Julie Basham Acupuncture
  • Welcome
  • Chinese Medicine
    • What is Chinese Medicine?
    • What can be treated?
    • Facial rejuvenation
    • Blog
  • Crystal Therapy
  • Practitioner Profile
    • Bio
    • Testimonials
  • Contact

BENEFITS OF MATCHA TEA

6/29/2017

0 Comments

 
Matcha is the powdered form of green tea leaves. Matcha tea powder is made with top quality leaves that have been carefully and specially grown in the shade, which enhances chlorophyll production and makes for a particularly green matcha powder. These tea leaves are picked, steamed, and dried before being ground into a fine powder. Once the matcha powder has been made, it can be whisked into hot water to make tea, or used as an ingredient in an enormous range of sweet and savoury dishes, or even used for skin care.

Matcha green tea powder has been enjoyed in Japan for centuries.  It was originally enjoyed by the elite as part of the Tea Ceremony.  Years ago a Japanese exchange student stayed with us and performed that very special ceremony as taught by her grandparents.

Matcha tea benefits have been studied considerably since first used 1000  years ago, and it is now believed that matcha green tea can aid weight loss by boosting metabolism, reduce the signs of ageing, lower cholesterol, and help to relax and focus the mind.  In addition, Matcha contains fiber, Vit A, Vit C, and Potasium.

Using the testing method known as ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity), experts at Tufts University discovered that matcha possesses an amazing twenty times more antioxidants than pomegranates or blueberries. Matcha’s ORAC rating is 1573 units per gram.
 
Why does this matter?
Antioxidants are the body’s defense agents. They are chemical compounds that prevent aging and chronic diseases. Put simply, the more you have, the better equipped your body is in the fight against infections and disease.

What are green tea catechins, and why are they so important in anti-cancer diets?
Matcha tea contains a unique, potent class of antioxidant known as catechins, which aren’t found in other foods. In particular, the catechin EGCg (epigallocatechin gallate) provides potent cancer-fighting properties.
Most importantly, EGCg and other catechins counteract the effects of free radicals from pollution, UV rays, radiation, and chemicals, which can lead to cell and DNA damage. Since over 60% of the catechins in matcha are actually EGCg, a daily matcha regimen can help restore and preserve the body’s integral well-being and balance.
 
A study featured in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming matcha green tea can increase thermogenesis (the body’s own rate of burning calories) from a normal 8%-10% of daily energy expenditure, to between 35% and 43% of daily energy expenditure.

L-Theanine:
Over a thousand years ago, matcha came to Japan as an aid to meditation practice. During long hours of sitting, monks would drink matcha to remain alert yet calm. Modern science has recently confirmed the lessons of centuries of tradition. Matcha is rich in L-Theanine, a rare amino acid that actually promotes a state of relaxation and well-being by acting upon the brains functioning. While stress can induce beta waves an excited, more agitated state, L-Theanine creates alpha waves, which lead to a state of relaxed alertness. And while L-Theanine is common in all tea, matcha may contain up to five times more of this amino acid than common black and green teas.
A cup of matcha promotes concentration and clarity of mind without any of the nervous energy found in coffee. Try matcha as a pick-me-up for the afternoon or anytime you need extra focus.

****When buying Matcha look for a premium grade that is from Japan.  Japan has higher standards for green tea than found in the USA.  An Asian market will be more reasonable than a health food store.  And Trader Joe's actually has individual packets.
 

Picture
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Julie Basham, L.Ac

    Archives

    October 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    November 2017
    September 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    October 2015
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011

    Categories

    All
    Adrenal Glands
    Autumn
    Coconut Oil
    Colds And Flu
    Colds And Flu
    Color Therapy
    Crystals
    Digestion
    Drug Companies
    Elderberry Syrup
    Emotions And Illness
    Essential Oils
    Green Tea / Breast Cancer
    Headaches
    How Does Acupuncture Work
    Immunity
    Injury
    Ionized Alkaline Water
    Liver Health
    Meditation
    Needle-Free Acupuncture
    Nutrition
    Recipes
    Seasonal Affective Disorder
    Skin Care
    Spices
    Spring
    TOXIC CRYSTALS AND STONES
    Vibration
    Weightloss
    Year Of The Dragon

    RSS Feed