Matcha tea has been a trend in recent years, for those who love to have a healthy life. This is because it is not only a drink from Asian dynasties, but also has great healing benefits for the mind and body.
Said tea was used for rituals and religious practices of Buddhism . Now, it is currently consumed to help keep the mind and body relaxed, in addition to preventing chronic diseases such as cancer, thanks to its benefits.
For this reason, in this article we will explain in detail the benefits of matcha tea and its preparation, in order to include this wonderful drink in our daily lives and enjoy each of its advantages for our body.
What is matcha tea?
Matcha tea is a green Asian drink , which is known throughout the world for its preparation process. It plays an important role in Japanese culture , since its properties are ideal for meditation .
Note: It has a fresh flavor of herbs, nuts and a touch of bitterness. In addition, it has vitamins, minerals and amino acids .
On the other hand, matcha green tea can be accompanied by other ingredients , such as milk, to prepare the famous “matcha latte” and honey or syrup can be added to sweeten it.
What are the health benefits of matcha tea?
Today, many people are looking for food options that help them stay fit and improve their health, with matcha tea being an extraordinary alternative for this, thanks to each of its components. Some of the benefits of this drink are:
1. Strengthens the immune system
Matcha tea has antioxidants that protect the immune system, mainly catechins that help prevent the degeneration of hemoglobin in the blood. This tea contains vitamin C and E , which are substances that stimulate the protection of the organs against viruses and bacteria.
2. Regulates blood pressure
Another of the benefits of matcha tea is that it contains polyphenols, catechins and chlorophyll. These substances improve blood circulation to the heart and help the health of the arteries and veins. In addition, it prevents the suffering of pathologies such as cardiovascular accidents, cardiac arrhythmia and heart attacks.
Important: A study in Venezuela on green tea and its various variants, showed that 7 cups of matcha a day are 3.5 grams of catechins, which is an excellent alternative to avoid cardiovascular complications and maintain a balanced life. (1)
3. Reduces cholesterol, triglyceride and blood sugar levels
This drink has chlorophyll, which is a component that cleanses the blood and increases the production of blood cells and cells. It has antioxidants, which reduce blood glucose in diabetic patients. It also contains minerals, which control cholesterol and triglyceride levels , apart from being a sodium and fat free tea.
4. Fights the action of free radicals
Matcha green tea has more polyphenols than regular tea . This allows it to guard the body from oxidative stress and inflammation, helping to detoxify the entire body of free radicals and neutralizing their damaging effects on the body. Also, it eliminates the appearance of mental disorders and degenerative diseases.
5. Promotes cognitive functions
Matcha tea leaves help take advantage of catechin , a component that prevents some pathologies such as facial paralysis, cataracts and dementia. On the other hand, it is a neurotransmitter that has a calming effect on the brain and has theanine that takes care of neural functions and increases concentration and memory.
6. Increases physical energy
This substance has theophylline that improves energy levels, without any type of contraindication. In the same way, it helps the brain to release hormones in a balanced and slow way, which takes care of the adrenal glands, benefiting patients who suffer from acute fatigue or muscle ailments.
Tip: It is recommended to consume it on an empty stomach or before daily breakfast for greater effectiveness.
7. Contributes to weight loss
This drink is ideal for those who want to lose weight , since it has properties that stimulate kidney function and help eliminate fluids. In addition, it has polyphenols that accelerate fat burning and vitamin C that helps expel toxins and dead cells through urine.
8. Reduces stress and anxiety
Matcha tea has amino acids that stimulate the brain, concentration and relaxation. It also contains minerals, which help prevent suffering from pathologies such as dementia and work stress.
You should know: On the other hand, it has anxiolytics that improve mood and help to have mental clarity.
9. Improves skin and nail health
If you want beautiful, great-looking skin, you must use matcha tea. This tea helps fight dark circles, reduce scars and eliminate spots caused by sunlight, being a substance that reduces the greasy sebum in the dermis by 70% and stimulates the production of cells responsible for nail growth.
To highlight : In Brazil, a study was carried out on some animals and their healing process. One group was treated with matcha green tea and an acceleration in epithelial neoformation was observed after surgery. Which shows that matcha tea is ideal for protecting, caring for and healing the skin. (two)
10. Prevents some types of cancer
Drinking matcha tea is recommended for patients suffering from some type of cancer, since it is a substance that helps to eliminate toxins , expel dead cells and avoid oxidative stress, thanks to its high antioxidant content . In addition, it has a healing effect that prevents the appearance of malignant cells.
In the same way, this tea is an ideal drink to reduce the side effect of colon, stomach and throat cancer.
Important: In Chile, a study was carried out on the advantages of matcha green tea and among these, cancer prevention was highlighted, which concluded that this drink has great antioxidant activity that acts as cytoprotectors and prevents the evolution of this chronic disease. . (3)
What does matcha tea contain?
Matcha tea is a natural drink that has a wide variety of essential nutrients, due to this it is sought after to alleviate diseases and prevent various pathologies , thanks to its large number of components, which are:
1. Vitamins
Matcha tea is a source of vitamins A, C, E, and K. It also has a B complex that regulates sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels . In addition, it is a natural cleanser that improves the appearance of the skin.
2. Minerals
This is a delicious drink and known throughout the world for its already described virtues, due to the minerals it contains such as magnesium , zinc, calcium, selenium and chromium . So it’s ideal for regulating the nervous system and avoiding wear and tear on the immune system.
3. Other compounds
It is a drink with a large amount of antioxidants such as polyphenols, catechins and chlorophyll. In addition, it has dietary fiber to improve digestive pathologies and has amino acids such as theophylline and L-theanine. It has no fat or glucose.
How is matcha tea prepared and consumed?
Learning how to prepare matcha tea is an art. Essential implements are required to make this delicious drink. In this sense, a chashaku and a Japanese bowl are essential so that you can drink the authentic drink of Buddhism.
Ingredients
- powdered matcha tea
- Hot water
- sweetener to taste
Preparation and consumption
- Heat the water to a temperature not higher than 80 ° C.
- Add in a cup the amount you want of matcha tea powder. Then add the water and stir with a bamboo or plastic whisk.
- Add the sweetener of your preference.
- Keep stirring until you get a smooth and light foam. Add ice or whipped cream and enjoy a rich cup of matcha tea.
To highlight: Currently, matcha tea can be found in flour, rice, drinks, milkshakes, coffees and in an endless number of foods. The virtues of matcha have made it the protagonist of unique meals and desserts.
Key Findings
- Matcha tea has great antioxidant power to prevent cancer and other chronic diseases.
- This drink has a significant amount of amino acids and antioxidants.
- Drinking matcha green tea helps eliminate fluid retention and toxins.
- Improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation of the intestines.
- A cup of matcha tea can be consumed by people of various ages.
