Why we love Matcha!
I have loved drinking Matcha for the past few years. Many people ask me why? Well firstly it's because a good grade of matcha, made without burning it, is absolutely delicious! Especially the AAA grade matcha from our friends at OMGTEA.
There are many benefits of drinking matcha, here are 5 of my favourite reasons,
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Gentle Caffeine Boost with L-Theanine. Matcha contains less caffeine than coffee but offers a unique advantage - L-theanine. This amino acid promotes a state of "relaxed alertness," enhancing focus without the jitteriness often associated with caffeine. L-theanine also boosts the brain’s levels of GABA and dopamine, which may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
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Potential Cancer-Fighting Properties. Emerging research suggests that matcha may help reduce the risk of various types of cancer, including prostate, breast, colon, and bladder cancers. Its rich antioxidant profile plays a key role in this potential protective effect.
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Rich in Catechins, Powerful Antioxidants Antioxidants like catechins play a key role in health and disease, with studies showing that they could help protect against chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Research has shown that the concentration of catechins in matcha is significantly higher than in regular green tea.
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Supports Healthy Blood Sugar and Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes. Research has shown that taking green tea not only lowers blood sugar levels but also improved long term blood sugar control. Green tea has also been shown to lower insulin levels as well.
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Detoxifies the Body. Matcha’s vibrant green colour comes from its high chlorophyll content – this is a natural pigment in plants that plays a key role in photosynthesis by absorbing light and converting it into energy. Because matcha is carefully grown in the shade, it develops significantly higher levels of chlorophyll than most other teas. Beyond its striking appearance, chlorophyll also supports the body’s natural detoxification processes, helping to flush out toxins, chemicals, and heavy metals.
There are a few points to note when going out and getting matcha (and your taste buds as well as the health benefits will thank you).
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When choosing matcha, always check the ingredients label and make sure it contains only pure matcha powder—nothing else.
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Whenever possible, opt for organic and non-GMO varieties to ensure higher quality and fewer contaminants. Always opt for organic Japanese matcha (this is far less likely to be at risk of contaminants) Like that from our friends at OMGTEA.
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Ceremonial-grade matcha is best for traditional preparation with a whisk, offering a smooth and delicate flavour. Culinary grade matcha, on the other hand, is more versatile and perfect for lattes, baking, and smoothies.
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Keep in mind that high-quality matcha comes at a price. A very low price often indicates lower purity and inferior quality.
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