Matcha has sky-rocketed in popularity lately with matcha shots, lattes and even desserts are appearing everywhere from health stores to coffee shops. Like green tea, it comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. However, it’s grown differently and has a unique nutrient profile.
Farmers grow it by covering the plants for 20-30 days before harvest to avoid the sunlight. This increases the chlorophyll content production, boosts the amino acids content and gives the plant a darker, green hue. From studies, its components have been shown to have unearthed a variety of benefits to protect the liver, increase heart health and even aids weight loss.
ANTI-OXIDANTS - Rich in catechins, a class of plant compounds in tea that acts as natural antioxidants. Just add hot water to the powder and enjoy. The catechins are 137 times greater than in other teas.
LIVER HEALTH - In one study on diabetic rats for 16 weeks, it was found that it helped prevent both kidney and liver damage.
BRAIN FUNCTION - A study with 23 people who performed a series of tests to measure brain performance was carried out. Some consumed the matcha tea or a bar while others did a placebo bar. Results showed that the matcha group had increased reactive time, attention span and memory. Also, it contains L-Theanine, which alters effects of caffeine, thereby promoting alertness and avoiding energy crash.
CANCER - It’s especially high in, “epigallocatechin-3 – gallate - EGCG,” which has been shown to have profound anti-cancer properties. In one particular study in a test- tube format, the EGCG in the matcha tea greatly assisted in killing of prostate cancer cells.
So, at your next stop to your health food store ensure MATCHA TEA is in your basket. Enjoy.
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