The favorite drink of Japanese Zen Buddhists. The whole truth about matcha tea

“Tea is a beverage familiar to each of us. But most people limit themselves to drinking black and green tea or carcade. In fact, there are other types that deserve attention. One of them is matcha.”

What is matcha tea?

It is a finely ground powder made from the leaves of specially grown and processed green tea. Such a drink is used in the strictly ritualized Japanese tea ceremony.

The first seeds were brought to Japan during the Chinese Tang Dynasty, and the varieties to produce the highest quality beverage were bred in the Kyoto area. It was used as medicine for priests and nobles, and cultivation in the religious sphere began in the late 12th century by a Japanese Zen Buddhist priest who crushed the leaves of the plant. A second innovation that has become an integral part of the official ceremony is the use of a bamboo whisk to mix the powder with hot water.

Harvesting takes place once a year by hand. A few weeks in advance, the leaves are covered to keep them out of the sunlight. This helps to preserve freshness and give a dark green color. It is dried without twisting, and only then is ground into a powdery powder.

How is it used today?

There are several ways to use this drink. Of course, the first option is the standard brewing.

Recipe

1. It is necessary to put a teaspoon in a preheated bowl. It is better to use a tyavan (ceramic or porcelain bowl). It is not necessary to additionally sift, since now presented already processed products.
2. Add 1/3 cup of hot but not boiling water.
3. Stir with a bamboo whisk (yatsen).

It is worth considering that many recipes in restaurants include additional ingredients in the form of milk, sugar, honey. All of them have calories, and therefore increase the energy value of the drink. Many people do not consider the drinks as a source of calories, so they gain weight.

The second method is the addition of powder in cooking. It is actively used for the preparation of baked goods, ice cream, cakes and souffles. Moreover, it is an excellent ingredient for sauces for meat. It is often used as an additive to lattes or smoothies.

Including a new kind of drink in your usual diet will not only have a positive effect on health, but also give you additional taste sensations.

How useful is matcha tea?

Medical practitioner, nutritionist, Coral Club health expert

“It is a popular beverage among health enthusiasts, known for its rich flavor and numerous health benefits. From a neurological perspective, it is important to know how the micronutrients and vitamins in the drink affect the body.”

Matcha contains several essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium.

It is also rich in polyphenols, catechins and EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which are powerful antioxidants. They help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are associated with certain neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Tea has numerous health benefits that can have positive effects on the body. For example, EGCG has been shown to improve brain function, memory, and cognitive abilities. It also helps lower blood sugar, cholesterol, strengthen the immune system and protect against infections.

It improves brain function due to its caffeine content, which increases alertness and concentration. When combined with L-theanine, it can also have a positive effect on cognitive ability and memory. This amino acid stimulates the production of alpha waves in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

Matcha also has anti-inflammatory properties. It contains catechins that reduce inflammation in the body associated with chronic diseases, including heart disease, arthritis, and cancer.

What are the contraindications?

Although matcha tea is considered a safe beverage, excessive consumption can lead to side effects. Such as insomnia, anxiety and rapid heartbeat.

It also contains caffeine, which aggravates existing neurological conditions. For example, migraine or anxiety disorders. Therefore, it is not recommended for pregnant women or people with hypersensitivity to the psychoactive substance. People with certain neurological conditions should also consult their physician before use.

How to choose and store?

There are a lot of fakes today. Examine the product thoroughly before buying it. The place of cultivation should be Japan. Pay attention to the price, it can not be low. Study the composition on the label. Choose a product without chemical components. Quality tea has a light pistachio color.

After opening the package, the powder should be stored for no more than two months. Therefore, it is better to buy in small quantities and store it in the refrigerator.