If you’re looking to sip something that contains 10 times the antioxidants of green tea — and 14 times more than wild blueberries — ‘matcha’ may just be your cup of tea.
The consumption of matcha has been linked to better heart health, lower cholesterol, and the prevention of cancer and type 2 diabetes.
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The powder is made from young green tea leaves that are left in the shade for two to four weeks before harvesting. This increases the amount of chlorophyll— which transforms sunlight into energy—generating a higher concentration of antioxidants.
After they’re harvested, the young leaves are steamed, dried, and ground into a fine powder. Instead of straining water through the leaves, the powder is dissolved into the final brew, so people actually consume the whole leaf when they drink it.
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Matcha also packs a punch comparable to a cup of coffee, providing up to six hours of energy, minus the crash.
It’s also so potent that you really only need one cup a day.
In historical times, matcha was only available to Japanese royalty, monks, and to samurai warriors who would drink it to gain extra energy for their battles.
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As for the rest of us, let’s just hope it helps us get through our morning commute.
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