I recently discovered that matcha green tea was listed among the top 10 health trends for 2016. This piqued my interest, prompting me to explore what matcha is all about. In this article, we’ll share 10 amazing health benefits of this superfood powder and highlight the top 5 brands!
Did you know that one serving of matcha green tea offers the nutritional benefits of 10 cups of regular green tea? Matcha has a fascinating history tied to its brewing methods, making it a great topic to discuss with friends and family who are into health foods and trends. It truly is remarkable, yet many people still wonder what it actually is.
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Matcha is a special type of powdered green tea that is grown in the hills of Japan. A few weeks before harvesting, farmers cover the plants with bamboo mats to gradually limit their sunlight exposure. This process boosts the plants’ chlorophyll production, giving them their vibrant green color and making them one of the world’s most powerful antioxidants! After harvesting, the tea leaves are stone-ground into a fine powder, resulting in matcha’s rich and unique flavor.
Matcha is considered the premium grade tea in Japan. Historically, it was reserved for royalty and samurais due to its high production costs. Samurais consumed it for its health benefits and its ability to enhance focus during battle. Today, matcha is a common part of the Japanese diet, which is known for being one of the healthiest in the world.
Losing weight can be challenging, especially for those without a naturally fast metabolism. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that green tea powder can increase thermogenesis (the rate at which the body burns calories) from 8-10% to 35-43% of daily energy expenditure. Matcha green tea powder can help speed up your metabolism and aid in weight loss.
Our bodies can accumulate man-made toxins like heavy metals and hormone disruptors from preservatives in our diets. The shading process used for matcha enhances its chlorophyll content, which helps cleanse and eliminate these harmful substances from the body.
While caffeine can be beneficial, it sometimes leads to jitters and shakiness. The great thing about matcha is that it contains the amino acid L-Theanine, which balances the effects of caffeine. This amino acid promotes a sense of calm without making you feel sleepy or drowsy.
Free radicals contribute significantly to premature aging, stemming from various sources, including diet and stress. Matcha is rich in antioxidants, which combat free radicals. Stress triggers the brain’s beta waves, leading to agitation and lack of focus. Matcha contains five times more L-Theanine than regular green tea, which can increase alpha waves in the brain, enhancing concentration and reducing stress and blood pressure.
Exercising can be tough, but matcha can improve your experience in two ways. First, studies show that drinking matcha green tea before exercising can boost fat burning by 25%. Second, matcha enhances focus and concentration, allowing you to push yourself harder during workouts.
As new strains of bacteria and viruses emerge, our immune systems face increasing challenges. Matcha green tea can help strengthen your defenses. Its high antioxidant levels and catechins equip your body to fight off infections and diseases, improving your immune system and reducing the frequency of illness.
The unique taste of matcha comes from its chlorophyll and amino acids, offering an initial vegetal, astringent flavor followed by a lingering sweetness. The experience is reminiscent of tasting dark chocolate or red wine for the first time. When used as an ingredient, matcha’s flavor becomes subtler, adding the essence and color of green tea to smoothies, lattes, savory sauces, or pastries!
The same antioxidants that protect green tea, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), may also support skin health by reducing inflammation and free radicals that accelerate aging. The residents of Okinawa, Japan, known for their longevity, partly attribute their long lives to regular matcha consumption.
Matcha green tea is the most popular green tea in Japan and is quickly gaining popularity worldwide due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging properties. It has numerous benefits that can help you look and feel younger!
Matcha cafés are popping up globally, especially in the U.S., where a cup can cost around $4. Fortunately, you can brew matcha at home for a fraction of the price. Look for an organic brand with a good reputation, as there are some imposters out there. Amazon is a great place to buy matcha green tea.
While it may seem a bit pricey, a package should last about a month if consumed daily. It’s 100% organic and a #1 bestseller on Amazon, with plenty of reviews and answered questions.
Ingredients
Instructions
With so many matcha green tea brands available, it can be challenging to find the right one for you. We’ve reviewed some of the top brands and ranked them based on various factors explained below. We hope this guide helps you choose the best brand for your needs.
The best matcha tea brands are brightly colored, organic, and sourced directly from Japan. Here are the top 5 brands ranked from best to least favorable (or honorable mention):
1. Best Overall
– The Good: No other matcha brand can match its effectiveness and quality. It’s the best premium matcha green tea available.
– The Bad: It’s a bit pricey, but the quality makes it worth it.
– The Bottom Line: It’s the best product—a USDA organic all-natural “superfood” that will greatly benefit your health.
2. Best Value
– The Good: High quality, USDA organic, and effective. You’ll feel more energetic and vibrant.
– The Bad: It’s produced in China to reduce costs.
– The Bottom Line: A great choice if you want to try matcha green tea on a budget.
3. Solid Option
– The Good: USDA organic and helps reduce coffee cravings.
– The Bad: Made in China, and some people may not prefer its taste.
– The Bottom Line: A reliable product; if this doesn’t work for you, consider the next option.
4. Authentic Matcha
– The Good: USDA organic and sourced from Japan.
– The Bad: Misleading packaging; the product is smaller than it appears.
– The Bottom Line: A decent choice if you want to try Japanese matcha, but be aware of the packaging.
5. Consistent Quality
– The Good: USDA organic matcha from a reputable company.
– The Bad: Sourced from China and slightly overpriced for the quality.
– The Bottom Line: A solid option; if others don’t suit you, give this one a try.
Reviews: We carefully analyze both positive and negative product reviews, discarding fake or incentivized ones. We focus solely on genuine feedback from users. Brands that need to buy reviews are likely not worth your time.
Price: We thoroughly compare product prices to ensure you get the best value.
Brand Reputation: Stable and consistent brands tend to receive higher ratings.
Quality: When purchasing matcha green tea powder, quality is crucial. Look for bright green tea leaves, indicating high chlorophyll and nutrient content.
Additional Bonuses: Some brands offer bonuses like “matcha recipes,” which we believe could be valuable to you.
We encourage you to try a few different brands to see which one you prefer and how your body reacts.
Feel free to leave a comment below if you enjoyed this article on the incredible health benefits of matcha green tea powder or if you have any questions!
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