Health benefits: why you should drink matcha green tea
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A blog review of Dream Matcha Premium Green Matcha Tea Powder
Every morning I start my day with a funny looking frothy dark green liquid. This strange coloured drink is matcha green tea. It’s just boiled water mixed with green matcha tea powder. I’m currently using Dream Matcha ‘Premium Green Matcha Tea Powder’ which I was kindly sent for review.
The taste is strange at first and very different to regular green tea bags. It’s much earthier tasting and could take some getting used to. I’m quite used to ‘health’ foods and very ‘green’ tasting foods, so I don’t mind the taste at all. I even find it quite pleasant. If you do find it a little strange, just keep trying. Think of all the goodness the wonderful concoction does to your body and you’ll not mind the taste and be downing it in no time!
How to prepare matcha green tea
I’ve been drinking matcha powder for a few months now and could never get all the powder to dissolve. A good teaspoon stir just didn’t cut it! After researching how the Japanese prepare their matcha tea I purchased a bamboo whisk especially for preparing the tea. It’s such a good investment if you’re going to be drinking the tea regularly, it adds froth and ensures every bit of powder is dissolved so all the goodness is consumed.
It only takes a minute or two to prepare. I add a teaspoon of powder to a bowl, pour my water in (measure this in your mug), swirl it around a little with the bamboo whisk, then I use brisk backwards and forwards movements until the froth starts to appear. It’s a very satisfying way of preparing the tea whilst making it much more enjoyable!
Why you should drink matcha green tea
These are merely a sample of the amazingness of matcha. Just Google matcha to find so many more great reasons.
- Bursting with antioxidants – up to 137 times more than regular green tea
- Detoxifies the body
- Contains 100 times more epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) than any other tea which is a compound widely recognised for its cancer fighting properties
- Contains amino acid L-Theanine which allows us to feel calm and relaxed, but alert at the same time
- One cup of matcha green tea is the equivalent of around 10 cups of regular green tea
- Boosts the immune system
- Increases mental clarity and alertness
- Great for skin and has anti-ageing properties
- The whole of the tea leaf is ingested, so much more nutritious
- Contains a high level of easily absorbed dietary fibre
How is matcha tea different from regular green tea?
Matcha green tea is produced from the same plant as regular green tea, but the leaves are cultivated slightly differently. The matcha leaves are grown in shade, instead of sunlight, which discourages photosynthesis. This process means the leaves produce more chlorophyll and amino acids giving them their higher nutritional qualities. The leaves, called tencha, are steamed, dried and then stone ground into a fine powder once all twigs and veins have been removed.
Matcha tea is mainly used as a ceremonial drink in Japanese culture, but has gained popularity in the Western world in recent years due to its amazing superfood qualities.
Dream Matcha
I’ve been enjoying the Dream Matcha premium powder for around one week now with a cup every morning and sometimes another cup half way through the day! The whisking process of making the tea is already becoming quite habitual. I only started whisking when I got this brand. I’m definitely going to continue drinking this tea every day as the health benefits are just too good to ignore. I also really like the sensation of drinking a warm drink and it’s a great replacement for the coffee I gave up a couple of years ago.