The Japanese are known to have amazing delicacies in their country, from the well-known sweets like dangos and sakura-flavored snacks to savory goodies like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. But one thing that stands out the most is matcha tea. If you hear the word Japan, matcha comes to mind and vice versa. This type of green tea has been making international waves primarily because of its great taste and the loads of benefits this tasty treat has to offer.
With so many kinds of matcha to choose from, it is no wonder many have become obsessed over this green wonder. If a shop has a matcha-flavored item in their menu, many will try to get their hands on it and taste it for themselves. So what’s the deal with matcha? Here are five reasons why everyone is obsessed with matcha:
Various Health Benefits
Matcha is known to have various health benefits. Packed with antioxidants that are known to prevent aging and chronic diseases, matcha is considered a powerhouse of minerals by many. Tufts University conducted a study that has proven matcha contains twenty times more antioxidants compared to blueberries and pomegranates. This makes matcha a great way to help the body fight off diseases.
Because it contains a lot of antioxidants, matcha is also known as a great, healthy way to prevent cancer. Catechins in matcha, called EGCg, are responsible for protecting the cells from damage, killing cancerous cells and stopping its progression. This means that partaking in matcha is a great practical means of cancer prevention.
Great Coffee Alternative
Matcha is made by grinding up nutrient-rich young leaves of Camellia sinensis plants, which are known to have L-theanine. L-theanine is an amino acid known for promoting relaxed alertness, focus, and memory. This makes matcha a natural brain booster and mood enhancer at the same time. Matcha has caffeine content depending on its grade and is known to be more than a shot of espresso! However, the L-theanine in matcha helps with concentration much more than when ingesting coffee. No caffeine-induced jitters means no stress!
Aids Weight Loss
Besides helping out with the protection of your body, the EGCg and caffeine content in matcha is known to boost metabolism as well. These natural chemicals in matcha help stimulate the body to secrete gut hormones that make you feel full. Take a cup of matcha after every meal to help lose those snack cravings.
With all the focus and energy boost obtained from a cup of matcha, one can definitely get the body moving even better when exercising. Matcha helps burn calories away much quicker than other drinks, so it’s recommended to drink a cup before starting the day. These natural catechins in matcha help activate the body’s ability to burn fat faster even when at rest. This makes it so that when you exercise and drink matcha as well, it boosts the fat oxidation or fat burning your body does when exercising. A neat and tasty way to get yourself pumped to pump some iron!
Helps Keep Your Pearly Whites White
It’s been mentioned here time and time again how matcha’s naturally occurring antioxidants, amino acids, and other chemicals help in various ways for your health, but no other drink comes close to keeping your choppers clean and protected like matcha. Many a matcha lover out there has taken matcha in its purest form, which is without sweeteners, and many love it that way! The one great thing about taking matcha this way is that it helps reduce plaque buildup and bacteria in the oral orifice.
It Tastes Great!
The list of things that make matcha great always come out lengthy, but it only reinforces the fact that matcha is one of the best consumables for a healthy life today. No matter the matcha grade, this wonder powder is considered one of the most versatile products, usable in almost every kind of edible item. It’s no wonder people get obsessed over it!
Matcha continues to be one of the most sought-after products for any health buff. If you’ve ever thought about testing matcha but aren’t convinced yet, then it’s high time you do! Grab a cup of matcha today!
A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.