The World of Matcha

Powdered Green Tea or Matcha is a precious medicine for good health and long life. Produced from the Camellia Sinensis leaf, Green Tea is receiving more publicity today for its many health benefits. This is due to the powerful antioxidants, carotenoids, chlorophyll, polysaccharides, fats, vitamins C & E, manganese, potassium, polyphenols and zinc that are abundant in Green Tea. The difference between Green Tea compared with all other teas, is that there is no fermentation with Green Tea allowing all of the powerful antioxidants to be preserved.  Following are just some of the few but amazing benefits of drinking your Matcha daily:

• Boosts your immune system
• Moderates blood sugar levels
• Slows the ageing process
• Helps reduce the risk of cancer
• Lowers cholesterol
• Aids in weight loss by burning calories
• Reduces high blood pressure
• Prevents arthritis
• Reduces the risk of heart disease
• Helps prevent cavities, tooth decay and plaque formation
• Reduces the risk of stroke
• Lowers the risk of blood clots
• Can be used as a gargle  to inactivate the flu virus

Properties:

Catechin (tannin)

Is a bioflavonoid, also called Tannin. Green Tea contains polyphenols (powerful antioxidants) which are members of the flavonoid family.  The polyphenols in Green Tea combined with vitamin C helps to strengthen blood vessel walls. The polyphenol of interest is EGCG which is a powerful antioxidant and has been found to be 20 times stronger than Vitamin E. ECGC also prevents free radical damage, essential for optimum skin health. Catechin also has many positive cholesterol-lowering effects. Allows blood to flow more smoothly by clearing blocked veins and arteries. Amazingly, Catechin also protects the entire body from oxidative damage due to free radicals and other toxins in our environment.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, Catechin, and Vitamin E work together to enhance immune function. These three nutrients also help to make your skin more beautiful by reducing blemishes, wrinkles and sun damage. Vitamin C found in green tea is water-soluble, but its potency is not reduced by the heat used in brewing tea.

Amino Acid

The amino acid Theanine is only produced by the Camellia Sinensis plant, giving a sweet taste to counteract the bitterness of Catechin which is bitter to taste. A relaxed, yet alert mind set is produced as the alpha-brainwaves are stimulated, allowing you to focus on the task at hand.

Minerals

Tea is rich in minerals, including manganese, potassium and calcium, which help to alkalinize the blood, regulate the heartbeat, and build strong teeth and bones.

Surprising facts were discovered at the American Chemical Society in 1991 in regards to cigarette smokers. Even cigarette smokers who consumed Green Tea had a 45% lower risk of cancer than non-tea drinkers.  Green Tea also has an antimutation factor that helps DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) to reproduce accurately rather than in mutated forms. Very important in our climate and ozone today, as we are more susceptible to the damaging UV rays through our depleting ozone layer. The Catechin content is believed to be responsible for this effect.  Whilst Japan has one of the highest rates of smokers in the world, they also have the lowest rates of lung cancer of any developed nation. The Catechins also break down cholesterol and increases its elimination through the bowels.

Utensils required for exceptional Brew:     

Chawan – (Matcha Bowl)
Chasen – (Hand crafted Bamboo Whisk)
Chashaku – (Bamboo scoop)

How to Make Perfect Matcha:

Step 1

Heat your Matcha bowl by adding very hot water and allowing it to sit and warm the bowl for a minute or 2. Then empty, and totally dry.

Step 2

Take your Chashaku and scoop 1-1 ½ ladels full of Matcha into your Chawan. If you want a thinner consistency, frothier consistency, sift the Matcha into the Chawan.

Step 3

Add ½ cup of 80˚c water (less than boiling) into the Chawan

Step 4

Pre wet your Chasen and briskly whisk in a ‘W’ shaped pattern for a minute or two until the Matcha froths into a nice frothy brew.

Storage:

Unlike dry oxidized teas such as black or oolong, it does not last forever! Your Matcha needs to be stored correctly to preserve the freshness.

• Unopened, Matcha will last for 1 year.
• Once opened it will last for  approx. 2 months.
• Keep your Matcha either in the fridge or freezer.
• Keep in mind that the Matcha will absorb any flavours it encounters, so it is advised to keep it stored in the freezer, otherwise in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Should be opened as little as possible to minimize its exposure to the elements

All articles and information on this website are for educational purposes only. They are not to be regarded or relied upon as medical advice. The articles and information have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult your health practitioner if you have health problems. Skin Matrix products are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, mitigate, or prevent a disease or illness. Results may vary per person.