In addition, you can make scrumptious matcha desserts and croissants. Some reports even claim matcha and green tea can reduce your risk of certain cancers. (Image Credit: dungthuyvunguyen/Pixabay) 1. It may have some powerful health benefits that, when combined with a plant-based diet, can help with weight management and reduce risk of chronic disease. The only tried-and-true way drinking green tea will boost your metabolism? (You can get a special measuring spoon from a matcha supplier, along with a whisk to prepare the tea in a bowl.) Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. If you’re curious about matcha, here's more about what it is, plus the health benefits. Here's the deal: If you're regularly drink soda, juice and sugary beverages, making the switch to unsweetened matcha will absolutely help! Matcha is a concentrated powdered form of green tea that has been used for centuries in China and Japan. Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. Unlike traditional green tea, matcha preparation involves covering the tea plants with shade cloths before they’re harvested. Rich in Antioxidants. All products and services featured are selected by our editors. ), leading to blood sugar spikes and subsequent crashes. Tea experts also warn that with matcha, quality is key, and it comes at a cost. But if you don't love the taste, it's certainly not a must. 2. In fact, the term “matcha” and its pronunciation (maa-chuh) are derived from Japanese words meaning “ground” and “tea.” Matcha is made from the leaves of the tea plant Camellia sinensis, an evergreen shrub of the Theaceae family. Another thing would happen: high grade Matcha is more sensitive and delicate, meaning that your cake or baked goods might change color faster, or turn a little bitter. Another polyphenol in matcha called EGCG has been shown in research to boost metabolism, and slow or halt the growth of cancer cells. Matcha is antioxidant rich (it has 15 times the amount blueberries do), contains polyphenols, and is high in vitamin C and fiber.. Matcha can also be used to relieve stress due to the amino acid L-Theanine that it contains. Stay in your living room and still spike your heart rate. Matcha is a form of powdered green tea that traditionally played a part in the Japanese tea ceremony. Health.com may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Matcha paste blends best if you use a whisk to ensure a smooth drink. One independent group, ConsumerLab.com, which tested teas, estimates that a cup of matcha may contain as much as 30 times more lead than a cup of green tea. Because I’m blown away by the research on the health and weight loss benefits of mindfulness meditation, I included an entire chapter about this practice in my book Slim Down Now, and I recorded a five-minute guided meditation video on my website. Matcha is high in a catechin called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is believed to have cancer-fighting effects on the body. Offers may be subject to change without notice. A low price tag can be a red flag for a poor quality product. 5 creative ways to give matcha a try Traditionally (and most recognizably), matcha is whisked into hot water to create a frothy tea drink. When traditional green tea is steeped, about 90% of the lead stays in the leaf, which is discarded. In addition to providing small amounts of vitamins and minerals, matcha is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols, which have been tied to protection against heart disease and cancer, as well as better blood sugar regulation, blood pressure reduction, and anti-aging. According to science, matcha is something of a miracle supplement. Therefore, they recommend drinking no more than one cup daily, and not serving it to children. From easier cramps to a heavier flow, here's a guide on what to expect decade by decade. Coffee and other types of teas have similar benefits. So look for pure, organic, quality matcha, and enjoy it in moderation. That's because the number one source of added sugar (and therefore added calories) in the American diet is sugar-sweetened beverages, so opting for a calorie-free alternative is always best. Because of this, it may be sweetened to improve its palatability. In other words, high quality, fresh, pure matcha is expensive. Here’s my two cents: Although the science isn’t there yet, consuming matcha doesn’t appear to be harmful and could potentially be good for you. If you look up matcha recipes, you’ll find everything from matcha muffins, brownies and puddings, to matcha soup, stir fry, and even matcha guacamole. And easy. Some people describe it as grass or spinach-like, and it has an umami taste. It's been shown to reduce cortisol (a stress hormone known to drive appetite and increase belly fat), lower inflammation (a known trigger of premature aging and disease), curb impulsive eating, lower blood pressure, and boost self-esteem and compassion. Why trust us? Anything cheaper is not likely to have good flavor. A registered dietitian with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University and a Master of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University, Jaclyn “Jackie” London handled all of Good Housekeeping’s nutrition-related content, testing, and evaluation from 2014 to 2019. 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