Attributes of matcha
Matcha is a variety of Japanese green tea (Camellia sinensis). It is sold in powdered form because the way it is prepared differs from traditional tea brewing. The preparation of matcha requires the use of a special bamboo brush – chasen, which gently breaks down the grains and prevents the formation of lumps. This type of green tea is particularly valued for its high content of antioxidants and numerous compounds with health-promoting properties. This is due to a special cultivation method in which the bushes are covered with bamboo mats throughout the growing season to protect them from excessive sun exposure, which contributes to preventing the loss of valuable properties. During this process, the plants are also able to produce more health-promoting substances such as chlorophyll and theanine, which are responsible not only for the characteristic green color but also for the taste of the beverage. Matcha contains no bitter components, even when steeped for a long time. It is considered one of the most aromatic green teas and is rated by researchers as ten times more valuable than other green tea varieties (I. Sivanesan et al. 2021).
Matcha - Components related to Health
Matcha is widely regarded as one of the healthiest teas. Its properties are largely due to the large amount of bioactive compounds, which make up as much as 30% of the dry weight of the product. Among the most abundant are polyphenols, which are naturally strong antioxidants. Their action is comparable to that of a good antioxidant of vitamin E or C. However, the amount of all health-promoting substances in matcha may vary, depending on external factors such as harvest time, storage duration, temperature and brewing time.
The health implications of consuming Matcha
Thanks to its high content of diverse bioactive substances, Matcha has numerous beneficial health and productivity effects, such as: antioxidant action (I. Sivanesan et al. 2021), anti-inflammatory action (J. Zhou et al., 2020), stress management (H. P. Devkota et al., 2021), neuroprotection (H. S. Cho et al., 2008), increased concentration and performance (J. Kim et al., 2019), improved insulin sensitivity (J. Kochman et al., 2021), strengthened cardiovascular system (S. J. Kim et al., 2014), support for liver health (N. Yamabe et al., 2009), blood sugar regulation (H. Zhang et al., 2020), enhanced memory and cognitive function (K. Sakurai et al., 2020), cancer-fighting properties (H. Fujiki et al., 2018), and weight loss support (M. Willems et al., 2017).
Matcha latte beverage - recipe for preparation
Thanks to the powdery form, matcha can be utilized in numerous ways. One of the most frequently favored beverages based on matcha is matcha latte, and below you will find a simple method for its preparation at home. However, it is crucial to pay attention to the correct steaming temperature. Too high water temperature can lead to the degradation of certain components, such as vitamin C, so it is advisable to prepare the tea at a temperature of around 80°C.
Matcha milk drink
Components: matcha tea tablespoon, plant-based beverages/animal milk 1/2 cup, xylitol/erythritol/any sweetening agent tablespoon. Preparation: 1. Pour 80 ml of water at 80°C into a cup and add the matcha tea. 2. Thoroughly mix with water using a bamboo whisk or a manual milk stirrer (about 15 seconds). 3. Heat the plant-based beverages/milk, adding sweetening agent and whipping it. 4. Pour the whipped plant-based beverage/milk into the prepared matcha tea.
Matcha's a great addition to the daily menu
Japanese matcha contains high levels of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, particularly type 2 diabetes, and although most of the studies have been done on animal models, the health potential of tea seems to be very high. Regular consumption of matcha can bring benefits to the body and minimize the risk of certain diseases, such as macular degeneration or type-2 diabetes. However, this is mostly due to its high content of catechin, caffeine and other antioxidants.