Exploring the Potential Health Benefits of Bigelow Matcha Green Tea
For centuries, matcha green tea has been valued in Japanese culture for its mellow, earthy taste and variety of health-promoting properties. Bigelow recently launched its own line of matcha tea bags, bringing the convenience and antioxidants of matcha to American tea drinkers. But what exactly are the benefits of matcha, and Bigelow's version in particular? Here's a look at some of the key perks you can expect from drinking matcha green tea daily.
High Levels of Antioxidants
All green teas provide antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals and oxidative stress in the body. But matcha stands out as delivering higher antioxidant levels than regular brewed green tea. That's because when you drink matcha, you consume the whole green tea leaf ground into a fine powder, not just the watered-down infusion. One serving of matcha can contain up to 137 times more antioxidants than a serving of brewed green tea.
Bigelow's matcha tea bags contain finely ground Japanese matcha to provide maximum antioxidant power in each cup. The rich green matcha powder also gives the tea its signature vivid hue. Sipping just one cup of Bigelow matcha green tea daily helps flood your body with free radical-fighting antioxidants.
Boosts Energy and Focus
The caffeine content in matcha green tea can provide a sustained energy boost without the crash later on. Unlike coffee, matcha also contains L-theanine, an amino acid with relaxing properties that balances out the stimulatory effects of caffeine. This combination produces an "alert calm" effect many people love. L-theanine may also enhance concentration and focus.
Reviewers praise Bigelow matcha green tea bags for providing energy-enhancing effects without jitters or headaches. The convenient tea bags let you quickly prepare a cup of matcha on busy mornings for a pick-me-up before work or school.
Supports Heart Health
Several studies have found drinking green tea may benefit heart health and lower cardiac disease risks. Green tea contains catechins and polyphenols linked to lower LDL "bad" cholesterol levels and improved blood pressure. The antioxidants in matcha also protect against arterial damage caused by free radicals.
Bigelow's matcha green tea offers these cardioprotective compounds in each nutritious cup. Sipping just one serving per day may lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and congestive heart failure over time.
Aids Weight Loss
As a calorie-free beverage packed with antioxidants, matcha green tea can support weight loss efforts. The catechins found in matcha have been shown to boost metabolism and fat burning while limiting fat cell production. Drinking matcha can help increase thermogenesis to burn more calories.
Bigelow's convenient matcha tea bags let you enjoy these slimming benefits hot or iced. Reviewers say sipping the tasty matcha tea helps curb hunger and gives an energy lift during workouts. Brew a cup post-meal to support your diet and weight loss goals.
Contains Immune-Boosting Compounds
The same catechins and antioxidants that make matcha heart-healthy also have powerful infection-fighting effects in the body. Studies indicate matcha and green tea catechins like EGCg may boost immune function and inhibit viral entry and replication.
Bigelow's matcha green tea bags provide an simple way to get your daily dose of immune-enhancing antioxidants. Reviewers say drinking the tea helps ward off colds and illnesses. Enjoy a steaming mug any time you feel under the weather.
Promotes Skin Health
Consuming matcha green tea provides benefits from the inside out in the form of healthier, more radiant skin. The polyphenols protect skin against sun damage. Meanwhile, the tea's anti-inflammatory effects help calm conditions like rosacea, acne, and eczema.
Sipping Bigelow matcha daily loads your body with antioxidants that promote collagen production, protect against pigmentation, and battle signs of aging. For added benefits, create a soothing matcha face mask using powdered tea bags mixed with water.
Contains Natural Detoxifying Compounds
The same green tea catechins prized for their antioxidant effects also double as potent detoxification aids. Compounds in matcha like EGCg help boost liver function and glutathione levels to rid the body of toxins, chemicals, pollutants, and heavy metals absorbed from the environment.
Enjoying Bigelow's matcha tea daily helps flush out toxins and provides constant nutrient support to this crucial organ. Reviewers report matcha green tea from Bigelow tastes smooth and flavorful without any bitterness.
How to Prepare Bigelow Matcha Tea
It's easy to enjoy all the impressive health benefits of matcha green tea by steeping Bigelow tea bags using these simple steps:
Heat Water to 175F
Matcha powder requires slightly cooler water between 160F and 175F to avoid turning bitter. Use a thermometer or electric kettle to accurately heat water to the ideal temperature.
Place Tea Bag in Cup
Add your Bigelow matcha green tea bag to a mug or teacup. Ceramic or glass work well to retain heat and allow the matcha flavor to develop fully. Have sweetener on hand if desired.
Pour Hot Water Over Bag
Pour the heated water over the tea bag in your cup until it's about 3/4 full. Using hot instead of boiling water prevents burning the delicate green tea leaves.
Steep for 1-2 Minutes
Let your Bigelow matcha tea bag steep for 1-2 minutes to reach the tea's full flavor and antioxidant potential. Steeping too long can make it taste bitter.
Remove and Squeeze Bag
After steeping, remove the tea bag and gently squeeze it to release any remaining concentrated liquid before discarding.
Sweeten if Desired
Add any natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or monk fruit extract to taste. Many enjoy matcha tea unsweetened for its natural flavor.
Mix and Enjoy
Stir your freshly steeped matcha tea and savor its many health perks! Try hot or chilled over ice.
Tips for Buying and Storing Matcha
Follow these simple tips to buy quality matcha and keep it fresh:
Choose Ceremonial Grade
Opt for ceremonial grade Japanese matcha like Bigelow's which is higher quality and contains more nutrients than cheaper culinary grades.
Check for Vibrant Color
Quality matcha is a vivid green. Avoid any brownish or dull-hued powders, which indicate stale or lower grade tea.
Read the Ingredients
Make sure powdered matcha green tea, and no other ingredients, is listed on tea bags or canisters.
Buy from Reputable Brands
Purchase from established tea companies like Bigelow rather than untested brands or supplements.
Store in an Airtight Container
Keep unused matcha bags or powder in an airtight container away from light, air, humidity, and warm temperatures.
Refrigerate Opened Powder
Once opened, powdered matcha lasts longer refrigerated to prevent oxidation.
Use Within 3 Months
For peak freshness and antioxidant levels, use matcha within 3 months of opening.
With minimal daily effort, its easy to unlock all the scientifically-backed wellness advantages of matcha green tea by steeping convenient Bigelow tea bags. Harness the power of matcha for your health.
FAQs
Is Bigelow matcha high quality?
Yes, Bigelow uses ceremonial grade Japanese matcha tea leaves ground into a fine powder, providing higher nutrients than cheaper culinary matcha.
How much caffeine is in Bigelow matcha tea?
Bigelow matcha green tea contains around 30-50mg of caffeine per 8oz serving, less than coffee but enough for an energizing lift.
Does Bigelow matcha come in latte or powder form?
Bigelow offers matcha in convenient tea bags containing ground matcha leaves. They do not currently sell matcha powder or latte mixes.
Is Bigelow matcha certified organic?
No, Bigelow's matcha tea bags are not USDA certified organic at this time, but they are made with high-quality Japanese matcha.
Where can I buy Bigelow matcha green tea?
Bigelow matcha tea bags can be found at most major grocery stores and online retailers including Amazon and Bigelow's website.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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