Matcha tea: what is it, benefits and how to prepare this type of green tea

Matcha is a type of green tea of ​​Japanese origin, to which many properties and health benefits are attributed, making it a true superfood.

We explain what are the properties of matcha tea, what are its main benefits and how you can take it to make the most of this miraculous drink.

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What is matcha tea?

Matcha or Maccha is a type of powdered tea with a very characteristic green color, which is derived from ground whole green tea leaves. In fact, the word 'maccha' means 'powdered tea'. It requires a special cultivation and harvesting process, which allows to preserve all the properties of the plant.

Being in powder form, it is a type of tea that is not infused, but must be added to hot water and mixed. In this way it better maintains its properties, and is part of the reason why matcha tea has many more benefits than green tea. A cup of matcha contains 10 times the nutritional value of a single cup of green tea.

Matcha is a product widely used in Japanese cuisine, especially in confectionery, especially to give that characteristic bright green color to dishes. We can also find a wide variety of desserts that include matcha as the main ingredient.

This type of tea can be accompanied by milk, thus creating a ‘matcha latte’, but it is more recommended drink the tea without additives or sugars that can alter the qualities of the product and reduce its properties.

And it is that matcha tea is rich in all kinds of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which protect our body and improve the functioning of our body. Here we tell you its benefits.

Matcha green tea benefits

Matcha tea has many health benefits, as it has a very high nutritional value and its properties make it practically a superfood. We tell you what are the health benefits of matcha tea.

1. Rich in antioxidants

One of the main properties of matcha tea is the large amount of antioxidants it contains, which help prevent aging and certain types of degenerative diseases. It is rich in catechins, antioxidants with antibiotic properties that help against cancer, prevent arthritis and help you lose weight.

2. Detox effect

Matcha is also very rich in chlorophyll, a compound that, in addition to giving it that intense green, favors the elimination of toxins and substances that are harmful to the body, such as toxic chemicals, heavy metals and dioxins.

3. Improves brain functions

Matcha has a high concentration of caffeine, which helps activate and improve brain functions. Among its benefits are that of increasing concentration, memory and reflexes. In addition, the presence of the compound theanine reduces the negative effects of caffeine, helping to maintain attention without losing energy.

4. Provides energy

That same caffeine added to the nutrients it provides, stimulates the body and gives it energy, in addition to improving physical resistance. And all this, as we mentioned before, without the negative side effects of drinks such as coffee or other stimulating soft drinks.

5. Reduce stress

Although it seems like a contradiction and despite all this energy that it gives us, matcha tea also has relaxing effects. This is due to the theanine compound, which counteracts the stimulating effects of caffeine and promotes relaxation. Matcha therefore helps us to activate ourselves and have energy, but calmly and reducing stress.

6. Anticancer

Its richness in antioxidants makes it a food with anticancer properties. It is rich in catechins, especially EGCG, which reduce the development of cancer cells and help prevent their appearance.

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7. Good for the heart

Matcha tea reduces excess cholesterol, triglycerides and lowers blood sugar levels. And all this without the need to increase blood pressure, since its relaxing effects also reduce the heart rate. Therefore, it is associated with a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease.

8. Helps to lose weight

One of the most praised benefits of matcha tea is its slimming properties. It has thermogenic properties, which help to accelerate metabolism and promote the burning of calories more quickly. It is also a food rich in soluble fiber, which helps fight constipation.

Contraindications

Although it is a drink with many health benefits, it should be consumed responsibly and, as with everything, it should not be abused. If taken in large quantities, it can promote the development of heart disorders, stomach problems, nervous disorders or kidney disease.

Although theanine reduces side effects, the caffeine in matcha tea takes between 6 and 8 hours to be absorbed by the body, so if consumed in large quantities amounts or very often, it can accumulate in the blood and can be counterproductive in cases of liver diseases, heart disorders or in those where the caffeine.

Its consumption should also be monitored in case of stomach problems such as irritable bowel, since its diuretic effects can be counterproductive, being able to cause ulcers or bleeding. Matcha tea can also cause stomach pain or nausea in some cases.

If you suffer from any illness or are taking medication, ask your doctor if the consumption of matcha tea can interfere with your treatment. The same happens in case of pregnancy, since some substances can be harmful if consumed in excess during this stage.

Matcha tea is also discouraged in cases of anemia, since by promoting the rapid elimination of substances, it hinders the absorption of minerals such as iron, potassium or calcium.

How to make matcha tea

First of all, you must make sure that you take matcha of certified organic origin and that it is not of doubtful origin, since it can contain contaminants and be harmful. It is recommended to drink pure and fresh matcha, which although it has a somewhat high price, will keep its properties intact.

To prepare it, you must first boil water in a kettle or saucepan. You can also heat a glass or cup of water in the microwave for 2 minutes. Then just add a tablespoon of the powdered matcha tea to your glass or mug with the hot water, and beat well until it dissolves. And you are ready to drink.

Some people prefer to sift the matcha powder through a strainer before mixing it with the water, to avoid clumping. In the original Japanese ceremony they use as a whisk a brush made of bamboo called chasen, with which they beat the powder of matcha in the water with a very specific movement, forming a foam on the top very characteristic of this type of tea.

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