The Benefits Of Matcha Green Tea

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The Benefits Of Matcha Green Tea – Why you should ditch traditional green tea and switch to Matcha.

Through a Japanese tea ceremony, I was introduced to the benefits of matcha green tea.  “Matcha” as it is called is a special type of green tea made of the entire leaf.  Consuming the whole leaf provides 100% of the nutrients and 137 times the antioxidant power of regular green tea.  One cup of matcha = 10 cups of regularly brewed green tea in terms of nutritional content.

 

Benefits of Matcha Green Tea – How It’s Made

The benefits of matcha green tea come from the use of the whole leaf. The leaves are pulverized, creating a green powder.  The green tea powder is then whisked with hot water in a bowl creating a frothy beverage.  In traditional ceremonies, Geishas serve the warm beverage in traditional style.  The preparation and enjoyment is meditative.

The resulting high levels of chlorophyll in Matcha Green Tea not only give this tea its beautiful vibrant green color; matcha is also a powerful detoxifier, capable of naturally removing heavy metals and chemical toxins from the body.

Benefits of Matcha Green Tea – Awaken Mental Clarity

One of the benefits of Matcha green tea is that it creates calm alertness.  l-theanine (an amino acid found in green and black tea) produces a state of relaxation without drowsiness.  With three times as much caffeine than a cup of steeped tea, matcha has about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of brewed coffee.  Switching your morning coffee for the benefits of Matcha green tea will give you the caffeine you are accustomed to without the jitters and mid-morning crash.

Benefits of Matcha Green Tea – Antioxidant Support

Catechins are phytochemical compounds, vital antioxidants which provide the body with metabolic support and stamina. We know that with it’s potent antioxidant properties, a bowl of matcha provides over five times as many antioxidants as any other food. The EGCg catechins, which make up 60% of matcha tea, have also shown to hold antibiotic properties which promote overall health.

 

Benefits of Matcha Green Tea – Promote Relaxation

The L-Theanine in matcha promotes the production of alpha waves in the brain, which induces relaxation without the inherent drowsiness caused by other “downers.” The L-Theanine also promotes the production of dopamine and serotonin.

Studies of different populations have shown that people who drink Match Green Tea on a regular basis have lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol while at the same time displaying higher levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.

Benefits of Matcha Green Tea – Become A Fat Burning Machine

Drinking Matcha Green Tea has also been shown to increase metabolism and help the body burn fat about four times faster than average.

Benefits of Matcha Green Tea – Prolonged Energy

While all green tea naturally contains caffeine, the energy boost received from Matcha is largely due to its unique combination of other nutrients. The increased endurance from a bowl of Matcha Green Tea can last up to 6 hours and because of the effects of L-Theanine, Matcha drinkers experience none of the usual side-effects of stimulants such as nervousness and hypertension. It’s good, clean energy.

Benefits of Matcha Green Tea – Save $ By Making It At Home

If you buy matcha in a cafe, you’ll spend somewhere around $4 a cup. You can make it at home for pennies—here’s how:

1. Heat spring or filtered water

2. Add a few drops of hot water to matcha powder and mix into paste with a spoon

3. Add more hot water to paste mixture and stir. Try 1 teaspoon to 6 ounces of water. Adjust measurement to suit taste.

4. Enjoy!

Benefits of Matcha Green Tea – There’s One Exception

Since the whole leaf is used in the production of matcha green tea, lead contamination could be a concern. Even organically grown green teas have been shown to contain trace amounts of lead. As long as you are not drinking the tea all day every day, you should be okay. We must weigh the benefits vs. the risks and make a decision for ourselves if we want to drink matcha.

Benefits of Matcha Green Tea – Resources:

E-How Matcha

Health

Match Source

WELL – New York Times

Things To Do In Antigua

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Things To Do In Antigua – A Video Overview

The Central American country of Guatemala is known for its lush and wild jungles.  The name Guatemala means “land of trees”.  With thirty-three volcanos, four of which are active, the landscape is rugged and rich in minerals.  Guatemala is near the equator and receives ample rainfall and sunlight to make a fertile environment for agriculture to flourish.

Guatemala’s flag consists of two blue blocks hugging a white block in the center.  The flag symbolizes the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans that hug Guatemala in the center.  As the most populous country in Central America, this flag represents sixteen million residents that speak twenty-two different languages.

Things To Do In Antigua

Things To Do In Antigua – Explore The History

The city of  Antigua, Guatemala was once the capital of the country.  It’s rich history spans the Mayan Empire and Spanish rule.  In 1524 it was originally founded as Santiago de Guatemala.  This area is prone to natural disasters, including floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and avalanches.  Through a series of natural disasters that destroyed the city multiple times authorities decided to move the capital to Guatemala City.  At this time the city adapted the name it now holds, La Antigua, Guatemala which fittingly means “Ancient Guatemala”.

Things To Do In Antigua – A Land Riddled With Volcanos

Antigua is a growing tourist destination.  It’s driving distance from Puerto Quetzal and the now capital, Guatemala City.  The drive winds through the beautiful countryside.  To the west of the city are a pair of peaks, Acatenango and the Volcán de Fuego or “Volcano of Fire”. To the south of the city is Volcán de Agua or “Volcano of Water”. If you feel like taking a hike, climbing Pacaya Volcano will give you a magnificent view of the surrounding valley.

Things To Do In Antigua – Delve Into The Cobble Stone Streets

The uneven cobble stone streets of Antigua are endearing.  Sight seeing tourists must be mindful that, while watching their step, they must also beware of the bay windows that jet out into the street.  These exterior ornamentations add character to this beautiful place.

The city of Antigua is one of the best examples of Latin American town planning. Straight lines established by the gird of north-south and east-west streets make it easy to navigate.  Each neighborhood has its own temple, square and hospital.

Antigua Guatemala transports you in time.  You feel that you are living in history.

Among the many historical buildings is the Palace of the Captains General, the Cases de al Moneda, the Cathedral, the Universidad de San Carlos, Las Capuchina, La Merced, Santa Clara and many other noteworthy sights.

Things To Do In Antigua

Things To Do In Antigua – Guatemalan Cuisine

Guatemalan cuisine is also based on the influence of the Mayan and Spanish cultures in the region.  Mayan cuisine prominently features corn tortillas which, in this area, have added limestone to increase calcium to the diet, chilies and beans are also key ingredients.  The Spanish introduced ingredients such as citrus fruits, olive oil and garlic.  Almost all dishes include some form of black beans, white rice and corn tortillas.  Meats typically come sautéed in chili sauce or boiled in savory stews.

Many locals still make their food by hand using traditional methods.  Meal time is informal, with its focal point being socializing with their community.  Common crops in Guatemala include bananas, cocoa, coffee and sugar.

Things To Do In Antigua

Falling in love with the charm of the city is one of the easiest things to do in Antigua.  This is a place that I would like to spend more time in. With so many things to do in Antigua, my time here was far too short. I will be returning again soon to this magical spot.