The World Of Matcha
Matcha as Superfood
Matcha is a finely powdered green tea which is ground from high-quality, shade-grown tea leaves that give the powder its bright green colour. The tea dates back to the 8th century, when it was originally used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Unlike most teas, with matcha, you're not drinking a tea-infused water-based concoction, you're actually consuming tea leaves in a powdered form.
Matcha tea has recently been gaining popularity across the world, not only for its flavour but also for its many health benefits: from fortifying the immune system, to increasing metabolism, to helping prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Matcha is also being used in many dishes from ice cream and brownies, to lattes and smoothies simply for its unique flavour. However, to reap the full health benefits, it is recommended in its traditional form of tea.
In a conventional sense, matcha is mostly associated with Zen Buddhists who used the tea in their ceremonies for its deeply calming effect. The tea's popularity even today can be mainly attributed to its soothing properties that help re-energize and relax.
Japanese Matcha
You may come across Chinese matcha in your searches and while it is believed that matcha was originally harvested in China by a Buddhist monk, the techniques of perfecting the tea were really attained in Japan. Chinese matcha being less expensive must be an indicator of its quality compared to its Japanese equivalent. The reason we only source Japanese matcha is that its superior quality is undisputed and it is organically grown on the hills in Japan. Due to high levels of pollution in China, high levels of lead found in their matcha, and the fact it has also been found to contain a number of harmful pesticides in the past, Japanese matcha is a much safer and a much healthier option and this puts it way ahead in the game.
At Heapwell Superfoods, Japanese matcha is sourced from Uji and Shizuoka, where the finest green tea is produced. By supplying exclusive Japanese matcha, we strive to follow our own values in providing the finest quality and most beneficial products to our valued customers.
Health Benefits
Rich in vitamins: Matcha has a high nutritional value, including vitamins A, B, C, E and K as well as trace minerals.
Supports the immune system: Due to the above Matcha can help support and boost your immune system, promoting overall health.
Detoxifies: Matcha tea is rich in catechins, which are a type of antioxidant. Green tea also contains these catechins, but with Matcha, due to it's concentrated form it is far more potent.
Promotes weight loss: Matcha tea has been proven to increase your metabolism, which as a result can help your body burn fat even faster and assist with weight-loss,
Promotes mental alertness and calms:
Increases your energy levels: Although Match contains caffeine it is not the most common form found in regular teas and coffees, so you will not feel the same jittery alertness as with those drinks. Instead this caffeine helps sustain your energy levels by slowly releasing energy.