What is matcha and why is the whole world obsessed with it?

What is matcha

Matcha, or matcha, is a powder made from young tea leaves.
Unlike loose leaf tea, matcha is not poured with boiling water and filtered, but dissolved in water. The bright green drink appeared in Japan at the end of the 12th century, when Buddhist monks brought tea seeds to the country from China and invented their own method of growing the plant.

Photo: Nob2020/Shutterstock

Young tea bushes for matcha in the spring are covered with special structures made of reed and straw. The shade allows the tea to retain its vibrant color and accumulate more amino acids Antioxidant Properties and Nutritional Composition of Matcha Green Tea and chlorophyll. To prevent the breakdown of beneficial substances, the leaves are steamed and dried for several weeks, after which they are ground into a fine powder.

Traditionally, matcha was brewed in a special way and drunk without additives, but nowadays not only various drinks, but also desserts have been prepared based on this product. Some even add it to main dishes.

Useful properties and chemical composition

Matcha is a real vitamin and mineral cocktail. One cup of drink can replenish a significant part of the daily daily requirement of such microelements as:

• iodine;
• thiamine;
• retinol;
• pyridoxine;
• ascorbic acid;
• calcium;
• iron;
• magnesium;
• fluorine;
• potassium.

So what exactly is this drink good for? The human body perceives Japanese matcha green tea with great gratitude, filling it with vigor. And all because he:

• Matcha acts as a strong antioxidant. In this matter, it significantly surpasses even such leaders of traditional medicine as onions, garlic and seaweed.
• Strengthens the immune system and increases the body's resistance to respiratory diseases.
• It's as invigorating as a cup of espresso. Matcha coffee is what matcha tea with milk is sometimes called (matcha tea latte). Drinking a cup of tea in the morning increases brain activity, promotes better absorption of information and its processing. In addition, unlike coffee, matcha extract calms the nervous system and normalizes the emotional state.

A properly prepared matcha drink will have detox properties. This means that they can ease their condition after a stormy feast with alcohol.

• Acceleration of metabolic processes. Regular consumption of tea stimulates the burning of fat deposits. In addition, it has extremely low calorie content.
• Preservation of youth. Matcha, whose properties are innumerable, is capable of visually stopping the passage of time. The skin becomes more resistant to the negative effects of ultraviolet rays and the environment.
• Prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Clinical studies have proven that regular consumption of matcha tea reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases by 11%, helps balance cholesterol levels, prevents the development of varicose veins and equalizes blood pressure.
• Prevents the development of urolithiasis. The drink promotes natural cleansing of the body - removes waste, toxins and heavy metals.

This drink has been scientifically proven to reduce the likelihood of developing cancer cells.

The beneficial properties of this type of tea are best demonstrated through its fine grinding. Hot water takes away only a small part of microelements. The rest is retained in raw materials. In addition, drinking matcha correctly means drinking it completely, swallowing the grounds at the bottom of the glass.

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What are the benefits of matcha tea?

Outside of Japan, the drink has become popular primarily because of its beneficial properties. Scientists have found that matcha has a positive effect on health.

Protects cells from damage

Matcha, like any tea, contains a lot of catechins - natural antioxidants. These substances protect the body from free radicals that destroy cells, causing aging and cardiovascular diseases.

When brewing regular tea, the catechin-rich leaves are discarded. And matcha powder is completely dissolved in water, so there are 137 times more antioxidants in such a drink.

Helps protect the liver

In 2021, scientists at The Effect of Green Tea Extract Supplementation on Liver Enzymes in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease selected 80 people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. They were asked to drink matcha extract daily. And after 90 days, the condition of the subjects improved.

Another study of Matcha, a powdered green tea, ameliorates the progression of renal and hepatic damage in type 2 diabetic OLETF rats, found that this tea helped reduce liver and kidney damage in rats with type 2 diabetes.

The analysis of The effect of green tea intake on the risk of liver disease: a meta analysis, conducted by Chinese doctors, helped to conclude that people who drink drinks made from green tea leaves are less likely to suffer from liver disease. However, scientists themselves are in no hurry to call matcha a panacea. Long-term clinical studies are needed to evaluate its effectiveness in preventing hepatitis or cirrhosis.

Useful for preventing brain diseases

Catechins protect Cell signaling pathways in the neuroprotective actions of the green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin‑3‑gallate: implications for neurodegenerative diseases the brain from cell death. It is the death of neurons that causes dementia and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. To reduce the risk of these disorders in old age, scientists advise consuming tea and other foods containing antioxidants.

Reduces the risk of heart disease

Several groups of researchers from different countries have concluded that regular consumption of matcha in combination with a balanced diet helps reduce the amount of “bad” cholesterol Green tea intake lowers fasting serum total and LDL cholesterol in adults: a meta‑analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials, negative affecting the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Helps reduce bad breath

Japanese scientists in 2008 decided to find out how well different products eliminate bad breath. For comparison, we chose toothpaste, chewing gum, mint, green tea leaf powder and parsley oil. The results of the study showed that in terms of antibacterial and deodorizing properties, chemical compounds from matcha are superior to their competitors.

Improves attention and memory

Matcha contains a lot of caffeine, which is known to stimulate brain function. Scientists have found that this tea can improve An intervention study on the effect of matcha tea, in drink and snack bar formats, on mood and cognitive performance, attention, reaction speed and memory. The drink has an advantage over affordable and no less invigorating coffee: thanks to the special compound L‑theanine, A double‑blind, placebo‑controlled study evaluating the effects of caffeine and L‑theanine both alone and in combination on cerebral blood flow, cognition and mood after a few hours after a cup of matcha you will not be overtaken by a sharp loss of strength.

Helps you lose weight

Take a closer look at matcha if you want to lose weight, because the antioxidants of this tea accelerate Effects of encapsulated green tea and Guarana extracts containing a mixture of epigallocatechin‑3‑gallate and caffeine on 24 h energy expenditure and fat oxidation in men metabolism and increase Green tea extract ingestion, fat oxidation, and glucose tolerance in healthy humans fat burning by 17%. However, scientists warn that such results can only be achieved with moderate physical activity.

Supposedly reduces social stress levels

In the homeland of the match, an unusual study was conducted in 2021: a group of mice were given tea for two weeks and their behavior was observed after contact with their relatives. It turned out that the level of social anxiety of the subjects decreased. Influence of continued ingestion of matcha on emotional behaviors after social stress in mice and the mice could continue communication painlessly. But scientists note that such an effect is only possible when consuming very high-quality matcha with a certain ratio of caffeine and amino acids.

May help prevent cancer

One type of catechin that is particularly abundant in matcha may have anti-cancer properties. No studies have yet been conducted in humans. But experiments in test tubes and on animals have shown that this substance helps reduce Green tea extracts decrease carcinogen‑induced mammary tumor burden in rats and rate of breast cancer cell proliferation in culture. Also, tea antioxidants can potentially be used in the treatment of prostate cancer Green tea polyphenol EGCG sensitizes human prostate carcinoma LNCaP cells to TRAIL‑mediated apoptosis and synergistically inhibits biomarkers associated with angiogenesis and metastasis, skin Epigallocatechin‑3‑gallate inhibits photocarcinogenesis through inhibition of angiogenic factors and activation of CD8+ T cells in tumors, lungs Epigallocatechin‑3‑gallate (EGCG) inhibits the migratory behavior of tumor bronchial epithelial cells and liver Inhibition of liver cancer cell proliferation and migration by a combination of (-)-epigallocatechin‑3‑gallate and ascorbic acid.

Benefits and contraindications

The benefits and harms of matcha for our body are incomparable: this Japanese powdered tea is a real treasury of valuable substances.

Beneficial features

Traditional tea from the Land of the Rising Sun has the following beneficial properties:

1. Matcha is rich in antioxidants. In terms of their quantity, this drink occupies a leading position among all other “antioxidant” drinks, berries, fruits, and vegetables. Powdered matcha contains more antioxidants than plain green tea, blueberries, prunes, broccoli, etc.
2. Due to antioxidants, it prevents skin aging. Reduces the negative impact of ultraviolet rays on it.
3. It helps strengthen our immunity.
4. Improves brain activity, ensuring good concentration and increasing the quality of assimilation of a large amount of information. At the same time, it relieves a person from nervous tension. Matcha is a drink that students in Japan are especially fond of during exams.
5. Stimulates the process of losing weight.
6. Helps reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
7. Used to prevent heart and vascular diseases. According to doctors, men are more often exposed to cardiovascular diseases than the fair half of humanity, but if they are fans of matcha tea, their risk of developing such ailments is reduced by 11%.
8. Makes a person more energetic and invigorates. At the same time, it does not increase blood pressure and does not have a negative effect on the activity of the heart. The effect of one cup of matcha can last up to 6 hours. It contains the amino acid L-theanine, which gives vigor and strength.
9. It is an excellent natural remedy for preventing urolithiasis. Promotes general cleansing of our body.
10. Reduces the risk of cancer. After all, matcha tea is a source of the strongest antioxidants - catechins (which are polyphenolic in nature).
11. Improves mental state, fights depression.

The listed provisions are only the basic properties of matcha. He also has other valuable qualities, thanks to which his fans prolong their lives.

Contraindications

Matcha tea has both beneficial properties and contraindications. The latter are due, first of all, to the presence of caffeine in the drink, which, however, has a milder effect on our body than other caffeine drinks. However, people for whom caffeine is contraindicated should drink matcha tea very carefully.

Also, the leaves of the tea bush can contain significant amounts of lead. When drinking powdered green tea, this heavy metal also penetrates into our body. Therefore, you should not neglect the “doses”: it is enough to drink 1-2 cups of matcha per day.

Who shouldn't drink matcha?

Despite all the benefits of matcha, you should be careful with it, as with any drink containing caffeine. For example, this substance can cause nervousness and insomnia. It is worth limiting Green tea side effects and risks of drinking the drink if you:

• suffer from hypertension;
• are highly sensitive to caffeine;
• are taking anticoagulants;
• suffer from anxiety disorders;
• are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Even if you have no direct contraindications, you should not drink matcha several hours before bedtime. Another danger of tea is lead and other heavy metals Monitoring of essential and heavy metals in green tea from different geographical origins, which can accumulate in a plant grown on contaminated soil.

What to look for when choosing matcha tea

To buy the most useful and high-quality powder, carefully study the following characteristics of tea.

Variety

Depending on the quality of the leaves collected, color and grind, matcha is divided into ceremonial, premium and culinary.

• For ceremonial purposes, only young leaves are collected from the very top of the bush that produces its first harvest. This powder is considered the best, and therefore costs the most.
• The highest grade matcha is made from the second and third leaves (these are located just below the top) of annual plants or the first leaves of old bushes. It is slightly inferior in taste to the ceremonial one, but is healthier because it contains the most catechins.
• Culinary matcha is the coarsest and cheapest variety. It does not boast a large amount of antioxidants or a subtle aroma, and is not suitable for brewing. But due to its availability, it will be an excellent ingredient for desserts.

Please note that any of the varieties should not contain any additives, only tea.

Package

Temperature changes, sunlight, humidity and air negatively affect the taste and color of matcha. Therefore, when purchasing, you should choose powder in opaque and hermetically sealed jars and bags. It is best to store purchased tea in a cool, dark and dry place.

Tea producing region

It is better to choose matcha grown and produced in its homeland. Real Japanese matcha is quite expensive, but they strictly monitor the environmental friendliness of the raw materials.

Color, texture and taste of tea

Matcha powder should be bright green. The rich color indicates that it is fresh, properly stored and not diluted in any way. Avoid purchasing if the color of the matcha seems dull to you.

A high-quality brewing powder has a smooth and uniform texture, without inclusions. Matcha graininess is a sign of low quality leaves.

Photo: Snowbelle/Shutterstock

The taste of a good drink is harmonious: natural sweetness should balance the herbaceous astringency of the tea. There should be no sharp bitterness.

KOKEICHA

Kokeicha

(Japanese 固形茶, rH. Kokeicha) – literally “hard tea”, an unusual variety of Japanese green tea. The tea leaves are steamed together with seaweed, thereby enriching the natural aroma of the tea leaves with notes of sea freshness. Next, the raw materials are dried, then ground into powder and, finally, the powder is pressed into the shape of thin sticks or pine needles. This type of tea began to be produced in Japan in 1889, after Shizuoka received the status of a major city. Experimentally, mixing Sencha tea with different components, an unexpected result was obtained - this tea was later called Kokeicha. The color of the drink is marshy, the aroma of the sea surf. The taste of the drink is similar to seaweed, slightly sweet. The aftertaste is slightly salty and long.

This tea is actively used in the food industry - it is added to ice cream and yogurt, and used as a seasoning for meat and fish. This tea is used in baking buns and bread. An interesting detail is that the Japanese consider this tea to be a food, not a drink.

Recipe: Japanese tea soup with salmon – Ochiazuke

Kokeicha is brewed in water at a temperature of 85°C. Take 7 g of tea for 250 ml of water. Brew tea for 60 seconds.

How to brew matcha the traditional way

To reveal all the taste and aroma, matcha needs to be brewed correctly. In Japan, making tea turns into a meditative ceremony that requires a whole range of special tools.

What you will need

• Chavan is a small ceramic bowl without handles for brewing matcha.
• Chashaku is a long bamboo spoon with a curved end that allows you to measure out the required amount of powder.
• Chasen is a short-handled whisk made from a single piece of bamboo for whisking matcha.
• Fine sieve.

Photo: sonyakamoz/Depositphotos

How to act

1. Heat water in a kettle or saucepan to 65–80 degrees. If you don't have a thermometer on hand, turn off the heat as soon as bubbles start to appear at the bottom of the pan.
2. Prepare the chavan: fill the container with hot water halfway and gently stir it with the chavan to heat the sides.
3. Drain and wipe the bowl.
4. Using a cup, measure out a portion of the matcha. The powder should reach the bend of the spoon.
5. Sift the matcha into the prepared bowl.
6. Measure out 100 ml of hot water.
7. Add 20–30 ml of water to the powder, stir the mixture thoroughly.
8. Add the remaining water to the bowl and whisk the matcha in a quick zigzag motion until stiff bubbles appear on the surface.
9. Pour the matcha into a cup and serve before the powder settles to the bottom.

Footage: @Angel Wong's Kitchen / YouTube

How to brew matcha without a bamboo whisk

If you're not ready to look for special Japanese instruments, don't worry. The drink can be prepared using what is found in any kitchen.

What you will need

• Wide glass;
• tea spoon;
• metal whisk;
• fine sieve.

How to act

1. Heat 130 ml water until bubbles appear.
2. Sift 1½ teaspoons of powder into a glass.
3. Pour 20–30 ml of hot water into a glass and mix thoroughly with the powder.
4. Add the remaining liquid and whisk the matcha, lifting the powder from the bottom. A layer of bubbles should form on the surface.

How to brew matcha without whisking

This method allows you to prepare matcha without unnecessary dishes and tedious whisk movements.

What you will need

• Jar with lid;
• tea spoon.

How to act

1. Heat 100 ml of water until bubbles appear.
2. Pour the liquid into a clean, dry jar.
3. Add ½ teaspoon of powder there.
4. Close the jar tightly.
5. Shake the container vigorously for 15–20 seconds.
6. Pour the drink into a cup.

Footage: @Jade Leaf Matcha / YouTube

How to Serve Matcha Tea

Drink freshly brewed matcha in small sips to experience all the richness of taste and aroma. If you can find wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets, serve them with your drink. Not too sugary natural desserts, such as marshmallows or Turkish delight, are also good.

Photo: Top Photo Corporation / Shutterstock

If the finished tea seems bitter and unpleasant to you, try adding it to the same amount of warm milk. Make a matcha latte, or the popular Korean drink dalgona.

Areas of alternative uses of tea

Cooking

Matcha is one of the most common ingredients in Japanese sweets. It is used in kasutera sponge cake, manju wheat/buckwheat/rice cake, monaka bean jam waffle and classic Japanese kakigori ice cream. The tea is mixed with sugar, milk or salt to enhance the flavor and then added as a topping, sauce or main ingredient to the filling.

Matcha is used to prepare:

• chocolate bars;
• various sweets and desserts;
• cheesecakes;
• rolls;
• ice cream and sorbets;
• cookies;
• puddings;
• mousses;
• traditional Japanese chopsticks;
• rice;
• cold and hot drinks, liqueurs, alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails.

The beneficial and tasteful properties of matcha have seriously interested representatives of North America. The component has caused a real stir and is widely used to produce healthy food products. It is added to any food - from plant-based milk to energy protein bars. The popularity of tea is based on a 2003 University of Colorado study. It turned out that the concentration of the important antioxidant EGCG in matcha is 137 times higher than that of other drinks on the market.

Beauty and health of skin

The only worthwhile secret to healthy and well-groomed skin is nutrition from the inside. According to the American Academy of Dermatology's "What To Eat For Glowing Healthy Skin," there are a number of vitamins and minerals that help our skin look healthier and more radiant. These include antioxidants in vitamins C and. Their main goal is to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation and block the negative effects of free radicals in cells to avoid early aging. B vitamins and biotin, which are responsible for the formation of skin, nails and hair, bring enormous benefits to the skin, and retinol is responsible for their restoration. The concentration of beneficial antioxidants in matcha tea can satisfy not only the taste buds, but also the condition of the skin.

Regular consumption of the drink will help get rid of rashes, reduce the appearance of acne, nourish/moisturize the skin and make it truly radiant.

Improved brain activity

The traditional Japanese drink is a real vitamin bomb for the brain. Tea contains two special amino acids: theophylline and L-theanine. They provide:

• the fastest and most effective concentration of attention;
• long-term vigor;
• improved mental endurance;
• increased levels of brain activity.

Despite the fact that the brain makes up only 2% of the total body weight, it takes about 20% of the energy that is produced daily by the human body. In addition to matcha tea, it is recommended to eat blueberries, avocado, cocoa beans and lentils to stabilize brain functionality.

Rapid weight loss

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Matcha contains EGCG polyphenols. This is a thermogenic component that, according to scientific research, can speed up metabolism. It is matcha that is distinguished from all green teas and is recommended to drink the drink not only for the purpose of relaxation, but also for weight loss. Why? It's all about the cooking technology. Matcha is ground into a powder that completely dissolves in water and “transfers” its composition to it, including enzymes that accelerate metabolic processes.

To achieve the fastest and most effective results, you need to drink the drink cold. This is completely contrary to the Japanese tea tradition, but it is the cold liquid that makes the body work and burn more calories. To speed up metabolic processes, it is recommended to drink 3 cups of organic matcha per day. Once the goal is achieved and the metabolism is brought to maximum levels, tea consumption can be reduced. The consumption of tea should be agreed with the attending physician. Excessive concentrations of matcha in the diet can lead to unintended consequences for human health.