We are seeing matcha everything these days in Dubai – from lattes and smoothies to cookies and cheesecake. Still, until a month ago, I had never touched the stuff. I’m not really into smoothies, don’t eat sweets anymore and honestly, I absolutely love/need/want/can’t imagine life without coffee, so could not fathom replacing it with anything, let alone green tea.
The reason I decided to finally try out matcha was because my DNA test results showed I could use help in the antioxydant and detoxification departments. Apparently, it is great for both these things and has a host of other health benefits, so I tested it to see if it made a difference. The verdict? I have more energy, yet I feel a lot calmer – strange, no? Well, apparently not. Read on…
What is it?
Matcha is made of tea leaves that are finely ground into a powder. It grows in the shade – which stimulates the production of chlorophyll and amino acids, which in turn gives it that unique green color and distinct flavor. It has a lot more benefits than regular green tea because of how its grown and because you are consuming the entire leaf as opposed to water that has been infused with leaves. Originally, it was only grown in Japan, but these days you also see some that is made in China. Personally, I prefer to pay more and get the organic stuff and if possible from Japan, where they have a long history of growing it.
Why you might want to try it
So here’s a list of reasons you should consider giving this Japanese tea a chance:
- It is an antioxidant powerhouse
One serving of matcha tea has 137 times more antioxidants than regular green tea, which protect against heart disease and cancer, lower cholesterol, and prevent stoke. - It has cancer-fighting properties
Matcha boasts a type of antioxidant called catechins (EGCg), which protect cells from DNA damage and inhibit tumor cell growth. It also has a high chlorophyll content, which is also known to lower the chances of certain liver cancers. Finally, it is rich in yet another antioxydant called polyphenols, which are known to detoxify free radicals which can damage your cells. - It improves memory and focus while also being very relaxing
Matcha contains very high levels of something called l-theanine – an amino acid that promotes both a state of relaxation and well-being. When you are stressed, one can provoke beta waves in the brain, which agitate and excite it. L-theanine produces alpha waves, which do the opposite, leaving you in a relaxed but alert state. I think this is what I have been feeling while taking it. - Boosts your metabolism and promotes weight loss
According to various studies, “green tea catechins ingestion not only stimulates thermo genesis and fat oxidation, it also reduces body mass, visceral fat and total body fat.” This seems to be largely due to catechins but its caffeine content also seems play a role. - Good for heart health
LDL-cholesterol can be reduced by daily matcha consumption according this and many other studies.
Where to get it in Dubai?
I initially got mine on Amazon.com but later also found a good brand at Organic Food & Cafe and Biorganicstore.com. In fact, most organic stores should carry matcha tea, given its growing popularity, so you shouldn’t have a hard time finding it.
But if you are doubtful and want to test it out without dishing out a lot of money, swing by Comptoir 102 in Jumeirah and have a perfectly-prepared matcha latte. Or if you have a sweet tooth, try a bakery in Jumeirah called Yamanote, they have a ton of matcha-based baked goods.
One last thing
Matcha is quite strong, so like everything, consume it in moderation.
