Why Organic Matcha Green Tea is a Must-Try: Health Benefits and Nutritional Secrets

Matcha tea is becoming wildly popular and for good reason! This bright green powdered tea has been used for centuries in East Asian tea ceremonies and is now gaining fame worldwide as a superfood. What sets matcha apart is that you ingest the whole tea leaf, packing in much higher levels of nutrients compared to steeping regular tea bags. 

When you choose organic matcha, you get even more impressive benefits thanks to the clean farming practices used. Organic matcha is quite literally energy in a bowl! From boosting your brain to protecting your heart, read on to understand what makes this elixir a must-try for the health-conscious.

What is Organic Matcha?

Matcha starts out as green tea leaves from the *Camellia sinensis* plant, the same leaves used in other true teas. What makes matcha unique is how it is grown and processed. The organic matcha plants enjoy partial shade which boosts the production of chlorophyll and amino acids. 

Farmers handpick the youngest, most tender tea leaves and then carefully grind them into a fine, bright green powder—no bags, no steeping required!

Since you end up drinking the powdered whole leaf in your matcha tea or recipes, you gain significantly higher amounts of nutrients compared to regular green tea. And by choosing organic matcha certified by organizations like USDA Organic, you minimize your exposure to toxic pesticides or fertilizers used in conventional agriculture. 

For the cleanest, safest matcha possible with the highest quality flavor, organic is the way to go. Not to mention, organic practices help protect soils and wildlife too!

Nutritional Profile of Organic Matcha

One serving of matcha packs a nutritional punch! Just one teaspoon delivers antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and minerals into your body and brain including:

• Antioxidants like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)- 137 times more than regular green tea!
  
• Amino acids like L-Theanine 
  
• Vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc
  
• Chlorophyll
  
• Fiber

The extremely high EGCG antioxidant content helps sweep up cell-damaging free radicals and oxidation within your body. This action protects cells from premature aging and may lower risks for chronic issues like heart disease, diabetes and cancer.  

Meanwhile, the amino acid L-Theanine combines with natural caffeine to endow matcha with a rare ability to simultaneously energize, sharpen focus and induce relaxation. Talk about a superfood! It achieves this through increased production of alpha brain waves, dopamine and serotonin.

If you’re looking to bump up metabolism, incinerate fat, detox and even help eliminate harmful heavy metals within the body - organic matcha can help. Its unique nutritional profile makes it a powerful fitness and health booster!

Top Health Benefits of Organic Matcha Tea

While more research is still needed in humans, the health-enhancing effects of matcha demonstrated in lab studies hold great promise. Let’s explore some of the keyways organic matcha tea may benefit your wellbeing:

Antioxidant Powerhouse

We’ve touched on the unmatched antioxidant levels in matcha compared to other superfood contenders like blueberries or pomegranate juice. The catechin EGCG is a mighty warrior against cell damage by combating oxidative stress in the body. Oxidation occurs naturally but unhealthy lifestyle factors can accelerate it. 

Left unchecked, this process triggers inflammation and can eventually lead to chronic diseases. EGCG may help prevent oxidation and inflammation, with a possible anti-cancer effect observed in mice studies too. So, stirring up a frothy cup of organic matcha could protect your cells daily!

Boosts Brain Function

If you’ve ever felt tea, give you a little cognitive edge, organic matcha takes that brain boost to another level! In a small study of 23 people, matcha consumers showed better mental performance across tasks assessing attention, memory and reaction time than the control group. 

Researchers believe the unique synergy between soothing L-Theanine and caffeine, which activates dopamine and alpha brain waves, is the key reason behind matcha’s brain-boosting magic. So, sip matcha for a mental lift minus the jittery edges of coffee.

Heart Health

The same potent plant nutrients that make green tea a heart-healthy beverage is abundant in organic matcha tea. EGCG, vitamins and minerals may lower LDL cholesterol oxidation and high blood pressure - two major predictors of heart disease. 

A meta-analysis concluded that drinking green tea correlates to a stunning 20-30% reduced risk of cardiovascular events and stroke compared to coffee. Though additional robust human studies are still needed, current research indicates that organic matcha tea protects heart health due to components that reduce inflammation and arterial plaque accumulation.

Liver Protection

Early research on green tea shows promise that high catechin levels may safeguard liver function and reduce the likelihood of issues like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Since matcha powder provides even more catechins than steeped green tea, it follows that organic matcha likely protects the liver too. 

However, more direct human trials are still necessary to determine specific effects on liver health. But so far, swap out your evening glass of wine for a soothing cup of organic matcha tea for better liver functioning!

Weight Management

If you’re aiming to get in shape and drop some pounds, organic matcha deserves a spot in your regimen. Previous studies concluded that green tea can boost metabolic rate while incinerating fat. This is likely due to the interaction between catechins like EGCG and the caffeine in matcha.

Together they tap into fat cells, drive up thermogenesis and enable the release of stored fat content. When paired with regular exercise and mindful eating, matcha accelerates weight loss better than diet alone. A 2020 review found that taking green tea while dieting even reduced BMI and shrank waists!

Unique Uses and Preparations of Matcha

While often whisked into tea, culinary matcha powder adds delightful flavor, color and nutrients to smoothies, baked goods, sweets like matcha ice cream and even savory dishes. Here’s a quick guide to get started:

Preparing Matcha Tea

Start by sifting 1-2 teaspoons of organic matcha powder through a small sieve to prevent lumps. Add 2 ounces of hot but not boiling water to your matcha bowl or cup. 

Whisk the matcha powder briskly in a zigzag motion until frothy using a bamboo whisk called a chasen. Sweeten if desired with honey or sugar. 

For thinner tea, use less powder and more water. For a thicker, stronger concentrate, add more powder and less water. Customize your perfect matcha!

Culinary Matcha Tips

Not sure where to begin with cooking? Start by stirring a teaspoon of culinary grade matcha into your next fruit smoothie or post-workout shake along with greens like spinach.

Spectacular both hot and iced, matcha lattes impress at home and coffee shops sweetened with honey or vanilla. Mix into hummus dip for a punch of flavor and color.

Bake matcha into wholesome treats like matcha chia pudding or green tea brownies. Feeling creative? Matcha pairs wonderfully with vanilla, berries, pistachios, dark chocolate, mint, ginger and spices like cardamom too.

To enjoy all the benefits more easily, incorporate organic matcha into your daily routine!

Safety and Consumption Guidelines

Organic matcha contains caffeine so those sensitive to stimulants should exercise caution. Too much at once may cause headaches or jitters in some people. 

Have an open conversation with your doctor if taking medications or if pregnant/nursing before adding supplemental matcha. 

While matcha imparts great health benefits, risks can come from contaminants like heavy metals present in the soil where tea plants are grown. Choosing reputable organic certified matcha guarantees purity standards and sustainable farming practices were used to protect both the tea plants and people consuming them. 

When buying, look for USDA Organic, Japan Organic or Quality Assurance International Certified Organic seals.

For general wellness, health experts consider 2-3 cups daily with catechin content around 338 mg safe for adults. This equals about 4 grams or 2 teaspoons of matcha powder daily. 

High quality organic matcha offers the clearest path to excellent flavor and health perks. Ultimately finding your own ideal matcha frequency comes down to listening to your body’s cues.

Conclusion

From its centuries-long history gracing Japanese tea ceremonies to its modern reinvention as a celebrity-endorsed superfood, matcha’s rise in the West continues gaining momentum. While research is still unfolding, current science indicates potent compounds within organic matcha tea leaves impart a host of wellness benefits.

For those seeking the cleanest possible matcha grown under sustainable conditions with the richest flavor and highest purity, organic really is the smartest way to go. 

Organic matcha is just the beginning of exploring the vast world of beneficial teas. While this article highlights the unique advantages of matcha, don't forget to check out other premium organic teas from brands like Lifeboost, which are also grown under strict organic standards to ensure purity and optimal health benefits.

FAQs

What's the difference between regular and organic matcha?

Organic matcha comes from tea plants grown naturally without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers according to certified organic farming practices. Choosing organic matcha avoids toxins and heavy metal contamination while supporting sustainable agriculture.  

Is drinking matcha everyday bad? 

Enjoying 1-2 cups of organic matcha tea per day falls within safe limits for adults and offers protective health benefits thanks to antioxidant plant compounds called catechins. Moderate caffeine intake and avoid drinking on an empty stomach to minimize potential side effects.  

How much matcha should you drink for weight loss?  

Drink one cup containing 1/2 to 1 teaspoon organic matcha powder before your workout. Matcha’s metabolism enhancing EGCG combined with exercise can potentially help speed fat burning. Pair with a balanced diet for best weight loss results.  

Can matcha cause anxiety?

High amounts of caffeine from any source can worsen anxiety in some individuals. However, L-theanine in matcha encourages focus and calm. Start slowly with 1/2 teaspoon daily and cease use if jittery.  

Is it OK to drink matcha everyday while pregnant? 

Caffeinated matcha is not recommended during pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor about safe green tea consumption and always choose quality organic matcha to avoid toxins while trying to conceive or expecting.  

How do you know if your matcha has gone bad?  

Properly stored quality organic matcha lasts about one year. Over time it loses its signature color and flavor turning dull brown with a stale, bitter taste signaling it is past prime. Discard matcha once it smells off or moldy to avoid food poisoning.

Check out Lifeboost Coffee Crimson Hibiscus Infusion Tea.

Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Charles Livingston nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.