powder and blending it with hot water in a bowl. The Zen monk Eisai brought this practice to Japan, where it was later adopted by Samurai warriors. Their pre-battle tea traditions eventually evolved into what is now known as the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
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Does Matcha Green Tea Help Burn Fat And Fight Cancer
Curious about the next it beverage? Look no further: Its called matcha green tea, and the health benefits are astounding!
Heralded by top nutritionists, researchers and health-conscious celebrities alike, matcha is not your typical green tea. This high-grade, finely ground, concentrated green tea has been traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies for hundreds of years.
As a fat-burner and cancer-fighter, matcha leaves other teas in its dust. In fact, numerous studies have shown that certain chemical compounds in matcha may help induce cancer cell death, neutralize harmful free radicals and enhance your bodys natural detoxification systems.
Matcha Ice Cream Recipe
No jokethis easy ice cream only has three ingredients!
Matcha green tea powder mixed with cream and sweetened condensed milk yields a creamy, dreamy ice cream that has almost a soft-serve texture to it. The fresh, grassy notes of the matcha balance out the sweetness of the condensed milk. Its a rich ice cream, so a little goes a long way on a cone for a summertime treat or in a bowl for a classy dinner party dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp. matcha green tea powder;
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
The Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide by Mary Lou Heiss and Robert J. Heiss, 2007
Tea: History Terroirs Varieties, Second Edition, The Camellia Sinensis Tea House, 2014
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How Is Matcha Made
Matcha powder is made by stone grinding specialty green tea leaves into a fine green powder that is vibrant green in color. This powder is then used to make matcha tea. Because the tea leaves are consumed while drinking matcha tea, they need to be grown and picked following very particular specifications. These are the steps that green tea farmers need to take to grow green tea leaves for matcha:
- The green tea bushes must be shaded from the sun and light must be filtered to force the leaves to produce more chlorophyll in each leaf, providing a rich green color and a boost in nutrients.
- The newest spring buds and leaves are hand picked and the stems are removed.
- The leaves need to be steamed within a few hours of picking to prevent oxidation and to bring out the green color.
- The leaves must be allowed to dry in a cool location.
- Once dry, the leaves are slowly stone-ground into a fine powder for matcha tea.
How Can I Make Matcha My Way
Traditional Japanese Matcha-making is an art. Whether youâre looking for the perfect way to jumpstart your day, or an afternoon pick-me-up, Matcha can have a role to play. Have yourself a Matcha smoothie, a Matcha cookie, the list goes on! Our go-to option for Matcha intake is in the form of an energizing hot drink – the real question is: Matcha tea or Matcha latte?
Lipton Green Tea with Pure Matcha;has convenience in mind. Matcha fans who want to avoid the whisk and keep things super speedy have three Matcha tea flavors to choose from:;Lipton Green Tea with Pure Matcha Classic,;Lipton Green Tea with Pure Matcha and Ginger, or;Lipton Green Tea with Pure Matcha and Mint. If youâre all about the ease factor, this really is the best way to enjoy the taste of Matcha in tea form. Our pyramid tea bags create maximum flavor with zero fuss. Just brew!
Our Green Tea with Pure Matcha likes its water hot, not boiling. Allow freshly boiled water to cool before steeping your tea bag for 1.5-2 minutes. Drink hot orâif you can wait that longâcold. Either way, the perfect cup of tea awaits you.
If you’re armed with a whisk and a taste for milky drinks however, a Matcha latte could revolutionize your morning routine. Start with green powder, a whisk, milk and hot water; end with a warming umami beverage with a little kick. ;
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Should You Be Concerned About Lead In Matcha Tea
Lead in green tea has been a concern. Green tea is like a sponge for lead, says Cooperman. Its not surprising we have found over the years reasonably high levels in green tea.
But ConsumerLab.coms testing has found that even if lead is found in the leaves used in green tea bags, it doesnt appear to be absorbed into the water. Cooperman says his team was concerned about lead content in matcha, because people consume the ground green tea leaves directly rather than in bags. However, their testing showed that among the six popular matcha brands they testedDoMatcha, Encha Organic Matcha, Rishi Teahouse Matcha, Teavana Imperial Matcha, Kirkland Signature Green Tea and The Republic of Tea Double Green Matcha Teathe powders were not contaminated by lead or other metals, and also did not contain pesticides. As of now, Cooperman says he doesnt believe lead exposure is a risk in the matcha currently sold in the United States.
You can ingest without worrying, says Cooperman. We havent tested every brand out there, but the premium brands we have tested have been clean.
Why Is Japanese Matcha Superior To Matcha Grown In Other Regions
The story of matcha is centuries old. Japanese Zen monks first learned its value when they drank matcha before long hours of meditation. Once they discovered that drinking matcha enhanced their focus and kept them awake during long sessions of mental focus, it wasn’t long before the Samurai adopted it as a ritual which optimized physical and cognitive performance during training and battle.
With strong roots in Japanese culture, the growing and harvesting of matcha has developed as a labor-intensive agricultural technique. Perfected over the past millennium, today the best of Japanese matcha tea is produced in Uji, a region known for its superior quality and the careful attention each tea plant receives; matcha from this area represents the most brilliant of green color, smooth flavor, and it’s amazing benefits on mood and health.
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Matcha Grades Vary Greatly
Not all Matcha is made the same. The process I described above is the process normally used, but the leaves are so very important.
Older leaves harvests later in the year or those that have not been properly shaded produce the lower grade Matcha you will see used in foods and drinks.
For example Matcha latte is most often made using a lower grade of Matcha, since its cheaper and you wont really know the difference due to the milk and sugar added.
So lets go over the 3 types of Matcha youll find on the market, so you can tell them apart. Keep in mind that the difference between each grade is somewhat subjective.
There is no very clear or definite set of rules as to how each batch is graded, its more of an opinion and what for some might be culinary grade for others might be premium.
Tools Needed To Make Matcha Tea
Traditionally, matcha tea is made by heating water to between 158* and 176* F and whisking with a bamboo whisk but my go-to iced recipe below uses a $10 hand milk frother like this one! I find this is a great alternative that will save you some time and arm power.;
If youre new to matcha, I know this is a lot of information, but dont get overwhelmed! You can start with my go-to recipe
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Chemical Composition Of Japanese Matcha Green Tea
The health benefits of green tea arise from the presence of natural antioxidants , such as polyphenols: a wide range of compounds accounting for as much as 30% of the dry weight of green tea . Polyphenols are believed to be exceptionally powerful antioxidants, with effects comparable to those of vitamins, such as vitamins C and E, carotene and tocopherol . The amounts of health-promoting active substances contained in tea beverages depend of the type of tea, the amount of tea leaves per portion, brewing temperature and time .
It Traditionally Involves Meditation
The preparation of matcha is the focus of Japanese tea ceremonies, and it has long been associated with Zen. This is likely one reason its becoming so popular, as meditation is becoming more and more mainstream. Because Im blown away by the research on the health and weight loss benefits of mindfulness meditation, I included an entire chapter about this practice in my book Slim Down Now, and I recorded a five-minute guided meditation video on my website.
I believe that if preparing and sipping matcha becomes a way for you to slow down and be in the moment, its benefits will extend far beyond the antioxidants it providesbecause meditation, in any form, has myriad rewards. It’s been shown to reduce cortisol , lower inflammation , curb impulsive eating, lower blood pressure, and boost self-esteem and compassion.
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It Can Be More Filling Than A Cup Of Coffee Or Brewed Tea
Matcha powder has a strong, earthy taste, so it’s most often whisked and served with milk or a non-dairy alternative, like almond or oat milk. Because of the added calories from the milk, the drink tends to be as satiating as your average espresso-based latte.
But note that “some coffee shops and restaurants might use a mix that has sugar and/or powdered milk to balance out the earthy flavor, which makes it less healthy than straight-up matcha powder,” says Gorham. Ask your barista if they use actual matcha powder or a pre-made mix and if the latter, what’s in it. “Non-dairy milks might be sweetened too, so just be conscious of how much sugar you’re consuming, as that can overpower its benefits,” Gorham adds.
What Are The Benefits Of Matcha
Since matcha is formed from the full green tea leaf, it retains all of the nutrients resulting in a higher level of antioxidants and caffeine than steeped green tea. Science has linked the health benefits of matcha to boosting brain function, preventing liver and kidney damage, protecting against heart diseases and weight loss.
Matcha does have a more concentrated level of caffeine than regular green tea but compared to its caffeinated coffee counterpart, the stimulation is more subtle and focused as opposed to nervous and jittery.
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Is There A Proper Way To Make Matcha Tea
The short answer is no. However, there is a proper way to make a usucha and koicha because these are part of Japans ancient tea heritage and culture. To be respectful of this culture, you should try to follow the standard recipes if you want to make usucha or koicha.
However, there is no proper way to prepare matcha tea, generally.
If you have never tried Japanese tea, you may find traditional usucha and koicha much too concentrated to be enjoyable. Instead of starting out with usucha and koicha, why not try other forms of matcha tea that still taste good and can give you a better experience?
Are There Side Effects From Matcha Tea
Drinking green tea and matcha are considered healthy and safe, but people sensitive to caffeine should be aware that both contain decent amounts of the stimulant. In 2016, the World Health Organization also linked the consumption of hot drinks, like coffee and tea, to a higher risk of cancer of the esophagus. However, the risk is much lower than the risk of cancer from other causes, like smoking.
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How To Use Matcha
If you like the flavor of matcha and want to be creative with it in your culinary experiments, youll be delighted to hear its quite versatile. In the drink realm, you can use matcha in place of coffee for just about any drink, hot or cold. Matcha lattes are delicious, as are iced matcha and matcha smoothies. You can stir a bit of matcha into your favorite dairy treats, like yogurt, ice cream, and cottage cheese.
The color will make quite a statement, but in salad dressings, matcha would be a great addition. With a Green Goddess dressing, however, the green hue would blend in beautifully. It would also fit right in with guacamole or edamame dips. Sprinkling some into oatmeal or granola would be a great way to get a bit of the green tea goodness, too.
Baked goods like Matcha Mexican Wedding Cookies get a colorful upgrade with the powdered tea, and Matcha Cake with Vanilla Buttermilk is a vibrantly hued twist on the classic layer cake.
Parameters Affecting Chemical Composition
One parameter which has a significant effect on the chemical composition and health-promoting properties of a tea beverage is the temperature of the water used to make the infusion. This is related to the extraction of biologically active compounds and higher kinetic energy in tea brewed at a high temperature .
The content of health-promoting substances, including polyphenols, is also affected by the agro-climatic conditions during growth, such as the number and distribution of sunny and rainy days, fertilisation and plant protection measures, if any, etc. .
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Matcha Is A Special Form Of Green Tea
Matcha literally means “powdered tea.” When you order traditional green tea, components from the leaves get infused into the hot water, then the leaves are discarded. With matcha, youre drinking the actual leaves, which have been finely powdered and made into a solution, traditionally by mixing about a teaspoon of matcha powder with a third cup of hot water , which is then whisked with a bamboo brush until it froths.
Unlike traditional green tea, matcha preparation involves covering the tea plants with shade cloths before theyre harvested. This triggers the growth of leaves with better flavor and texture. The leaves are hand selected, steamed briefly to stop fermentation, then dried and aged in cold storage, which deepens the flavor. The dried leaves are then stone-ground into a fine powder.
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Health Benefits Of Matcha Tea Vs Green Tea
The Camellia sinensis plant is known for its myriad wellness benefits,* so matcha tea and green tea share many similarities in this regard. However, due to their unique cultivation, processing, and preparation methods, the two teas boast slightly different health benefits.
Both types of tea contain antioxidants, polyphenols, and a unique amino acid called L-theanine. Matcha powder and green tea have been used in traditional healing for thousands of years, and today they are commonly used during cleanses and detoxes.
When preparing green tea, the leaves are steeped in hot water to allow the essence of the tea to be absorbed by the liquid. When the leaves are removed from the water, some of the nutrients are removed as well. With matcha, the ground tea leaves are fully ingested. This means all of the nutrientsand caffeine contentis consumed.
Additionally, matcha green tea may contain anywhere from three to ten times the quantity of antioxidants contained in standard green tea. It is also packed with catechin or EGCg, one of the most powerful types of antioxidants. This is largely due to the shade-grown cultivation and processing methods.
Green tea contains roughly half the caffeine content of black tea, and a quarter the caffeine of coffee. Matcha green tea contains slightly more caffeinearound half the amount per cup in comparison to coffee.;
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