Though it has been around for a while, it was only during the past few years that matcha tea has managed to take the world by quite a storm. It’s no surprise given that more and more people are now constantly stumbling onto its phenomenal health benefits. From medical studies to lab research and even the simple powers of observation, there is not a doubt about its effectiveness. Nevertheless, with the increased popularity of matcha tea comes the nuisance that is misinformation. To combat that and to give you full access to all that you need to know about matcha and its products, here is the ultimate guide.

The Contents of the Plant

The matcha plant was first known to humankind when it was discovered in China a little after 618 AD. Essentially, it is a type of green tea, though it is made by finely grinding specially grown leaves. Now, because of the way the leaves are grown, the matcha powder happens to contain more caffeine than green tea, and the same amount as a cup of coffee. The growing method also results in the increased production of theanine which is an amino acid that packs a lot of benefits. It’s used to improve mental functions and performance, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote good sleep. What’s more, it also has a positive impact on cancer drugs, increasing their effectiveness. Add to that the fact that the tea also promotes weight loss by quenching appetite and through its stress-relieving abilities which also help in lowering blood pressure. As a cherry on top, matcha is also packed with antioxidants which have their own range of benefits.

It’s Not All the Same

While social media and the internet might have us thinking that matcha is this magical green powder with an all-round high-level of potency, this isn’t the case. What most people don’t know is that matcha powder is arranged into grades. While the three are effective and pack the plant’s range of benefits, they differ in color, texture, intensity, and uses. According to the info from MatchaOutlet.com, there are three classes of matcha, ceremonial grade, culinary grade, and premium grade. The most intense in terms of flavor and color is the ceremonial matcha. This goes back to it being of the highest quality, a quality worthy of the ancient Japanese tea ceremonies. It has a sweet flavor and a smooth texture. It’s the best for drinking. Meanwhile, the culinary grade matcha has more of a bitter taste which makes it a much better candidate for mixing with other solid and liquid ingredients. Premium matcha combines the best of both worlds. It’s not as expensive as ceremonial matcha, but it isn’t as bitter as culinary matcha which means you can drink it plain or combine it with other yummy ingredients.

It was Originally Combined with Meditation

Aside from its ability to calm the mind and relieve stress, because the tea was first discovered in China then made its way into Japan, its use has always been accompanied by the practice of meditation. The reason behind such an association can be explained by examining how the brain functions during meditation and while drinking matcha tea. Both, the activity and the drink help when it comes to promoting the production of alpha waves in the brain. Alpha is the name of a brain wave frequency which when present puts the mind in a state of relaxation. Needless to say, this relaxation state brings with it many benefits as a result, such as increased creativity, mental, and emotional capacity. What does this mean for you? If you’re after the tea’s mental benefits, you’re much better off combining it with meditation, and if you’re a yoga practitioner, that’s all the better.

There is Such A Thing As Too Much

While we’re often careless about our consumption of hot beverages, with the exception of coffee, of course, matcha tea is not a drink you should be careless with. There is no need for you to worry since there is no proven risk of overdose, but a high consumption will put you at risk of side effects like headaches, insomnia, and disturbances in bowel movement. Ideally, you want your consumption to stay between 1 to 3 cups a day, though you should stick to less if you’re required to cut down on caffeine.

Having read all of the above, you’ve covered everything there is to know about matcha tea, though we expect that more will be revealed about its health benefits over the years. It is, after all, a miracle leaf, and the best thing about it is that you can consume it in many forms. While tea form is the classic way and it should retain its prestige, there is no reason for you not to put it in your brownie mix, bread dough, or your favorite smoothie.