• Matcha - properties of green powder
• How do you prepare matcha tea?
• Matcha - contraindications and the possibility of overdose

Or Matcha comes from China. It is considered one of the healthiest teas in the world and has a number of health-promoting properties. What exactly is it, why is it so special, is it difficult to prepare and how should it be prepared in order to use all its richness wisely? The whole secret of growing this tea lies in protecting the bushes from the sun with a bamboo canopy two weeks before harvesting the leaves. As a result, the leaves become paler, slightly green and at the same time more amino acids are produced in them. This affects the taste and aroma of the tea. After the leaves are picked, they are ground into a very fine powder in specially built mills. The taste is delicate, traditional green tea, but Matcha it has a more intense, distinctive aftertaste and is quite tart.

Matcha - properties of green powder

Many health-promoting properties are attributed to it. Here are most of them:

• has a relaxing effect – a few minutes after brewing the tea, L-theanine is produced in it, which can have a relaxing and calming effect while maintaining mental clarity and full concentration,
• adds energy - a cup of matcha contains caffeine similar to a cup of coffee,
• supports the process of slimming and cleansing the body - Matcha contains gallate epigallocatechins, i.e. the EGCG compound, which has a significant effect on accelerating metabolism and helps to remove toxins from the body,
• improves concentration and memory - thanks to the content of L - theanine , which allows you to maintain adequate levels of dopamine and serotonin, which have a significant impact on our mood and motivation for action. Their lack can lead to malaise and even depression in the long term.
• supports the body's immunity - matcha contains catechins with antibacterial and antiviral properties, as well as vitamins A and C, iron, potassium and calcium,
• helps lower bad cholesterol levels - if we drink it regularly.

How do you prepare matcha tea?

To prepare tea in the traditional way, we should have the right accessories. They include:

• special mug,
• bamboo spoon used for pouring tea,
• bamboo whisk that grinds and beats the powder,
• optional a sieve to sift the powder before brewing, ensuring there are no lumps.
• A teaspoon of tea is poured into a cup, which is poured with about 70 ° C hot water, never boiling water. The tea is then stirred with a broom until the powder dissolves and a fine foam forms. What if we don't have the right kit? We can use a regular cup and mix the powder with a milk frother.

Matcha - contraindications and the possibility of overdose

• Although matcha has many valuable properties for our health, due to the possibility of overdose, it is recommended to drink it in the amount of 1-2 cups a day. Taking more than the recommended intake can lead to unwanted effects such as over-excitement, difficulty falling asleep, trouble concentrating, and even nausea and abdominal pain. Matcha Due to the caffeine content, it is not recommended for children, pregnant and lactating women. Additionally, it is not recommended for people with kidney disease, including kidney stones, liver, and gout. It is also important to choose tea from proven sources, preferably organic. Tea from an unreliable source can be contaminated with lead and pesticides.