By now we've all read about the many health benefits of green tea - it has been linked to cutting the risk of stroke, heart disease and diabetes.
So we thought it was about time we got clued up on matcha - the finely ground powder made of whole, high-grade green tea leaves.
One glass of matcha is thought to contain as many antioxidants as 10 glasses of regular green tea, so it must be pretty good, right?
![matcha green tea]()
What is matcha?
"A long standing tradition of Japanese culture, matcha green tea is the highest quality powdered green tea available," explains Tipper Lewis, head herbalist at Neal’s Yard Remedies.
"Made from the nutrient-rich young leaves picked from the tips of shade-grown Camellia sinensis plants, matcha green tea is steamed, stemmed, and de-vined before being stone-ground into very fine powder.
"Matcha powder is then stored away from light and oxygen in order to preserve its brilliant green colour and antioxidant properties."
Health benefits
"This miracle elixir has been consumed for over a millennium in the Far East, and is now considered to be one of the most powerful super foods on the market today.
"Samurai, the noble warriors of medieval and early-modern Japan, drank matcha green tea before going into battle due to the tea’s energizing properties.
"While all green tea naturally contains caffeine, the energy boost received from matcha is largely due to its unique combination of other nutrients.
According to Lewis, the increased endurance from a bowl of matcha can last up to six hours and because of the effects of L-Theanine, matcha drinkers experience none of the usual side-effects of stimulants such as nervousness and hypertension. It’s good, clean energy.
"Another side-effect of L-Theanine is the production of dopamine and serotonin. These two chemicals serve to enhance mood, improve memory, and promote better concentration."
Matcha also helps to safely cleanse the body of harmful elements, and Lewis adds that the chlorophyll that gives green tea and other plants their signature verdant colour is also a powerful detoxifier, helping to eliminate both chemicals and heavy metals from the body.
"And because Matcha is carefully shade-grown, it is substantially richer in chlorophyll than other green teas, making it a superior daily detox."
As wonderful as matcha sounds, nutritionist and health editor at About.com Rachel Berman warns that we shouldn't get too obsessed with the ingredient.
"Remember that one food or drink will not work to keep you healthy or maintain your weight," she says.
If you're going to include matcha in your diet, be careful not to cut out other essential foods.
How to use matcha
Lewis suggests adding ½ teaspoon to your chosen drink - fruit juice, hot/cold water or milk.
"Matcha has to be one of my favourite superfoods," she adds. "Its malty taste works well with chocolate treats and it feels strengthening, not stimulating making it great for daily energy support. Add to smoothies, cakes, porridge, milk drinks or cacao treats."
Or if you're feeling a little more adventurous, check out the recipes in the slideshow below:
So we thought it was about time we got clued up on matcha - the finely ground powder made of whole, high-grade green tea leaves.
One glass of matcha is thought to contain as many antioxidants as 10 glasses of regular green tea, so it must be pretty good, right?
What is matcha?
"A long standing tradition of Japanese culture, matcha green tea is the highest quality powdered green tea available," explains Tipper Lewis, head herbalist at Neal’s Yard Remedies.
"Made from the nutrient-rich young leaves picked from the tips of shade-grown Camellia sinensis plants, matcha green tea is steamed, stemmed, and de-vined before being stone-ground into very fine powder.
"Matcha powder is then stored away from light and oxygen in order to preserve its brilliant green colour and antioxidant properties."
Health benefits
"This miracle elixir has been consumed for over a millennium in the Far East, and is now considered to be one of the most powerful super foods on the market today.
"Samurai, the noble warriors of medieval and early-modern Japan, drank matcha green tea before going into battle due to the tea’s energizing properties.
"While all green tea naturally contains caffeine, the energy boost received from matcha is largely due to its unique combination of other nutrients.
According to Lewis, the increased endurance from a bowl of matcha can last up to six hours and because of the effects of L-Theanine, matcha drinkers experience none of the usual side-effects of stimulants such as nervousness and hypertension. It’s good, clean energy.
"Another side-effect of L-Theanine is the production of dopamine and serotonin. These two chemicals serve to enhance mood, improve memory, and promote better concentration."
Matcha also helps to safely cleanse the body of harmful elements, and Lewis adds that the chlorophyll that gives green tea and other plants their signature verdant colour is also a powerful detoxifier, helping to eliminate both chemicals and heavy metals from the body.
"And because Matcha is carefully shade-grown, it is substantially richer in chlorophyll than other green teas, making it a superior daily detox."
As wonderful as matcha sounds, nutritionist and health editor at About.com Rachel Berman warns that we shouldn't get too obsessed with the ingredient.
"Remember that one food or drink will not work to keep you healthy or maintain your weight," she says.
If you're going to include matcha in your diet, be careful not to cut out other essential foods.
How to use matcha
Lewis suggests adding ½ teaspoon to your chosen drink - fruit juice, hot/cold water or milk.
"Matcha has to be one of my favourite superfoods," she adds. "Its malty taste works well with chocolate treats and it feels strengthening, not stimulating making it great for daily energy support. Add to smoothies, cakes, porridge, milk drinks or cacao treats."
Or if you're feeling a little more adventurous, check out the recipes in the slideshow below:
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