Matcha is a traditional form of green tea powder, originally from China and most famously nowadays, Japan. It is a bright green powder, made from dried green tea leaves and is much stronger than regular green tea.
Originally used at Chinese Buddhist Chan (Zen) monasteries, and then brought to Japan by travelling Zen monks, the Matcha form of powdered green tea was highly valued by the Zen Buddhists for its energy-giving and health-promoting benefits.
From about the 12th century onwards, Matcha became popular across Japan, at first in Buddhist monasteries and then by the Japanese elite, and spreading further into the community.
Over time, an elaborate tea ceremony type ritual was created, involving a range of matcha tools including a whisk and ceramic bowls (which you can buy from us here right on this page!)
In modern times, Matcha green tea powder is popular world-wide either on its own, especially favoured by health fanatics and tea lovers. It is also a very fashionable ingredient in smoothies, cookies, ice-cream and other sweets, and of course there's the "matcha latte" or "green tea latte" or as we call it here at LUPICIA, Matcha Au Lait, a sweet and milky matcha-laden hot beverage.
As with green tea in general, there are many beneficial health and wellbeing effects associated with Matcha. Since Matcha is essentially a concentrated form of green tea, one can appreciate the extra value obtained from using Matcha to boost one's health and wellbeing.
Let's list off the top ten health benefits of Matcha powder green tea!
(For related and more detailed information on each of these, please visit our Green Tea page)
1. Boosts your immune system.
2. Helps promote weight loss
3. Gives you fresher breath!
4. Promotes better dental health
5. Can help to increase your physical performance
6. Reduces anxiety & boosts brain power.
7. Contains antioxidants which reduce the risk of cancer.
8. Loaded with healthy bio-active compounds all of which are good for you.
9. Helps to protect your brain from age-related illnesses.
10. Longevity! Helps you live longer!