Move over green tea, matcha tea is here!

Expert nutritionist Debjani Banerjee tells you what makes matcha tea better than your regular green or other brewed teas.

The new year has arrived with its own set of health trends, new products, new websites and a lot more. The last couple of years were all about green tea and its benefits and now, we see a new entrant and people are already raving about its benefits. It is the matcha tea. We decided to ask our expert Debjani Banerjee, Consultant Nutritionist and Dietetics, PSRI Hospitals New Delhi, if the matcha was the new-age green tea or a substitute, and here s her response.

What is matcha tea?

Matcha means powdered tea. It is a bright green coloured fine powdered Japanese tea. The tea leaves undergo a special process right from the stage of harvesting to drying and storage, which makes it more potent and deepens the flavour. The matcha powder is not an extract of the leaves but a powder of the actual tea leaves.

Benefits of matcha

Rich in antioxidants called polyphenols; matcha tea reduces a risk of cardiovascular diseases by fighting against the free radicals in your body. It negates the effect of UV radiation and gives you a youthful skin. Another type of antioxidant present in matcha tea is L-theanine, which promotes relaxation and concentration similar to what you achieve from meditation. It also helps in producing dopamine and serotonin, which act as mood and memory enhancers. Also read about the 7 health benefits of antioxidant rich foods.

What makes matcha tea better?

The fact that the powder is actual tea leaves and not just an extract makes it more nutritious. Regular tea or green tea is an extract of the leaves, which makes it less potent. Also, matcha tea contains more epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) than any other tea available in the market. This antioxidant is known for its cancer-fighting properties and boosting metabolism.

How to prepare matcha tea?

To prepare matcha in the correct and traditional way, heat but don't boil half cup of water. Add it to one teaspoon of matcha tea powder and whisk it to form a smooth, silky and frothy beverage. Consuming the tea in this form maximises its benefits and flavour compared to incorporating the tea in smoothies or lattes and pastries.

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