Matcha Health Benefits

In celebration of launching our new Certified Organic Matcha Protein Powder, Nova Scotia Organics President and Founder, Nancy Smithers, discusses what matcha is, its origin and traditional uses, as well as its fantastic health benefits.

 

What is Matcha?

Simply put, matcha is green tea leaf powder. Matcha is packed with phytonutrients that bring a host of health benefits such as combating free radicals, weight loss promotion and immune system support.

Very few people realize that matcha has a lot in common with Samurai culture. From around the 13th century, Samurai used a matcha tea drink as a remedy for improved concentration and endurance, which, consumed before a duel, was supposed to positively impact its outcome. According to some historical records, Samurai would sip matcha from one cup during their meetings, which was considered a ritual to solidify the godly will, trust and loyalty.

Green tea appeared in Japan at the end of the 12th century. It came from China along with Buddhist monks for whom it has been an inseparable part of Zen. At one point, it began to be used in powdered form, and that’s when the tea ceremony – chadō (meaning ‘the way of tea’) was born. Matcha helped monks to be more alert and enabled them to find peace of mind – those elements are crucial when it comes both to meditation and to its unusual form: the tea ceremony.

Matcha is made from the youngest tea leaves in which the vital energy is stored. A few weeks before the harvest, the tea bushes are covered to prevent direct sunlight – which helps them to protect valuable properties. Whenever we drink matcha, we consume the whole powdered leaves; therefore, we assimilate a lot more nutrients and benefits than from a regular tea – this means a higher concentration of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fibres.

 

Caffeine in Matcha vs. Coffee

The caffeine content in matcha is unlike caffeine in coffee. Caffeine in matcha is slowly absorbed and has a lasting energy boost for the body. 1g of matcha contains approximately 35mg of caffeine. Amino acids present in matcha tea leaf bind to the caffeine and slow down its absorption into the bloodstream. As a result, there’s no rapid cortisol delivery or adrenaline spike that leaves the body craving for more caffeine. Matcha contains L-theanine, a unique amino acid that assists in boosting alpha waves in the brain. These alpha waves promote a certain sense of calm and mental clarity.

Compared to coffee, matcha, which needs up to six hours to get absorbed, offers some calm sense of awareness and alertness and charges our stamina. Its effect is most noticeable during the first 2 hours after matcha consumption. Due to a simultaneous presence of L-theanine, caffeine found within matcha powder is being released gradually, which guarantees a constant flow of concentration and doesn’t result in a sudden decrease in energy after a couple of hours. Matcha is an irreplaceable metabolism-booster, highly increasing the digestion of fats and sugars contained in food.

 

Antioxidants

Matcha delivers high amounts of polyphenols. Polyphenols – also known as antioxidants – are chemical compounds which reduce oxidation – the process which causes damage to the tissues and hence propels aging processes. Food products – e.g. matcha and green teas, can provide antioxidants helping to stop or slow down the death of cells. The most recent studies, conducted by, e.g. Kiel University in Germany, have shown that antioxidants can also activate SIRT proteins, responsible for regeneration and reconstruction.

Matcha is one of the most absorbable and richest sources of antioxidants – particles of a strong antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic effect. On the ORAC scale – a certified indicator of antioxidants found within different products’ potential – matcha scored between 1350-1550 points, which ranks it above goji berries, acai, chia, and other famous superfoods.

 

Nova Scotia Organics Matcha Protein Powder

Our new Nova Scotia Organics Matcha Protein Powder is made with Certified Organic matcha green tea directly from Japan. We have sourced our matcha from Japan because this is the origin country of matcha, and the farmers have the expertise in growing and quality production we require. Our matcha is grown in the beautiful Kagoshima Prefecture in the south of Japan. This is an area devoted to organic agriculture, and much of the land is a National Park. Our Matcha Protein Powder is entirely plant-based, and gluten- and lactose-free.

Did you know that eating protein is the most effective way to feel more energized? But, animal protein sources like meat and eggs can increase inflammation in the body, ultimately making you feel tired and run down. Plant-based sources of protein are naturally anti-inflammatory.

Many people don’t realize that the increase in body weight is caused by inflammation. The major cause of inflammation is sugar, which is found in most processed, packaged foods which is difficult to detect and therefore, difficult to give up. This causes sweet cravings and makes it hard for us to give up these snacks. If you start making your snack from whole food plant-based proteins, such as our delicious Matcha Protein Powder, you will find you have fewer sugar cravings.

Our New Matcha Protein Powder is packed with 20g of protein and 3g of branch chain amino acids (BCAAs). Our formula contains simple plant ingredients: organic pea protein, organic sprouted brown rice protein, and organic black chia seeds; blended with the natural sweetness of maple and dates. Blend in a smoothie, or just add almond milk and a banana to fuel your day!

 

Find your calm. It’s Your Body. Run It Well.™

 

The information contained in this blog is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.