What are the benefits of matcha tea?

Matcha tea is a powdered green tea made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, a shrub native to southern China. It is thought to been first invented in China in the 12th century and then imported to Japan by Buddhist monks.

Matcha tea is special due to its unique growing and processing methods. A few weeks before the harvest, the tea bushes are covered with bamboo mats to protect them from direct sunlight. This method stimulates the production of chlorophyll and the formation of essential amino acids, in particular L-theanine, giving the tea its green colour and unique flavour. The leaves are then dried and reduced to a fine green powder, before being consumed by adding the mixture to hot water. This method of preparation and consumption ensures that all the tea leaves are ingested, providing the maximum concentration of nutrients.

Matcha tea contains catechins, polyphenols and vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3 and vitamin C), making it a powerful source of antioxidants. These help to combat free radicals, reducing oxidative stress in the body. The growing process also involves shading the tea plants before harvesting, increasing their chlorophyll content.

The difference between green tea and matcha tea (its properties, etc.)

Green tea and matcha tea both come from green tea leaves, but their method of cultivation, harvesting and preparation differs considerably. Green tea leaves are generally steeped in hot water and then removed. This means that most of the nutrients remain in the leaves. Matcha tea, on the other hand, is ground into a powder, so the whole leaf is consumed. This gives it a higher concentration of nutrients:

• particularly antioxidants and L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation.

• L-theanine also allows the caffeine contained in matcha tea to be absorbed more diffusely, so it stays in the body longer.

• High in antioxidants such as catechins and EGCG, matcha tea is renowned for its many health and wellness benefits.

• Revitalising and energising, thanks to its high caffeine content, which helps improve alertness. The combination of caffeine and l-theanine boosts your energy levels, without the side effects and nervousness you might feel from drinking coffee. It also helps to improve concentration.

• It's ideal for slimming and detox programmes, thanks to its caffeine and catechin content. Matcha tea can help increase energy expenditure by slightly increasing fat burning through the action of its catechins. It also increases the feeling of being full. It can really help people trying to lose weight.

• Balancing and relaxing, it has no stimulating effects thanks to its L-theanine content, a rare amino acid which balances out the effects of caffeine and helps you feel calm and relaxed.

Aroma-Zone matcha tea powder is a real delight for anybody who likes authentic flavours. This matcha tea powder is 100% pure, natural and certified organic. Its composition makes it a powerful blend of natural antioxidants with health benefits. In addition to its revitalising and energising properties, it lends itself to a wide variety of uses. You can enjoy it as you would a traditional tea, simply by adding it to hot water to enjoy its delicate, botanical flavour. If you're looking for a more gourmet experience, it can be transformed into a delicious matcha latte, by mixing it with coconut or almond milk, for example. You can also incorporate this powder into your favourite desserts and recipes, from custards and ice creams to desserts in glasses and pastries, for an unusual colour and unrivalled flavour.

As a traditional tea

In Japan, matcha is made in a ritual called "tea ceremony" according to very strict rules. Here's how to make your cup of matcha in the traditional way:

1. Take a ceramic bowl called a "chawan", a bamboo whisk called a "chasen", a bamboo spoon called a "chashaku", and don't forget the matcha tea powder.

2. Start by putting a level teaspoon of matcha tea into a bowl. You can vary the amount to suit your preferences.

3. Sieve the powder through a tea strainer to avoid lumps.

4. Heat about 70 ml of water to 70°C.

5. Pour a small amount of water over the powder and start whisking, then add the remaining hot water.

6. Whisk the matcha vigorously in an M shape until you have a nice creamy froth.

In the kitchen

Matcha is a valued ingredient in cooking for its unique flavour. It can be incorporated into a multitude of desserts, such as pastries, ice creams and desserts in glasses, for an attractive green colour. It also goes very well with ingredients such as white chocolate, almonds and red berries, or orange blossom water.

1. To incorporate matcha into your culinary recipes, mix the matcha powder with the other dry ingredients.

2. Mix the dry ingredients during the other stages of the recipe.

3. Remember to taste your mixture to adjust the matcha level in the process of making the recipe.

Morning or evening?

Matcha tea can be enjoyed at any time of day, depending on your preferences and needs:

• The morning is the ideal time to take it so you get the benefits of continuous energy throughout the day. Matcha can be an excellent substitute for coffee, providing a shot of caffeine that makes you feel alert without the side effects of coffee.

• You may also want to drink it in the afternoon, for a mid-day energy boost. A cup of matcha can be revitalising and improve concentration.

• Drinking matcha tea before physical exertion can also improve sports performance and improve your post-workout recovery.

• However, if you are sensitive to caffeine or suffer from sleep disorders, we advise against drinking matcha in the evening.

What dosage

The amount of matcha you can consume depends on various factors, including your tolerance to caffeine, your health goals and your preferences. Generally speaking, one to three cups of matcha a day is considered a reasonable amount. Please note that matcha has a higher concentration of caffeine than ordinary green tea. The European Food Safety Authority recommends that you do not consume more than 400 mg of caffeine a day, or 200 mg acutely (in a single dose). We therefore advise you to restrict your consumption of it and monitor the effects on your body.

Contraindications

Caffeine can cause sleep disorders, anxiety and palpitations. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should also restrict their intake. And be careful if you have allergies to theaceae.

Coconut milk

This powder can be used in cooking to add a creamy, exotic touch to your dishes and desserts, or to make hot or cold sweet drinks. It's also an excellent source of fibre, magnesium and zinc.

Organic almond protein

organic almond protein powder is a 100% plant-derived alternative for making protein shakes and topping up your protein intake. This fine and creamy powder is easy to use in cooking or to make sugar-free almond milk. Use almond powder to make a delicious almond milk matcha.

Vanilla extract

This Madagascan Bourbon vanilla extract adds a delicious vanilla flavour to your desserts and lattes. Add it to your matcha if you want a sweeter drink to counteract the bitterness that matcha can sometimes introduce.

Close the bag tightly after use. Store your matcha tea in a clean, dry place away from moisture.

You must be very careful with the temperature of the water you use when making your matcha. The water should not be boiling (ideally around 70-80°C) so that you don't degrade the nutrients present in the matcha. If the water is too hot, this could reduce its benefits and also give the matcha a more bitter taste.

A naturopath, kinesiology and Chi Nei Tsang practitioner, Emilie helps her consultants to improve their dietary, physical and emotional health.

Passionate about natural medicine and food, and keen to raise awareness of preventive health care, Emilie regularly runs naturopathic workshops and shares her naturopathic advice and healthy recipes on her Instagram account (@lacaznaturo).