When you hear ‘Japan’, what are the first things that pop into your mind? Cherry blossoms, sumo wrestling, Mt. Fuji, samurai, sushi, Tokyo…the list is probably endless.
Well, Japan is indeed known for quite a few things. But did you know that it’s also famous for a type of green tea? Yes, the matcha green tea powder that has recently become widely known all over the world has its origins in Japan.
So let’s see why matcha green tea is well-known.
Why is Matcha Green Tea Powder Gaining Popularity?
What makes this green tea stand out from the rest is the way the plant is grown and the way in which its tea leaves are picked. The green tea plants for matcha are grown in the shade for about three weeks before harvesting them. The veins and stems are carefully removed post this growth period.
Now, I’ll tell you why this process matters a lot.
When the green tea plant is grown in the shade, it produces more caffeine and theanine. The combination of these chemicals is what gives the green tea powder its calming effect.
The way to drink matcha green tea powder is also different from the other types of tea. You don’t need to strain the tea leaves or put them in a teabag. This green tea powder can be dissolved in milk or water, whatever you prefer.
Evidently, all these reasons are making this Japanese tea extremely popular globally!
But these are not the only reasons; matcha green tea powder is filled with antioxidant properties that has made it one of the most powerful superfoods today.
Let’s take a look at a few other reasons of its popularity.
Helps to Lose a Few Pounds
Matcha green tea powder has a catechin called Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG). Present in abundance, a few studies have shown that it’s responsible for increasing the rate of burning stored fat as energy. It also reduces the formation of new fat cells.
On the other hand, some other studies have indicated that the catechins even increase your body’s calorie burning rate each day. To top it off, if you exercise, the EGCG further helps in burning your fat. So if you’re hoping to lose a few pounds by drinking green tea, opt for this matcha green tea powder.
Enhances Your Concentration and Memory
If you’ve been finding it hard to focus on work or remembering things, then you should certainly start drinking matcha green tea today.
The theanine found in matcha green tea produces serotonin and dopamine. These two chemicals help in enhancing your mood, increasing your concentration and even improving your memory.
Strengthens Your Immune System
A lot of research has been done and many studies have been conducted on this Japanese green tea powder. One of them shows that the catechins present in this green tea have antibiotic properties as well. This in turn promotes overall health. Another study mentions that the nutrients in matcha green tea may have the ability to fight the HIV attacks on the human T-cells.
Additionally, a single bowl of matcha green tea provides significant amounts of calcium, protein, iron, potassium as well as Vitamins A and C. It’s no wonder then that this green tea has benefitted many who have embraced it.
So have you tried the matcha green tea? What did you think of it? We would love to hear from you!
