MATCHA TEA

GREEN TEA: A POWERFUL ANTI-OXIDANT

At times it seems as though the West has only recently discovered green tea as a new wonderful anti-oxidant. In the Far East, particularly Japan and China, green tea has been known for centuries to be beneficial to your health. In fact green tea was originally used by the Chinese as a medicine rather than a drink. The Chinese introduced green tea to Zen priests, who in turn recommended it to the Japanese aristocracy and traditional Japanese warriors. After several centuries the consumption of green tea became an inherent part of the Japanese culture.

Why is green tea so much healthier than ordinary, black tea, which we have been using much longer? Similar to black tea, green tea is produced from the leaves of the tea plant, the Camellia Sinensis. The difference lies in the production method. Green tea is produced by lightly steaming freshly picked leaves, whereas black tea leaves are roasted, so that they can oxidise. This oxidation process, however, results in the loss of the polyphenols in the tea. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants and have very interesting properties.

Various studies have shown that the polyphenols in green tea (i.e. EGCG or epigallocatechine gallate, a type of catechine) are especially effective and provide better protection than vitamin C and E. Green tea has also been shown to be beneficial for cholesterol levels, improve the cholesterol profile, balance blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure and stimulate the immune system. Another reason for drinking green tea is that it can help lose weight.

The best types of green tea are Sencha and Matcha. Matcha however is the most exclusive of the two. That is why we are happy to able to offer this exclusive product through Minami Nutrition. In Japan it is used during official tea ceremonies and for special occasions. Matcha is to the Japanese what a very special Bordeaux is to the French. Matcha is powdered tea, which originates from the finest leaves grown in a covered area. The leaves are steamed, dried and stone ground. During tea ceremonies the fine powder is measured with a small bamboo spoon and whisked with a bamboo brush in a porcelain dish into a deliciously sweet, green, highly nutritious drink.

Macha tea is nothing like the so called green teas (teabags) sold in supermarkets. For the connoisseur of green tea it is preferable to source organic green teas from Japan, where green tea is still picked, cut and processed in many areas by the same families in the traditional way. Whereas organic Sencha is still relatively easy to find, organic Matcha has become very rare even in Japan. Not surprising, therefore, that it is a somewhat exclusive product, for those who really value their health.

Green tea is absolutely non toxic. In Japan and other green tea drinking cultures the average consumption of green tea is approximately 3 cups per day. This amounts to approximately 240-320 mg polyphenols. Green tea contains theine and has a slightly stimulating effect. Excessive consumption before bedtime may make it more difficult to get to sleep. However, it has been shown that many people - even those sensitive to caffeine - are much less sensitive to the stimulating effects of green tea.