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The 8 Wonders of Matcha Green Tea - Shared
by Craig Hochstadt

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 If you're not drinking matcha green tea yet, you're behind the times! Get with the program and try this
metabolism-enhancing, stress-reducing, immune-boosting, cholesterol-lowering, teenage-mutant-ninja cancer
fighter! Although people drank green tea in China more than 1,000 years ago, it became an important part of
the Japanese culture. They named the tea matcha.
 Zen Buddhist monks drank it to remain alert and calm during long hours of meditation. Japanese tea leaves grow
in the shade to increase chlorophyll content. These chlorophyll-rich leaves are then handpicked, steamed, dried
and ground into a fine green powder. The history and cultivation of the tea is interesting, but what matters most
to health enthusiasts is its antioxidant content. One cup of matcha green tea has as many antioxidants as 10
cups of regular tea!

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MATCHA GREEN TEA ANTIOXIDANT
LEVELS
 6.2 times that of Goji Berries
 7 times that of Dark Chocolate
 17 times that of Wild Blueberries
 60.5 times that of Spinach

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 Cancer Preventer
Green tea contains potent antioxidants called catechins, which scavenge for dangerous free radicals in the body.
The most powerful catechin found in green tea is EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is believed to be a
powerful anti-carcinogen.
A 2003 University of Colorado study confirmed that drinking 1 cup of matcha green tea has 137 times the amount
of antioxidant EGCG compared to a conventional cup of green tea.
 Anti-Ager
One of the locales in the world where people live the longest is Okinawa, Japan. The Okinawan people's longevity
has been partly attributed to regular consumption of Matcha Green Tea.
Matcha green tea is the most popular green tea in Japan, but is rapidly gaining more popularity throughout the
world because of its ability to combat inflammation, oxidation and aging.

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 Lowers LDL "Bad" Cholesterol
A 2011 study featured in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrated that administration of green
tea beverages or extracts significantly lowered serum total cholesterol and LDL "Evil Emperor Zurg" cholesterol
concentrations.
 Weight Loss
A 1999 study featured in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrated that green tea extract rich in
catechins has thermogenic properties and promotes fat oxidation beyond that explained by the tea's caffeine
content.
It was found that consuming green tea increased thermogenesis (the body's rate of burning calories) from 8-
10% to 35-43% of daily energy expenditure.
Another study demonstrated that exercising immediately after drinking matcha green tea resulted in 25% more
fat burning during exercise.
Both studies suggest matcha green tea can enhance both resting metabolic rate and fat burning - can I get an
Amen?!

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 Detoxifier
Matcha is grown in the shade, which is why it is richer in chlorophyll than other green teas. Chlorophyll is the
pigment responsible for giving leaves their green color. The Hulk would be proud!
Chlorophyll is purported to detoxify the body, but this has yet to be scientifically proven. I wanted to mention it
because of its supposed ability to clear the body of toxins, heavy metals, poisons, dioxins and hormone
disrupters.
 Mind Improver
Matcha green tea contains up to 5 times more L-theanine than conventional green tea. L-theanine is an amino
acid with psychoactive properties, capable of inducing alpha wave activity in the brain.
Stress is known to induce the brain's beta wave activity, leading to a more agitated state. Alpha wave activity
can relieve stress, promote relaxation and even lower blood pressure.
Although matcha contains some caffeine, the relaxing properties of L-theanine counterbalance the "jittery"
effects of caffeine. Therefore, a cup of matcha green tea promotes concentration and clarity of mind without
producing any of the nervous energy typically associated with coffee.

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 Fiber
Matcha green tea leaves contain a high level of easily-absorbable dietary fiber. The benefits of dietary fiber include
its ability to ease constipation and stabilize blood sugar levels.
 Energy Energy
Try a cup of matcha green tea as an afternoon "pick-me-up" anytime you need extra focus. matcha green tea is an
ideal substitute for coffee because it provides an energy boost without the headaches you might get from a coffee
crash.
Tips To Better Your Matcha Experience
Matcha green tea is available as a concentrated powder and can be found at health food stores. I recommend
organic matcha, because it is produced without any artificial fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides. Do not add matcha
green tea powder to boiling water because it will taste "grassy." Boil the water and let it sit for 5 minutes before
adding the tea.
It might take some time to get used to matcha's flavor. Give in to the power of the tea!