Author: elkuruni

Matcha vs Green Tea, What’s the Difference? Which is Healthier?Matcha vs Green Tea, What’s the Difference? Which is Healthier?

December 7, 2021 | elkuruni | 0 Comment | 7:14 am

You must have often heard that green tea aka green tea has many health benefits, such as being good for improving heart health and helping to lose weight. No wonder, people are turning to green tea. However, after green tea was widely discussed, lately matcha has started to attract attention. Unlike green tea, which is usually available in the form of brewed leaves, matcha usually comes in powder form. The question is, is matcha the same as green tea? The following is a full explanation of matcha vs green tea.

Matcha vs green tea, what’s the difference?

These two drinks actually come from the same plant, namely Camellia sinensis, which comes from China. Although the plants are the same, what makes them different is the way they are processed and grown. Making matcha is deliberately prepared differently. The tea plant is covered about 20-30 days before harvesting, to avoid direct sunlight. As a result, the tea leaves become darker in color, and this can increase the production of amino acids due to a large amount of chlorophyll present in the dark leaves.

After going through the harvesting process, the stems and fine veins are separated from the leaves. Both are ground with stones until smooth and become a bright green powder. Because of this process, matcha has a higher substance than regular green tea. In contrast to regular green tea, the tea leaves in matcha are dried for a short period of time, to maintain their green color. Since the tea leaves are ground, and not just brewed, if you drink matcha, this means you are drinking the entire content of the tea leaves.

The difference in content in matcha vs green tea

Regular green tea has only about 63 mg of antioxidants compared to matcha which has about 134 mg of catechins – a type of antioxidant that is strong and contains many health benefits. This means, one cup of matcha contains the same antioxidants as 3 cups of green tea.

The antioxidants in matcha are even higher than all other fruits and vegetables. However, the content in green tea is no less good, it’s just that the benefits produced by matcha are greater than ordinary green tea. Regular green tea also contains polyphenols that can prevent inflammation and swelling, although the content is higher in matcha.

However, keep in mind that in addition to being high in antioxidants, matcha also contains higher caffeine. One cup of matcha consisting of half a tablespoon of matcha powder contains about 35 mg of caffeine.

What are the benefits of drinking matcha?

Matcha and green tea have the same health benefits, only their effectiveness is different. Here are some of the benefits that result from drinking matcha:

The body gets the antioxidant intake

Antioxidants function to prevent free radicals that are formed in the body. Free radicals can cause tissue and cell damage. As explained above, the antioxidants in matcha are known as catechins, a derivative of catechins is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). According to several studies, this substance can prevent inflammation in the body, form healthy arteries, and help repair cells.

Reduce the risk of heart disease

Heart disease can cause death. Drinking green tea and matcha can reduce this risk, because green tea and matcha can change cholesterol levels, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar. Researchers showed a 31% reduced risk of heart disease in green tea connoisseurs, perhaps even more effective in matcha connoisseurs.

Weight loss

One of the reasons people drink green tea is the ‘weight loss’ claim, matcha has that claim too. In fact, you can find green tea extract in some weight loss supplements. Research cited by Authority Nutrition, shows green tea can increase calorie burning by increasing metabolism, but not all studies agree with this opinion.

Provides a relaxing effect

Green tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine. Matcha contains more L-theanine than any green tea. The benefit of L-theanine is to increase alpha waves in the brain. These waves can help you find calm, as well as fight the symptoms of stress. This substance is also able to change the effects of caffeine in the body, thus making us alert, not causing the drowsiness that usually appears after drinking coffee. Caffeine in matcha is thought to provide a longer alert effect than coffee, but the effect is mild, does not cause heart palpitations. In addition, several studies have also shown that green tea powder can improve brain function and prevent cognitive decline due to age.

Are there any side effects from consuming matcha?

Eating matcha powder means that you digest the whole leaf, no matter what’s in it. During the development period, matcha leaves can be contaminated by heavy metals, pesticides, and fluorine. In addition, more nutrients are not always good for the body. The body’s tolerance for a substance varies, high levels of this substance can cause nausea, symptoms of liver or kidney poisoning. So, it is not recommended to drink matcha more than 2 glasses/cup a day.

Fully Peel the Efficacy of Matcha, The Green Tea That Many FansFully Peel the Efficacy of Matcha, The Green Tea That Many Fans

November 3, 2021 | elkuruni | 0 Comment | 6:37 am

What is Matcha

Matcha is a type of powdered tea that is now starting to attract the attention of many people. Because of its popularity, now matcha is not only served in the form of hot tea, but is also processed into a variety of favorite foods and drinks for everyone. Indeed, what is the nutritional content of matcha and how do you process it to keep it healthy? Check out the following explanation.

Matcha is part of green tea

Many people consider matcha to be the same as green tea because they are both green and served in the form of cold or hot drinks. However, the two are different.

Matcha and green tea come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis from China. But the difference is, matcha is made from dry green tea leaves that have been finely ground before being served as warm tea. Because all parts of green tea are ground together, matcha provides more benefits than green tea.

Nutritional content in matcha

Matcha tea has a dominant sweet and bitter taste. The aroma of matcha is also stronger than that of green tea. In fact, the nutritional content is also touted more than other types of tea, as reported by Verywell.

One teaspoon of matcha contains 3 grams of calories, 27 milligrams of potassium, 6 percent of vitamin A, and 3 percent of vitamin C. Because the calories tend to be very few, you can use matcha to help you lose weight.

In the same amount, matcha contains 15 times more antioxidants than pomegranates and blueberries. In fact, the amount of antioxidants reaches 60 times more when compared to spinach.

The unique antioxidants found in matcha are known as catechins. This substance is very useful for protecting the body against degenerative diseases, such as heart disease and certain types of cancer.

In addition, the catechins in matcha can also prevent inflammation in the body, form healthy arteries, and help repair damaged body cells.

How to process matcha to make it healthier?

One of the best ways to enjoy matcha is to brew it in hot water. However, you can also enjoy matcha in the form of a sweet dish or another main dish, you know.

Various foods and drinks that can be processed with matcha are:

Drinks

This matcha dish has been offered by many coffee shops and restaurants. But be careful, matcha drinks on the market are generally added with sugar so that it can increase the number of calories.

To be healthier, make your own version of the matcha drink by adding a little honey. Alternatively, make matcha ice first, then blend matcha ice to make smoothies. The taste is guaranteed to be more delicious and fresh, especially if you drink it when the weather is hot.

Fried noodles

What happens when matcha is mixed into a bowl of fried noodles? You should try it yourself and prove the deliciousness.

If you are bored with the same fried noodle dish, it’s a good idea to try experimenting with adding matcha. Mix a few teaspoons of matcha in a bowl, then add the soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger, sesame oil and a little honey.

When it’s evenly mixed, cook the sauce in a skillet and add some vegetables, chicken pieces, beef, shrimp or tofu. Once cooked, add the pre-boiled noodles and cook until thoroughly cooked.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a healthy food that can help you feel full longer. Because the main taste of oatmeal tends to be bland, you can mix it with a little matcha powder as a topping.

Unlike other sweetened oatmeal, this homemade version can also be added with a pinch of cinnamon for a strong flavor without adding a lot of calories. For another variation, add popcorn to make it more savory and delicious.

Cake

You must be very familiar with matcha which is processed into contemporary cakes or just a topping on sweet foods. The sweet aroma of matcha can add to your taste buds while enjoying the cake.

Try mixing matcha into muffins, cookies, brownies, or puddings. If you don’t like the matcha taste that is too dominant, you can also add a little matcha as a cake or muffin topping to make it look more attractive and appetizing.