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Matcha Power

Matcha is a green powdered tea of the highest quality.

It has a long association with Zen and ritual, as the Japanese tea ceremony is focused on the preparation, serving, and drinking of matcha. I

In modern Western culture, it is a good alternative to coffee—without the jitters.

There are so many reasons to drink matcha, but here are eight benefits of including it in your daily regimen.

SEE ALSO: This One Small Act Brings Enlightenment

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are naturally occurring chemical compounds that deter the aging process and guard against infections and disease.

Matcha is the only form of tea in which the whole leaf is consumed.

Because the whole leaves are treated with great care and stoneground, matcha delivers more of the antioxidant benefits than regular green tea.

According to matchasource.com, one cup of matcha tea has as many antioxidants as 10 cups of brewed green tea.

Catechins

These are a unique class of antioxidants that have been shown to counteract the effects of free radicals that can cause structural cell damage.

Of all the antioxidants, catechins are the most beneficial.

Specifically, over 60 percent of the catechins in matcha are EGCg (epigallocatechin gallate), EGCg has particularly potent anti-cancer properties and is a powerful antidote to the harmful effects of pollution, UV rays, pesticides, and other toxins in the environment.

Catechins also reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood, stabilize blood sugar levels, help reduce high blood pressure, and have antibacterial properties.

L-Theanine, Calm, and Focus

Matcha is rich in the amino acid L-Theanine, which acts upon the relaxation centers of the brain and creates alpha waves, so that a state of calm and alertness is achieved.

For this reason, matcha has traditionally been used as an aid to meditation practice.

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L-Theanine is also involved in the production of serotonin and dopamine, two chemicals that boost memory and concentration while simultaneously acting as an effective mood enhancer.

Increased Energy Without Side Effects

While all green tea naturally contains some caffeine, the energy boost that matcha delivers comes primarily from its nutritional profile.

The increased endurance provided by a cup of matcha can last up to six hours, and because of the effects of L-Theanine, the energy is not followed by a crash or the typical side effects of stimulants like nervousness.

Increased Metabolism

Matcha has been shown to increase thermogenesis, or the rate at which the body burns calories, by as much as four times.

More importantly, the benefit of increased metabolism comes without the negative side effects of weight loss pharmaceuticals or more extreme measures that might be taken in an effort to achieve weight loss.

Detoxification

Matcha is rich in chlorophyll (hence, its bright green color), a potent detoxifier of heavy metals, and chemical pollutants in the body.

Three weeks before the tea leaves are harvested, they are carefully kept and grown in shade.

This results in a remarkable increase in chlorophyll production and detoxification properties in the tea leaves.

Vitamins and Minerals

A cup of matcha green tea provides generous amounts of potassium, Vitamins A & C, iron, protein, and calcium.

It is also a source of the B-complex nutrients and Vitamin K, as well as selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium.

Matcha also has a significant amount of dietary fiber, and is sugar- and calorie-free.

It’s Delicious!

Preparing matcha can be a simple, meditative, and thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Enjoying the rich vegetal flavors of the tea typically results in a profound sense of well-being.

While other teas or beverages rely on additives such as cream or sugar to make them more palatable, matcha green tea tastes perfect by itself.

It can, however, be made into lattes or used as an ingredient in smoothies or desserts.

For more information and matcha green tea recipes, please visit http://matchasource.com/.

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