Did you know matcha means “tea powder”? In this case, we will show you how to prepare a delicious matcha green tea latte, which becomes the green tea leaves ground with milk, getting a delicious tea with plenty of properties.
Well-known matcha green tea in Japan is rapidly gaining worldwide popularity due to its ability to help reduce stress, stimulate defenses, lower cholesterol, and fight cancer.
One of the places in the world where people live longer in Okinawa, Japan. It has been attributed in part to the regular consumption of matcha tea.
From China to Japan.
Matcha tea began to be drunk in China during the Song dynasty (960-1279). During that period, there was a great wave of Japanese immigrants traveling to China to learn a new form of Buddhism: Chan Buddhism that we know today as Zen Buddhism.
This form of Buddhism makes use of meditation in its ritual and religious practices.
Buddhist monks have long discovered that tea helps keep the mind alert while promoting relaxation of the body, ideal conditions for meditation.
This is why many Japanese traveled to China to study Zen Buddhism and brought back to Japan the habit of drinking matcha tea.
This custom later became an important element of the Japanese tea ceremony, Chanoyu
Unlike the rest of the teas that are presented in strands (in loose leaves), matcha has the peculiarity that its leaves are ground in the form of a very fine powder.
Related article: Can matcha green tea help with weight loss?
What is Matcha Green tea latte good for?
Many benefits are attributed to Matcha and that has become very popular over the years and the different studies that have been carried out.
Matcha tea, therefore, brings the following benefits:
Contains 5 times more L-Theanine, an amino acid that stimulates Alpha waves in the brain, helping with concentration, and inducing a state of calm and relaxation.
It is rich in a healthy form of caffeine called tarpaulin that helps keep energy levels high in the body.
Its great contribution of antioxidants strengthens the immune system, especially catechins, a type of phenolic compound, which are much more powerful than vitamin C and E when it comes to stopping oxidative stress in cells.
Helps heart health by lowering cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and high blood pressure.
Contains 137 times more polyphenols than regular green tea protecting the body from oxidative stress and inflammation.
Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and can prevent cancer of the prostate, breast, bladder, and rectal colon.
Its antioxidant power combats the premature aging process and protects us from free radicals, as well as its high levels of chlorophyll promote detoxification. 1 single cup matcha tea, equivalent in antioxidants to 10 cups of green tea infusion.
Accelerates metabolism thanks to its high fiber content.
Related article: How to make iced matcha green tea latte.
Matcha side effects.
For some people, matcha tea can cause some side effects that may be mild or severe depending on each organism
ÔÇó One of the contraindications that are mostly attributed to the consumption of matcha tea, is that the level of caffeine, it contains can cause insomnia, increased heart rate, irritability, and headaches among others. Caffeine could also interfere with your blood pressure medication intake.
ÔÇó It is best to drink matcha tea that is of organic or organic origin because the type of crop will depend on the quality of the crop and may contain chemical residues of fertilizers.
ÔÇó Matcha tea may also cause constipation and abdominal pains because green tea can reduce iron absorption from food.
Does Matcha tea have theine?
First of all, it is good to clarify that theine is the same as caffeine: it is an alkaloid that has the property of putting the mind alert and also has a thermogenic effect that helps to burn fats.
What about matcha? Given its specific method of cultivation, it has a little more theine than green teas in strands.
On the other hand, matcha has a high content of catechins, a famous polyphenolic antioxidant that comes from plants.
Tea antioxidants are responsible for slowing down the rate of caffeine absorption.
So, although the effect is mild, it shows more slowly and is more durable than when compared to coffee.
Related article: 9 Matcha tea benefits you should be aware of.
How to make matcha tea.
To prepare matcha most traditionally in a bowl, add a small amount of matcha (if you can one to two tablespoons with the traditional bamboo spoon called chashaku), then add a small amount of hot water that is not boiling and mix until uniform consistency with the Chasen bamboo mixer.
It will be prepared when there are no lumps in the liquid or other tea in the bowl.
Matcha latte tea.
Try this delicious prepared drink that combines the healthy matcha and latte flavor.
Ingredients
3/4 cup coconut milk
1 teaspoon matcha
1/4 cups water
1 tablespoon sweetener
Preparation.
Heat vegetable milk and water separately, when boiling water mixes the matcha tablespoon and dissolves it very well. Then add the vegetable milk to the matcha water to create foam and complement each other, you can sweeten it with honey.
Matcha latte frappé
Ingredients
2 tablespoons matcha tea
Half a glass of boiling mineral water
Sugar or honey to taste1 slice lemon or lime
Milk.
Crushed ice.
Preparation
Put the tea in a cup and make an infusion with the water for 2 minutes.
Strain well, add sugar or honey, and lemon and pour into a long glass filled with crushed ice.
Add milk to taste and drink.
Matcha Shake.
Ingredients:
1 cup yogurt
2 teaspoons matcha tea powder
1/4 cups milk (you can use vegetable milk)
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup or agave
1/2 sliced banana
Preparation
Combine all ingredients in the blender.
Put it down until smooth.
Serve immediately.
Related article: Is matcha and green tea the same thing?
