History and origins
The history of matcha begins in China, where the preparation of powdered tea was already common in the 6th century .
The Japanese monk Eisai brought tea plants and knowledge about tea production from China to Japan in the 12th century. There the art of matcha making was perfected over centuries and became part of the highly prized Japanese tea ceremony .
Matcha literally means “ground tea” and is obtained from the Camellia sinensis plant, more precisely from the Tencha variety. The tea bushes are shaded before harvesting, which promotes the production of chlorophyll and theanine and gives the matcha its characteristic flavor and bright color .
Health Benefits
Matcha tea is known for its numerous health benefits. It contains a high concentration of antioxidants, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which can protect against disease .
The amino acid L-theanine in matcha has a relaxing effect and can help reduce stress .
In addition, matcha is said to have a positive effect on brain performance and can promote weight loss and lower cholesterol levels .
However, it should be noted that matcha also has a high caffeine content, which makes it less suitable for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women. In addition, people taking medication should discuss possible interactions with their doctor.
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