What is Matcha?
This green superfood has drastically grown in popularity over the last few years but that may have left many of you wondering 'what is matcha?'.
Matcha is originally from the Camellia sinensis plant, however it is cultivated and grown differently which gives is a unique nutrient profile.
Before harvesting, framers cover the leaves of the matcha for 20-30 days to avoid direct sunlight. Intern the chlorophyll production increases, the amino acid content is boosted, and the plant gets a darker green hue.
After harvesting, the tea leaves have the stems and veins removed before being ground to a fine powder and the distinct bright green matcha is made.
Unlike a cup of green tea, where the leaves are boiled and thrown out, matcha contains the nutrients of the whole tea leaf. This results in an increased amount of caffeine and antioxidants than typically found in green tea.
The Benefits of Matcha
There is a reason why matcha tea has got so popular and it's not just because of its Instagram worthy vibrant green colour!
The health benefits of matcha tea are extensive and after this I'm sure you'll be wanting to add an espresso of matcha tea to your daily morning routine.
High in Antioxidants
Catechins are a class of plant compounds found in tea that act as natural antioxidants. As matcha tea has the whole leaf ground up, and not just the leaves boiled, it has a much higher percentage of catechins than normal green tea. In fact, it is estimated that for a certain catechin, matcha as up to a 137 times greater volume than regular green tea.
When given matcha supplements, mice have a reduced damage caused by free radicals and enhanced antioxidant activity.
This means that including matcha in your diet, which could increase your antioxidant intake, can help to prevent cell damage and lower your risk of several chronic diseases.
Promote heart health
Studies have shown that drinking matcha tea regularly can decrease your blood pressure, which causes a reduced risk in the likely hood of developing cardiovascular disease.
Helps you lose weight
If you've ever looked at the ingredients list on a weight loss supplement, you probably would have seen “green tea extract” listed in the ingredients.
This is because green tea is well known for its ability to enhance weight loss. In fact, studies show that it may help speed up metabolism to increase energy expenditure and boost fat burning.
One small study showed that taking green tea extract during moderate exercise increased fat burning by 17%.
Another study in 14 people found that taking a supplement containing green tea extract significantly boosted 24-hour energy expenditure, compared to a placebo.
A review of 11 studies also showed that green tea reduced body weight and helped maintain weight loss.
Although most of these studies focused on green tea extract, matcha comes from the same plant and should have the same effect.
Why Buy Nespresso Matcha Pods
Usually, to make traditional matcha tea you have to start by sifting 1–2 teaspoons (2–4 grams) of matcha powder into your cup, measure out 2 ounces (59 ml) of hot water, and then mix it all together with a bamboo whisk.
It can be a bit of a hit and miss affair or even plain messy.
How many people buy Matcha powder, love it, then stick it in a cupboard as they can't be bothered with the ‘faff’?
One of the advantages of our Matcha Pods for Nespresso is that you do away with all that, and get the perfect beverage quickly and consistently.
Each matcha blend is contained in an eco-friendly capsules for Nespresso machines that is biodegradable and compostable, as they are made from plant fibres.
This means you can enjoy your vibrant, healthy Nespresso pod without feeling guilty about your impact on the environment, as even though the aluminium Nespresso pods are recyclable they often end up in land fill.
Also, the premium organic Japanese matcha used in pods is enriched with plant prebiotic fibre and a range of B vitamins.
You get a delicious and flavoursome hot drink whilst boosting your nutrient intake.
By Alex Warmisham ANutr - Nutritionist at Rejuvenation Water
