Matcha Tea Vs Green Tea
All types of what are known as “true” teas—white, oolong, black, and green— are made from the leaves of the evergreen shrub Camellia sinensis. The differences between them are due to the ways in which they’re processed into individual varieties.
White tea is the least processed and is made from buds and certain leaves of the tea plant, which are steamed and dried.
Green tea is produced from freshly harvested leaves that are immediately steamed to prevent oxidation (exposure to oxygen), which maintains their green colour.
Oolong tea is allowed to oxidize for a short period, and black tea is completely oxidized. The results of the varying degrees of oxidation affect the teas’ health-promoting properties, making each type unique.
Matcha is made from leaves grown in the shade. This increases their chlorophyll (making them bright green) and L-theanine (an amino acid unique to tea) content.
The word “matcha” comes from the Japanese words ma, which means ground, and cha, or tea, to describe the fine powder made from steamed and dried green tea leaves.
Nutrient content and health Benefits
1. Matcha’s antioxidant polyphenol content is mostly in the form of the flavonoids known as catechins. Catechins are potent antioxidants, due to their outstanding ability to neutralize free radicals
2. Matcha also is unique in that it’s the only tea in which the leaves are consumed as part of the drink rather than infused in hot water. This means the anti- oxidant content is higher than other teas.
3. In addition to catechins, matcha contains the antioxidant quercetin, a phytochemical associated with neuroprotective activity, improved glucose regulation, and anticarcinogenic effects. Rutin, also in matcha, has anti- inflammatory properties that may protect against diabetes and neurodegenerative conditions; its immunity-strengthening vitamin C, and chlorophyll, exhibits strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
4. Matcha tea consumption leads to a much higher intake of the green tea compounds L-theanine and caffeine compared with regular green tea that may promote a feeling of calm and relaxation.
Caution : People who are sensitive to caffeine, they drink a small amount of matcha once a day to see how they feel and make adjustments to their preferences. But, due to its high caffeine content, it is not recommended to patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis, or migraines, as it might be a potential trigger in these conditions.