Matcha Green Tea has been consumed for centuries by Buddhist Monks, Samurai Warriors, and millions of the Japanese population. The reason they keep drinking it is because of all the amazing health benefits it provides simply by drinking it once a day. The green tea leaf is world-renowned for it's weight loss benefits, antioxidant content, energy boosting properties, and much more. However, the regular way of brewing green tea, which is merely soaking the leaves in hot water, and then discarding them, does not do justice to the benefits of this amazing plant.
3 Unique Compounds and Amino Acids in Matcha and their Benefits
Ever Wondered Why is Matcha so Relaxing?
Unlike coffee, matcha provides a less jittery pick-me-up. This is due to matcha's high concentration of flavonoids and L-theanine, which increases the brain's alpha frequency band and produces relaxing effects by raising serotonin, GABA, and dopamine levels.
Matcha tea is one of the most desired superfoods today, so what makes it so special?
It is because of three unique compounds found in matcha and it's benefits. Below are points stated by the doctors in the Doctors show and it's quite on point for starters. The Doctors is an Emmy award-winning daytime talk show hosted by ER physician Dr. Travis Stork, plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Ordon and OB-GYN Dr. Nita Landry.
The Unique Caffeine in Matcha
The unique caffeine in Matcha is called theophylline. Theophylline is proved to provide a more sustained release of energy, helping you to avoid that caffeine crash 2 hours after a cup of coffee. Because it is shade-grown, Matcha has higher levels of theophylline than any other type of green tea. Lots of L-theanine makes you feel really alert and sort of awake combined with the caffeine kind of mellows you out.
One cup of matcha contains 34 milligrams of caffeine. It's half and a little more than your regular green tea which is 30 milligrams. Espresso has like 60 milligrams. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid drinking matcha tea because of the caffeine content in it.
Matcha Green Tea & L-Theanine
Full Of Antioxidants
Significance of Tea Ceremony in Japanese Culture
Referred to as Sado in Japanese, Green Tea Ceremony is a mindful way of preparing matcha. Literally meaning Way of Tea, it is a communal ritual of grace, presence and respect. Essentially, it’s a moving meditation. There are two underlying principles: Wabi, the inner life, and Sabi, the outer life.
The performance ritual in Sado is called Otemae, and is a series of very precise movements. Placement of the hands is paramount and when perfected it is almost a silent dance. In Japan, local groups meet in a special room called a chashitsu, with tatami matting, a hearth for heating water, and hanging scrolls with proverbs and wisdom. Many people also practice at home in a quiet, minimally decorated area, so feel free to improvise with your Yodha Matcha in a corner of your kitchen!
Preparation of Matcha
Step 1 : The Art Of Matcha & Meditation
In the Japanese tea ceremony, guests eat wagashi with a signal from the host (teishu, 亭主) before a bowl of matcha is served. This timing has the purpose of first appreciating the taste and the design of wagashi. Later, the focus turns to the taste of matcha while the sweetness of wagashi is still in the mouth.
Step 2 : The Art Of Matcha & Meditation
First of all, spend a few minutes breathing deeply, allowing any tense areas of the body to relax. If any thoughts pop into your head, allow them to be there, coming back to focusing on your breath. (this is the very essence of mindfulness meditation- by allowing thoughts to flow and not restricting them one learns to bring in calm in chaos)
Step 3 : The Art Of Matcha & Meditation
Pour a cup of cold water into the bowl to clean it (focus on the sound of flowing water when doing it). Give the bowl a swirl and clean it to prepare your sacred drink. Empty the contents of the bowl to start.
Step 4 : The Art Of Matcha & Meditation
Now, take a scoop of matcha and place it carefully in your bowl or cup. Admire it's vivid beauty.
Step 5 : The Art Of Matcha & Meditation
Add just a little warm water. As you whisk it into a paste, try to stay present, focusing on each beat of the whisk. Don't worry if your mind starts thinking about other things- just gently come back to your breath.
Step 6 : The Art Of Matcha & Meditation
Then, add more water, whisking until it froths. Again, take time to appreciate how it looks (notice that the sound of warm water flowing is denser than the sound of cold water).
Step 7 : The Art Of Matcha & Meditation
Take your first sip, really feeling how different parts of your tongue light up at it' taste. Feel the liquid flow through your food pipe and healing parts of your body sending positive signals all over. Drink it little by little, continuing to contemplate the multifaceted flavor.
After you have finished, you will sense a feeling of groundedness and a deeper connection to nature that will keep on growing day by day, year by year since the art of matcha and meditation evolves with practice.
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