Matcha Green Tea Powder the New Healthy Coffee Alternative

What is Matcha Powder anyway? Where does it come from and why the current interest in more and more gourmet coffee shops as a drink choice? With more and more coffee drinkers choosing Matcha as their drink of choice, what is it about this new coffee alternative that has people asking why?

The health benefits of Matcha are intriguing. Matcha has at least three times greater the quantity of EGCG available from other commercially available green teas. In 2003, researchers at the University of Colorado found this to be the case. This benefit is due to the fact that the complete leaf is digested, as compared to steeping water and the bagged teas people are most commonly accustomed to drinking. You will find much higher potency of antioxidants, catechins and chlorophyll in Matcha Green Tea Powder.

There is scientific evidence now discovered that suggests, theanine, which is present in Matcha Green Tea Powder could help to reduce or control mental stress responses. A study by Kao et al (2000), reported the following: "We found that EGCG (found in Matcha Green Tea) significantly reduced food intake and body weight." This shows us how Matcha Green Tea works to suppress your appetite through regulating hormones such as Leptin which will tell your brain that you are satisfied and full. Additionally, a recent publication by the American Society of Clinical Nutrition found that regular consumption of quality Matcha Green Tea enhances the efficiency of the human body in utilizing energy. The research showed that the daily energy expenditure rate of adults increases 35-45% with regular consumption of Matcha Green Tea.

Matcha originated in the Tang Dynasty of China in (618-907) The Chinese and the Zen Buddhists brought the powdered tea to Japan in (1191) by the monk Eisai. The same tea used to make gyokuro is made from shade-grown tea leaves to make Matcha. It can take up to one hour to grind just 30 grams of Matcha powder, this is one of the reasons it costs a little bit more than loose leaf teas.

The taste of Matcha Green Tea Powder is another reason so many have made the switch, not just because of the health benefits, but the taste is unique and can be consumed in a variety of ways from everything like smoothies to lattes and even used in baking. There are so many ways to consume Matcha that it makes for an increasing recipe collection.

You can usually find 2 grades of Matcha, the ceremonial grade, of tea, which is used in Japanese tea ceremonies, this tea is more expensive, to culinary grades, which are used in Lattes, smoothies and baking recipes, which is less expensive. Regardless, this tea is good for you and tastes great as well.

Jake Roberts is product development manager for 4 Diamond Marketing Systems and currently is writing about Matcha Green Tea Powder

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Matcha Green Tea Powder

Matcha Green Tea Powder may be a bit more expensive than other green tea products, but that is because it is hand picked and only the best tea leaves make the cut, and it takes a long time to grind the leaves for the powder. Powdered teas have been around since the Song Dynasty and the preparation and drinking of the tea was performed as a ritual by the Zen Buddhists.

Technically, the cost of the matcha green tea powder depends on the grade of the powder. One such grade has to do with the location of the the leaf/leaves on the tea bush. Those leaves picked from the top are softer and considered a higher grade whereas the leaves at the bottom are harder and considered to be of lower grade.

Other grade levels that are considered are where the leaves are dried. The leaves are not to be exposed to direct sunlight in order to preserve the quality. Care in grinding, which requires a special technique to maintain the best grade. Lastly, the tea leaves must be kept from oxidation to retain the finer grade of tea leaf.

Matcha is not only used as a tea to drink, but also in chocolates, candies, Swiss rolls, and other desserts. This flavor has been incorporated in other foods such as ice cream, milkshakes, puddings, cheesecake, and even energy bars because of its nutritional value. The nutritional value of matcha green tea powder is high as it is loaded with ecgc and antioxidants. Matcha green tea powder can be found in health food stores nearly anywhere.

Matcha green tea also helps your body to eliminate toxins, resulting in some weight loss. This tea is very good for you in many ways, and can be used in many forms. The history of matcha green tea powder is both interesting and informative.

Rodney Daut runs a popular blog on green tea and it's many health benefits. To see more articles on Matcha Green tea visit Green Tea [http://www.verygreentea.com]

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