Matcha Tea: properties and health benefits

There are foods that have a large number of natural benefits thanks to their powerful combination of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and other essential molecules for the body.

A perfect example of this is matcha tea, a drink that has gained great popularity worldwide due to its multiple health benefits. Below, we tell you everything you need to know about matcha tea: what it is, how it is prepared, and what its properties are.

What is Matcha Tea?

Matcha tea is basically a finely ground green tea of Chinese origin. Being a powder, its nutrients are much more concentrated, which enhances its health benefits.

Matcha tea was born in China; however, Japanese monks introduced it to Japan to use it during Zen Buddhism rituals. Over time, this custom spread so much in society that it ended up becoming the sacred drink of their Japanese tea ceremony.

How is Matcha Tea Prepared?

Unlike traditional leaf tea, matcha is a fine powder, so you will need hot water and a bamboo whisk to prepare it. All you have to do is place hot water in a cup, add the scoops of matcha, and whisk it vigorously to extract its high nutrient content.

There are recipes where water is combined with milk and some spices to prepare more elaborate drinks like a matcha latte. Likewise, this food is also used as a bakery or pastry ingredient and in skin treatments such as facial masks.

Properties and Benefits of Matcha Tea

Matcha contains many properties, even more than conventional tea. These are the main benefits you will get from including this green tea in your diet.

Strengthens the Immune System

One of the main properties of matcha tea is its ability to strengthen the immune system. Its high antioxidant content allows the body to naturally strengthen defenses and reduce the chances of contracting diseases.

Controls Glucose and Cholesterol

Another great property of matcha tea is its ability to lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels. If you have diabetes or suffer from cardiovascular diseases, this helps reduce the risk of complications such as a heart attack.

Speeds Up Metabolism

It is said that this powdered tea contains a high concentration of chemicals capable of speeding up metabolism. According to scientific analyses, complementing your diet and exercise with this green tea can help you lose up to 25% more fat.

Helps with Weight Loss

This property goes hand in hand with the previous one. By speeding up metabolism, your body burns more fat. And this translates into an easier time losing weight or slimming down.

Has Antioxidant Properties

Thanks to its high antioxidant content, this type of green tea widely consumed worldwide can reduce the effects of aging. Its antioxidants eliminate free radicals responsible for body degeneration, delaying signs of aging such as wrinkles and preventing the development of diseases.

Prevents Alzheimer’s

By reducing the amount of free radicals present in the body, it also prevents the onset of Alzheimer’s. Therefore, thanks to the compounds in matcha tea, the risk of this chronic degenerative disease affecting your life will be lower.

Helps Relieve Stress

Finally, drinking a cup of matcha tea helps reduce stress thanks to its ability to produce alpha waves, a type of brain wave responsible for putting the body into a state of relaxation and calm.