I’m sure we’ve all heard about green tea, right? Well, matcha tea can often be confused with green tea, but they aren’t the same thing, but are similar. Matcha and green tea both come from the same plant where green tea leaves are got from. But the plants which are going to be used to make matcha are kept away from sunlight for around a month, before they are harvested, dried and powdered to get matcha powder. That’s what makes matcha different from regular green tea.
What is matcha green tea?
Matcha tea is common in Japanese culture where matcha powder is whisked into hot water or hot milk using the traditional Japanese bamboo whisk called the ‘Chasen’. The usage of the traditional chasen is to bring the tea to the right consistency, where the bamboo prongs will help break down the clumps and produce a creamy and frothy liquid, which is the traditional style of drinking matcha tea. When the liquid froths perfectly, it is a clear indication of a well prepared matcha tea.
A common question may arise, as to whether matcha contains caffeine. Well, yes, matcha does contain caffeine much more than regular green tea but lesser than coffee. Therefore, many non-coffee drinkers drink this tea, as it calms the mind and also helps gain better focus and concentration.
Benefits of drinking matcha tea:
1. Can enhance and boost skin health:
Matcha is very high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can be very beneficial to skin health and for people with acne. It can also help treat skin infections, skin redness, minor cuts, sunburns etc. Matcha contains methylxanthines which is a type of drug that can help stimulate microcirculation in the skin and help it look healthier and more radiant and gives your skin a glow up by supporting healthy complexion.
To use – Mix the powder with yogurt and apply it as a face mask for 15 mins and rinse off for a clear glowing skin.
2. High in antioxidants:
Matcha contains a type of plant-based compound called catechin, which is formally known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). These catechins belong to a larger group of plant compounds known as polyphenols, which act as natural antioxidants. These antioxidants can protect the body from free radicals which can cause damage to the body’s healthy cells and in turn prevent the body from developing harmful or chronic diseases.
3. Can promote weight loss:
Similar to green tea, matcha tea too can help promote weight loss in addition to exercise as it can help boost body metabolism and increase the body’s fat burning abilities. READ MORE – Ayurveda Miracle CCF Tea Recipe with Three Ingredients
4. Other benefits:
- Can protect liver health and prevent the risk of developing liver diseases.
- Can boost brain functioning and improve memory and enhance concentration and focus as matcha contains a compound called L-theanine that can alter the effects of caffeine and promote attention and alertness.
- Can decrease stress and anxiety, by promoting relaxation.
- Can help prevent cancer, as it contains EGCG, a type of catechin that has anti-cancer properties.
- Can protect heart health by reducing the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL).
Method 1: Without milk
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 tsp matcha
How to make it:
Into a cup, add in the matcha powder and just a little of the water and stir this mixture very well for a few minutes, until the mixture starts to froth up a little bit. You can even use a Chasen (also known as a bamboo matcha whisk) at this stage. Then once the mixture is nice and frothy, add in the rest of the hot water, stir well with a spoon and it is ready to consume.
Tip: This preparation is claimed to be more beneficial as the matcha is diluted with just water and no other ingredients. But that being said, matcha tastes a little bitter and may not be palatable to some and they may not prefer this preparation of matcha tea and can thereby use the next recipe below.
Method 2: With milk
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup hot water
- ¼ cup hot milk
- 1 tsp matcha
- Maple syrup or honey (to taste)
How to make it:
Into a cup, add in the matcha powder and maple syrup or honey to taste and mix well. Then just add in a little of the water and stir this mixture very well for a few minutes, until the mixture starts to froth up a little bit. Then once the mixture is nice and frothy, add in the rest of the hot water, stir well with a spoon and top it up with the hot milk while still stirring. It is then ready to consume. READ MORE – CINNAMON TEA to clear acne, weight loss and more
Tip:
Matcha tea may have unique, distinct and grassy flavour which is an acquired taste. In addition to it, matcha powder can vary in taste and certain brands could taste particularly bitter to some. Therefore, adding a sweetener like honey or maple syrup is suggested.