Discover the Impressive Health Benefits of Chlorophyll-Rich Matcha

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a vibrant green tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What makes matcha unique is that the entire leaf is ground up into a fine powder, allowing you to consume the nutritious chlorophyll-rich leaf material rather than just infusing it into water.

The History of Matcha

Matcha has been used for centuries in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. The leaves are shade grown for several weeks before harvest to increase chlorophyll levels and improve flavor. Then the leaves are picked, steamed, dried and ground into a luxurious green powder.

How Is Matcha Different From Regular Green Tea?

Both matcha and regular green tea come from the Camellia sinensis species. However regular green tea only steeps the leaves in hot water to extract the flavors and compounds. With matcha, you drink the actual tea leaves which have been ground into powder, not just the infused water.

The Health Benefits of Matcha

As a vibrant green powder made from whole tea leaves, matcha naturally contains higher levels of chlorophyll and beneficial compounds than regular green tea. This is why drinking matcha has been associated with an array of health benefits.

Rich in Antioxidants

Matcha is exceptionally high in antioxidants called catechins, even more so than regular green tea. Antioxidants help fight free radicals and oxidative damage that can contribute to chronic diseases. The most abundant catechin found in matcha is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

Provides a Caffeine Boost

Unlike steeping regular tea leaves, preparing matcha allows the caffeine within the leaves to be dissolved into the water. This provides a unique burst of longer-lasting energy and focus compared to the peaks and crashes of coffee. The amino acids in matcha also make the caffeine more time-released.

Aids Weight Loss

Several studies have found that the antioxidants and phytochemicals in matcha tea can boost metabolism, calorie burning and fat burning. This can ultimately help facilitate weight loss. Matcha also provides a sustained energy boost which can improve physical endurance allowing you to burn more calories during workouts.

Detoxifies the Body

The rich chlorophyll levels in matcha give it powerful detoxification abilities. Chlorophyll binds to heavy metals and chemical toxins, assisting the liver in flushing them out of the body. Matcha has also been shown to have antibacterial effects particularly against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Improves Heart Health

Research shows that drinking matcha can help lower LDL bad cholesterol while raising HDL good cholesterol. Matcha consumption has also been linked with lower triglycerides and overall reduced risk of heart disease. The polyphenols are thought to be responsible for matchas cardio-protective effects.

Enhances Brain Function

The catechins and caffeine in matcha have been shown in studies to improve concentration, memory and alertness. Matcha causes alpha brain waves to increase which are associated with calmness and relaxation while simultaneously encouraging faster reaction times and clearer thinking.

Reduces Anxiety and Stress

Matcha contains high levels of L-theanine, an amino acid that triggers the production of dopamine, serotonin and GABA to promote relaxation of both mind and body. L-theanine provides anti-anxiety effects by modifying key receptors in the brain. This allows matcha to energize without causing jitteriness.

The Benefits of Matcha vs Regular Green Tea

While both matcha and regular brewed green tea come from Camellia sinensis leaves and offer similar health benefits, the nutritional value can differ greatly between the two. Heres how they compare.

Higher Antioxidant Levels

Since matcha is made from the entire leaf ground into powder, the levels of antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds are markedly higher than those found in steeped green tea. Most experts agree that matcha generally contains at least 3 times more antioxidants than regular green teas.

Greater Nutrient Density

By drinking matcha powder suspended in water instead of only steeping leaves, you consume the nutrients from the whole tea leaf. Matcha contains much higher levels of amino acids like L-theanine, vitamins, minerals, fiber and chlorophyll than just brewed green tea liquid.

Slow Release Caffeine Boost

The combination of L-theanine and caffeine in matcha works synergistically to provide longer lasting energy and improved concentration than coffee or standard green tea. The folks at chlorophyll matcha have really perfected the process to maximize flavor and health benefits.

Higher Chlorophyll Content

The shade growing method used for matcha significantly boosts the chlorophyll levels in the leaves. Since chlorophyll has been tied to detoxification, skin health, wound healing and weight loss, drinking matcha ensures you reap all of its unique benefits.

Better Catechin Absorption

Research has shown that the catechins and polyphenols found predominantly in green tea are better absorbed into the bloodstream when consumed as matcha powder rather than steeped green tea. Better bioavailability of these compounds allows your body to fully utilize them.

How Much Matcha Should You Drink Daily?

To experience all the impressive benefits that matcha has to offer, most experts recommend drinking one or two bowls per day. The easiest method is to whip 12 - 1 teaspoon of matcha powder with 2 ounces of hot (not boiling) water until it develops a nice frothy texture.

Pay Attention to Your Body

Keep in mind that everyone has different tolerance levels for caffeine and other stimulants found in matcha. Pay attention to how your body reacts when drinking matcha. Most people find that 1-2 matcha drinks per day provides an energizing boost without any unpleasant side effects.

High Quality Over Quantity

Its better to drink one daily serving of pure, ceremonial grade matcha rather than gulping down multiple cups of lower quality matcha. Ceremonial matcha contains higher nutrient levels and a richer flavor profile. The chlorophyll matcha powder is an excellent ceremonial grade choice.

Enjoy it Slowly Like the Japanese

To get the most out of your matcha experience, try enjoying it slowly in a tranquil setting as has been done in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies for ages. This Zen-like matcha experience will also automatically prevent you from overindulging.

Possible Side Effects of Matcha

For most people matcha is very safe to consume on a regular basis. However, there are some considerations regarding potential matcha tea side effects to keep in mind especially when drinking it daily.

Caffeine Sensitivity

Like other teas and coffee, matcha contains caffeine which can cause insomnia, headaches, irritability and jitteriness in sensitive individuals if too much is consumed. Start slowly with matcha until you know how your body handles the caffeine.

Lead Contamination

Some matcha powders contain trace levels of lead, likely due to the soil composition the tea plants are grown in. Only purchase matcha from reputable suppliers that properly test for toxins and heavy metals.

Upset Stomach

Due to matchas high tannin content, people with sensitive stomachs may experience nausea, diarrhea or stomach pain after drinking it. Start with small amounts of matcha on an empty stomach and discontinue use if any gastric distress occurs.

Drug Interactions

The caffeine in matcha can possibly interact with certain medications including some antibiotics, heart medications, chemotherapy drugs and over-the-counter stimulants. Check with your doctor before incorporating daily matcha if taking any regular medications.

Where to Buy Quality Matcha

While matcha has grown in availability over recent years, quality can still vary drastically between brands. For the greatest health benefits, youll want to stick to pure organic ceremonial grade matcha like that offered by chlorophyll matcha.

What Makes Chlorophyll Matcha Different

Chlorophyll matcha starts with the finest organic green tea leaves grown in shade conditions to boost amino acids and chlorophyll production. The leaves are harvested by hand, steamed and ground in granite stone mills to protect nutrients. The result is a vibrant, smoothly textured powder.

Sourcing Only Superior Quality Leaves

Chlorophyll matcha travels to Japan to hand-select leaves grown specifically for high grade ceremonial use rather than commercial applications. These fresh vibrant leaves are then lab tested for purity and safety as part of their strict quality control.

Convenient & Affordable

Chlorophyll matcha makes ordering premium grade matcha fast and easy directly through their website. By importing directly from small farms they can pass significant savings onto consumers while still retaining exceptional profit margins.

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.