Can you guess the most widely-consumed drink today (next to water) across the globe?
No, it’s not coffee nor is it cola. It’s tea!
People have been drinking tea for a longest time… even before coffee was discovered! It dates back to 2700 B.C. and is believed to have been discovered by the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung. It was not before 1191 A.D. that a Japanese Monk, Eisai, brought green tea seeds to Japan and introduced “powdered tea” or Matcha green tea. Unlike conventional tea, Matcha is made by pulverizing the leaves then dissolving it in water. The whole green tea leaf is used and consumed making it a more potent source of nutrients than leaves-infused-in-water tea.
Tea comes from the plant Camellia sinensis. Different types of tea (green, black, and oolong) vary by the process they go through. Matcha green tea is made from carefully selected small young leaves grown in a sheltered environment. These plants are protected from direct sunlight so that photosynthesis would be slower, thereby, stimulating the leaves to produce a lot more chlorophyll than it would normally giving it that vibrant green color. What sets Matcha apart from any other green tea is that the leaves are steamed briefly before being milled. This process helps preserve the color, flavor and nutrients in the plant.
Matcha green tea has come a long way that we can now enjoy it in several kinds of ways – whether as a beverage or food. Hailed as a “health elixir”, its popularity have grown all over the world not only because of its unique flavor but also because of its medicinal properties.
How cool is it that you can now get your green tea fix with our very own Matcha Green Tea Frozen Yogurt! We use Matcha Maiden Green Tea which is 100% pure organic green tea leaves ground into powder sourced directly from Kyoto, Japan.
Aside from being absolutely delicious, here are the Top 5 Reasons to Try Yo-get-it’s Matcha Green Tea Frozen Yogurt:
1 Antioxidant Superfood
Matcha Green Tea supersedes all other superfoods such as Goji berries, dark chocolate, Acai berries and spinach in terms of its inherent antioxidants. A gram of Matcha is equivalent to 5 times as much antioxidants as a gram of any other superfood.
Antioxidants, also known as polyphenols, help protect our body by preventing free radicals from damaging our cells. Free radicals is associated with the aging process as well as the development of certain diseases like the abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth such as cancer. The high amount of antioxidants in Matcha may just be the answer to keeping a youthful glow inside and out.
2 Metabolism Enhancer
Research shows that the dominant type of antioxidant in Matcha called EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) can help in fat oxidation and increase the rate of metabolism. In a nutshell, consumption of Matcha can help you burn fat, become leaner and healthier.
3 Detox Food
Matcha green tea is an excellent and natural detoxifier now available just about anywhere. The increased levels of chlorophyll in Matcha has been known to be an outstanding detoxifier. This natural detoxifier is very effective in flushing out harmful toxins from the body as well as preventing these toxins from sticking to the colon. Regular detoxing or cleansing will not only help keep your organs functioning like it’s brand new but it can also help keep your blood clean and healthy.
4 Energy and Mind Booster
Matcha green tea contains a good amount of caffeine for that much needed energy boost. A regular cup of Joe would have twice as much caffeine as Matcha green tea, but Matcha contains a special amino acid called L-theanin which regulates the release of caffeine. This gives Matcha green tea its edge, making it more intense and last longer than a good old cup of coffee.
Studies suggest that L-theanin in Matcha also acts as neurotransmitter in the brain, which helps induce alertness and a clear state of mind.
5 Anti-Stress and Calming Effect
The same L-theanin in Matcha green tea that produces mind enhancing powers is also the same stuff that produce a calming effect on the brain. This eliminates the downers effect of too much caffeine. Compared to coffee or other caffeinated drinks, Matcha soothes and stimulates the brain without the jittering and heightened anxiety.
References:
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Sass, C. (2015, March 27). 7 Things You Should Know About Matcha [Article].
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Stone, D. (2014, April 28). The World’s Top Drink [Article].
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Health Benefits of Matcha Tea. (n.d.).
Retrieved from https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/beverage/matcha-tea.html
Gunnars, K. (n.d.). 10 Proven Benefits of Green Tea [Blog Post].
Retrieved from http://authoritynutrition.com/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea/
10 Amazing Benefits of Matcha Green Tea. (2013, August 20).
Retrieved from http://www.naturallivingideas.com/10-amazing-benefits-of-matcha-green-tea/
Satherley, J. (2014, August 5). Could You Swap You Morning Latte for Green Tea? [Blog Post].
Retrieved from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2713411/Would-swap-coffee-Matcha-green-tea.html
