Matcha Made in Heaven: An Ancient Ritual with Modern Energy

Matcha Benefits
Matcha for Pregnant Women
Types of Matcha
How to Make Matcha
What You Need to Know
Healthy Meal Delivery

Matcha is a finely ground powder made from green tea leaves, originating from Japan. Unlike regular green tea, matcha leaves are grown in the shade before harvest, maximizing their nutritional value and health benefits. The leaves are then dried and ground into a flavorful powder, which is mixed with hot water to give you the tea we know today. In this article, we’ll explore its benefits, types, and how to make it.

Benefits of Drinking Matcha

Historically, matcha has been used in traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine. Some of its benefits include:

Improved Focus and Attention: Thanks to its combination of caffeine and L-theanine, it can enhance concentration and mood without the jittery effects of coffee.
Cancer-Fighting Properties: Packed with antioxidants that help inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Heart Health: It can help reduce bad cholesterol and triglycerides, supporting cardiovascular health.
Weight Management: One of its standout features is boosting metabolism, helping the body burn fat more efficiently.
Disease Prevention: Regular consumption may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.

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Benefits of Matcha for Skin

It isn’t just good for your body, it can support glowing, healthy skin as well. Its top skincare benefits include:

Reducing wrinkles thanks to its antioxidant content
Detoxifying the skin and clearing blackheads through chlorophyll
Calming inflammation and helping treat acne
Evening skin tone by promoting skin cell renewal
Reducing under-eye puffiness and dark circles using natural matcha masks with rose water

You can read more about natural skincare remedies here.

Matcha Benefits for Pregnant Women

Pregnant women can enjoy this tea in moderation due to its caffeine content. Matcha tea benefits include:

Lowering high blood pressure
Strengthening immunity through antioxidants
Providing a safe energy boost

You can read more about Hibiscus tea for lowered blood pressure here.

Types of Matcha

Matcha comes in several types depending on preparation technique and use:

Matcha Green Tea Powder: Great for daily use, low-calorie, and fat-free
Sweet Matcha: Contains sugar, commonly used in desserts and iced drinks
With Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory and supports weight management
Super Green Matcha: Purest form, no additives
Matcha Tea Bags: Convenient, often fortified with vitamins like A, C, and calcium
Matcha Latte Drink: Rich in potassium, ideal for athletes
Premium Powder: Used for high-quality beverages with a rich flavor

You can read more about Turmeric Powder here.

How to Make Matcha

You can make your own DIY matcha drink at home, it’s simple, nutritious, and delicious. Here are the steps:

Boil water, then let it cool slightly to about 80°C (176°F).
Add 1–2 teaspoons of its powder per cup.
Use a whisk to mix the powder into the water until a light froth forms.
Add honey or a sugar substitute if desired for extra sweetness.

You can read more about sugar substitutes like honey here.

Facts You Need to Know About Matcha

Shelf Life: Once opened, it loses quality after six months due to exposure to oxygen and light, affecting its color, taste, and nutritional value.
Origin: Japan is the most famous source of high-quality powder, though other countries like China, Taiwan, South Korea, Kenya, and India also produce matcha powder of varying quality.
Price per Kilogram: Japanese powder ranges from $200 to $600 per kilogram, depending on quality. Premium varieties are the most expensive, while Chinese or culinary-grade powder is cheaper, ranging from $30 to $100.

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Side Effects

Although this tea has many benefits, overconsumption can cause side effects, such as:

Increased insomnia and anxiety due to caffeine intake
Stomach irritation if consumed on an empty stomach because of tannins
Elevated blood pressure in sensitive individuals
Liver issues can occur with excessive consumption
Interactions with medications, particularly blood pressure drugs or ADHD treatments
Reduced iron absorption if taken with iron-rich meals
Allergic reactions, including rashes or breathing difficulties, for those sensitive to caffeine or green tea components

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Healthy Meal Delivery

With the Calo app you can enjoy delicious, healthy meals made to fit your diet, with satisfying portions to cover your daily needs. Choose a trial meal or subscribe to monthly plans, and enjoy tasty, nutritious meals and snacks, delivered straight to your doorstep!

FAQs

What is matcha made of exactly?

It is made from leaves of the Camellia sinensis tea plant that are grown in the shade. These leaves are steamed, dried, and ground into a fine powder that makes the final product.

Is matcha healthy for the body?

Yes, it is generally considered healthy thanks to its high content of nutrients and antioxidants, benefiting brain function, heart, and gut health. However, it all depends on the type and preparation, and it can be unhealthy if consumed with added

Does matcha have caffeine and how is it different from coffee?

Yes, it contains moderate caffeine (30–70 mg per cup, depending on type and preparation). Unlike coffee, its caffeine content is released gradually due to L-theanine, giving energy without jitters or crashes.

This tea is more than a traditional drink, it’s a nutritional treasure full of health and beauty benefits. Whether you want to improve focus, protect your body, keep your skin glowing, or lose weight, sipping matcha tea regularly can be a good start. That said, moderation is key to avoiding unwanted side effects. Read more about Kombucha Tea and learn about Turmeric Tea and many more health-related topics on the Calo Blog.