All About Matcha

Have you heard of the term "matcha"? If you have, what's so special about it? Why is it that people are going crazy over this new health trend? According to Candice Kima, the author of Clean Green Eats, matcha started with the monks in Asia specifically in Japan. They drink matcha to relax. It is a part of Japanese tradition. During the ancient times, the samurais would take a break from fighting to drink matcha tea. This keeps them alert and focused. In Okinawa, Japan, people live way above the age of 100. Matcha tea is part of their tradition. Okinawa is considered to be a blue zone which means people are known for living a longer life.

Here in the US, the sale of matcha tea has risen to 50%. Maya Feller, a nutritionist, explains the health benefits of matcha. People who drink matcha tea have sworn that they have received the health benefits after consuming it. The health benefits are anti-aging, fights infections, boosts metabolism, and prevents cell damage. When you drink matcha tea, your are devouring antioxidants. Feller said that it has 7x more antioxidants than nuts, 15x more than blueberries, and 50x more antioxidants than broccoli.

Some people who have consumed matcha tea have said that they get calming effects after drinking. They claim that they don't get jittery. Unlike when they drink coffee, they get agitated. Matcha tea gives energy. When people drink it, they get alpha waves that are stimulated in the brain resulting to a calmer demeanor. Matcha tea is known for having theanine, which provides a more relaxed feeling.

Kumai explained how we should shop for matcha. She stressed that matcha should be made from Japan. It has a bright green color. It has a one year shelf life. It should be organic because it has more antioxidants. Kumai taught the audience on how to make matcha tea. First, you need a bowl to place the powdered matcha. Then you need a bamboo whisk to mix the powder with hot water. The water should be below boiling point and it should have a temperature of 175- 180 degrees. Mix it with 2 oz of hot water. Then whisk it in circular motion. The mixture should be frothy and should form tiny bubbles. If you want to sweeten it, add 1 or 2 teaspoons of honey.

Matcha has a lot of uses. It can also be used as a face mask. Some people who have tried matcha face mask claimed that it fought acne problems. The mask has anti inflammatory benefits. To produce a matcha face mask, you must have honey, 2% yogurt, matcha. Mix it up and rub it on your face. Matcha can be used while taking a warm bath. To make your bath time more calming and soothing, you will need coconut oil, lavender, cornstarch, Epsom salt, and lemon. Combine all the ingredients. When you're about to take a bath, break up the solidified matcha and mix it with the water on your bath tub. The water will feel silky on your skin because of the components added to the matcha. This is good after a long day's work and for relaxing. Matcha is not only good for making tea. It can also be turned into a smoothie. Have coconut water, shavings of coconut, matcha, spinach, and banana. Blend them in the blender and you have a smoothie.

There is no harm in trying matcha. After all, there are more health benefits than most foods that we eat. It is good to know that we can drink matcha tea to improve our well-being. So go ahead, try matcha for unbelievable results.