Matcha tea has become increasingly popularly due to its greater accessibility and its supreme health benefits. Grown only in Japan, matcha is the highest quality powdered green tea available due to the way it is grown, cultivated and prepared. Prior to harvesting, farmers cover the tea plants with bamboo mats to reduce the amount of sunlight exposed to them. This in turn increases the level of chlorophyll which gives the leaves their distinctive, bright green colour. After harvesting, the leaves are steamed and air dried and ground on a stone mill to achieve that fine powdery texture. The powder is then stored away from light and oxygen in order to preserve its rich colour and antioxidants.
We have highlighted the top ten health benefits from regularly ingesting matcha tea:
- Packed full of antioxidants including the highly beneficial ECG.
- Helps maintain a healthy metabolism and burns calories.
- Increases and sustains energy levels.
- Protection from infections
- Calms the mind and relaxes the body.
- Gets rid of harmful toxins and maintains good gastrointestinal health.
- Could help prevent cancer due to high level of antioxidants.
- Beauty benefits such as de-puffs eyes, promotes a glowing complexion and stronger, shinier hair.
- Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
- Boosts your immune system.
With such positive health benefits this historic and traditional tea is considered to be one of the most powerful superfoods on the market today and is a much better alternative loose leaf teas.
By Amy Louise
