From high-grade powdered green tea only served in ceremonials and meditation, matcha has gained popularity thanks to its health effects, resulting in its application not only in drinking form but also in cakes and daily snacks. This article will delve into the rich history of matcha, its transportation outside Asia, and the health benefits associated with this beloved ingredient.
Matcha drinking (Image Source: Pexel)
I. History of matcha:
Matcha’s origins can be traced back to ancient China during the Tang Dynasty (7th – 10th centuries). During the 12th century, Myoan Eisai, a Buddhist monk discovered this special ingredient and its impact on his Zen meditation. Eisai decided to bring matcha to Japan, starting a period of match preference among Zen monks and forming the basis of the Japanese Tea Ceremony, or “chado,” which emphasizes simplicity, harmony, peace, and respect.
II. The spread of matcha across the globe
A scoop of matcha ice cream (Image Source: Pexel)
While matcha has been enjoyed in Japan for centuries, its popularity began to spread beyond the country’s borders in the late 20th century when healthy eating and natural ingredients were spreading by the Internet. Many influencers and celebrities recommended matcha as a must-have in their diets. Dozens of matcha recipes have stormed the Internet and gradually found their way to top global restaurants and cafes. Nowadays, it is not difficult to find “matcha latte” on the menu of any cafe.
III. Benefits of matcha
Numerous studies conducted on matcha point out that the nutrients, caffeine and antioxidants found in matcha are way higher than regular green tea, which can have several positive impacts on the human body.
The matcha drink (Image Source: Pexel)
Here are some prominent benefits gained from drinking matcha:
- Enhance brain function: Researches show that those who consume matcha have improvements in attention, reaction time, and memory. Matcha’s higher caffeine concentration, ranging from 19-44 mg/g, along with the presence of L-theanine, also promotes alertness without the energy crash commonly associated with caffeine consumption.
- Protect the liver: Matcha can protect the liver by flushing out toxins, metabolizing drugs, and processing nutrients. Drinking matcha has been associated with a reduced risk of liver disease according to a 2015 review of 15 studies.
- Reduce the cancer risk: You are absolutely right! Matcha is indeed associated with potential cancer prevention benefits attributed to specific compounds it contains. Among them is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a catechin known for its remarkable anti-cancer properties.
