Matcha Green Tea - What It Is, Benefits, and How to Make It

Matcha has been enjoyed in Japan since ancient times, and its health and beauty benefits are widely known and receiving a great deal of attention.

Japan, a country with one of the world’s longest life expectancies, has been drinking matcha as its most familiar and historic natural medicine.

The health benefits of matcha are still being researched, and the potential for new discoveries remains open.

Matcha is becoming increasingly popular around the world in a variety of forms, from sweets to cooking. However, many people are interested in matcha but do not know much about it, or drink it solely because it seems beneficial for their health and beauty.

To help you learn more about matcha and incorporate it into your daily diet, we would like to introduce its appeal and surprising benefits.

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a type of green tea.

Green tea is an unfermented tea produced without the fermentation of tea leaves and is the collective name for a variety of teas, including sencha, gyokuro, bancha, matcha, and roasted tea.

Matcha differs from other teas in its production process.

The raw material for matcha is called “tencha.”

When new sprouts emerge, the tea plantation is covered and kept out of the sun to bring out a mild flavor with subtle bitterness.

After the tea leaves are plucked and steamed, they are dried without being rubbed, unlike ordinary green tea.

The stems, veins, and other hard parts are removed, leaving only the soft tea leaves.

The finished tencha leaves are stored for a certain period to mature and then slowly ground in small amounts over time using a tea mortar or similar tool to finally produce matcha.

Matcha is a special kind of tea that requires a lot of time and effort, and it is this time and effort that give it its beautiful color and aroma.

Nutrients and Benefits of Matcha

Matcha is said to be good for your health, but what nutrients does it contain?

Here are some of the most common nutrients and their benefits:

• Catechins: These have a strong antioxidant effect and are effective in preventing and improving obesity, making them beneficial for weight loss.
• Theanine: This umami ingredient reaches the brain and is effective in relaxing both the brain and mind.
• Caffeine: It refreshes and improves concentration by stimulating the brain and relieving fatigue.
• Vitamin C: Essential for collagen synthesis in skin and cells, it supports the creation of beautiful skin.
• Vitamin E: This vitamin supports metabolism and cell renewal, making it effective for anti-aging.
• Dietary fiber: It improves the intestinal environment and is also effective in alleviating constipation.

Catechins, theanine, and caffeine are unique to matcha, and their synergistic effects are said to enhance the health benefits of matcha.

Matcha is also superior to other teas in that it provides more nutrients when the tea leaves themselves are consumed.

Catechin - Effective for dieting

The catechins in matcha tea have a dieting effect.

Catechins are classified into four main types, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which accounts for half of all catechins, is responsible for the weight loss effect.

Starch and sucrose ingested in the diet are broken down into glucose by the enzyme α-amylase, found in saliva, and sucrase, an enzyme secreted from the small intestine, which are then absorbed. Matcha catechins have been shown to inhibit the action of α-amylase and sucrase.

By inhibiting the breakdown of starch, catechins prevent the production of glucose, which in turn reduces and inhibits the fat produced from glucose, thereby aiding in weight loss.

Studies have shown that the higher the BMI, the greater the weight loss effect.

Vitamin C - Supports beautiful skin and improves immunity

The desire to “look young forever” is a wish shared by all people, regardless of age or gender. Why does aging occur in the first place? There are various causes, one of which is oxidation (the rusting of cells).

The vitamin C contained in matcha tea has a high antioxidant effect, preventing the body from aging, preventing tissue aging, and maintaining the immune system.

In addition, the vitamin C in matcha works with catechins to inhibit melanin pigmentation, which is believed to be effective in the formation of beautiful skin.

One disadvantage of vitamin C is that it is heat-sensitive, but the vitamin C in tea is not destroyed by heat.

It prevents the deposition of melanin pigment, which causes sun spots and freckles, and helps to maintain elastic and fresh skin.

Vitamin E - Good for Anti-aging

Vitamin E, known as the “vitamin of rejuvenation,” is a powerful antioxidant that prevents the oxidation of lipids in the body.

It also promotes blood circulation, balances hormones, and has antioxidant properties that prevent aging and the increase of lipid peroxide in the body.

Vitamin E is abundantly found in nuts such as almonds and in vegetable oils, but it is also present in matcha (powdered green tea) and can be ingested more efficiently by consuming the whole tea leaves.

In addition to vitamin E, vitamin C and catechins enhance the synergistic effects on beautiful skin. Matcha is a treasure trove of vitamins, making it a perfect anti-aging drink.

Theanine - Relax your brain and mind

Theanine, the umami component of matcha, is unique in that after being absorbed from the intestines, it passes through the blood-brain barrier, a protective mechanism of the brain, and reaches the brain directly.

Therefore, it has effects on the brain and mind such as promoting relaxation, sleep, and concentration.

Matcha tea contains caffeine, which is known to cause excitement, but theanine also reduces its side effects, thus alleviating the effects of caffeine.

Relaxation helps to relieve muscle tension throughout the body, leading to capillary dilation and improved blood circulation. It is also recommended for those who suffer from cold hands and feet.

Dietary Fiber - Improves the intestinal environment

Matcha is rich in dietary fiber.

Many people may think of dietary fiber as being effective only for constipation.

Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals are considered the five major nutrients, but dietary fiber is often referred to as the “sixth nutrient” because of its useful functions in the body, such as regulating the bowels.

Dietary fiber has several functions, such as regulating bowel movements to prevent and improve constipation by maintaining a healthy intestinal environment.

In addition, dietary fiber helps to slow down the absorption of fat, sugar, sodium, and other substances that can cause obesity, dyslipidemia (hyperlipidemia), diabetes, and hypertension if consumed in excess. It also absorbs these substances and expels them from the body.

Caffeine - Recover from fatigue and improve concentration

Caffeine is a bitter natural ingredient found in plants such as coffee beans, tea leaves, and cocoa beans.

It is said to reduce fatigue during exercise, allowing people to continue exercising for longer periods, and to improve concentration.

Although caffeine often has a negative image for “causing insomnia,” the caffeine in matcha has been shown to have a milder stimulant effect than coffee due to the interaction of theanine and arginine.

Consumption of a moderate amount of caffeine can reduce the burden on the body, relieve fatigue through its mild stimulant effect, and improve concentration by promoting relaxation.

After concentrating on studying or working, it is recommended to drink matcha to relax.

Side Effects and Risks of Matcha

Matcha tea can provide health and beauty benefits when enjoyed in proper amounts.

Excessive consumption can decrease the quality of sleep due to the stimulant effect of caffeine contained in matcha.

Consumption should be limited to 4-5 cups of thin tea with 60 ml of hot water per day and should be avoided before bedtime.

The catechins in matcha are also sometimes referred to as tannins, which may be a concern for anemic people because tannins inhibit the absorption of iron.

If you are taking iron supplements to treat anemia, try to stagger the timing or reduce the amount of matcha consumed to avoid consuming it together.

Helpful Tips for Making Matcha

Matcha is not “brewed” but rather “poured.”

Matcha is prepared by pouring hot water directly into a bowl and whisking it with a utensil called a chasen.

A variety of utensils are needed for the tea ceremony, but it is not easy to prepare them all at the beginning.

It is important to start off by using things you already have at home.

The items you will need are a tea bowl, a tea whisk, and a chashaku (tea scoop).

You can substitute a café au lait bowl for the tea bowl and a spoon for the chashaku.

For the chasen, it is recommended to prepare a special chasen if possible.

A bamboo chasen with a soft tip will not damage the bowl when making matcha and will produce a finer foam, which makes the matcha taste mellower.

It is easy to purchase a chasen from online stores, so please try to get one for yourself.

How to Make Matcha Green Tea

Once you have prepared the utensils, feel free to try making matcha.

1. Place the chasen (tea whisk) and the tea bowl inside the bowl and pour hot water into the bowl. When the water is warmed, discard the hot water and wipe the inside of the tea bowl.
2. Put the tea leaves into the tea bowl with a tea scoop.
3. Pour hot water.
4. Whisk the tea by moving the chasen up and down.

Although this is not the formal way of making matcha, the process is strange and calming. This is the charm of matcha that cannot be found in any other beverage.

We also recommend using a shaker to make matcha. Just shake the shaker up and down about 20 times, and you have a cup of authentic matcha.

In Japan, special matcha shakers are also available for casual use.

What is the Best Matcha Powder?

Matcha tea varies in quality and price, and it can be surprisingly difficult to select the best quality.

Kyoto Geisha Matcha, created by a tea master and tea wholesaler in Kyoto with a history of over 270 years, is characterized by the use of domestic organic matcha, which is one of the rarest in Japan.

The lineup ranges from everyday-use matcha to high-grade options, such as Super Ceremonial matcha for tea ceremonies, which uses only the first-grade matcha produced in Kyoto.

Kyoto, known for its tea production, is a world-famous tourist destination and home to some of Japan’s most famous cultural landmarks. However, with a limited preservation budget and a dwindling number of artisans, the culture is on the verge of extinction.

To promote matcha tea, Japanese food, and Japanese culture to the world, and to ensure that this wonderful culture is passed on forever, we are working to connect Kyoto’s history and culture to the future by donating 1% of our sales to cultural properties in Kyoto through our “1% for Kyoto” initiative.