The world seems to be obsessed with matcha lately, with cafes selling matcha lattes & food enthusiasts turning it into pastries and desserts. Japan's most revered form of green tea has been gaining popularity in the wellness spotlight, but what EXACTLY is matcha & what's all the matcha fuss about?
Researchers suggest that catechins may confer health benefits in terms of fighting cancer, viruses & heart diseases, although the evidence is still inconclusive as study results are often inconsistent. However, research in this area is still ongoing.
- Matcha is a stone-ground powdered green tea traditionally served during Japanese tea ceremonies. It has been the heart of the Japanese way of tea for hundreds of years.
- Matcha contains small amounts of various vitamins & minerals, and is prized for being naturally rich in polyphenol compounds called catechins which is a type of antioxidant.
- Matcha is made from ground up whole tea leaves, therefore it's a more potent source of catechins than standard green tea because the former is consumed whole, while the latter is consumed as an infusion with the leaves discarded.
Researchers suggest that catechins may confer health benefits in terms of fighting cancer, viruses & heart diseases, although the evidence is still inconclusive as study results are often inconsistent. However, research in this area is still ongoing.
I personally go bonkers over anything matcha-flavoured and I particularly enjoy sipping on a cup of matcha tea while having a Japanese meal. Lately, I've been experimenting with matcha a whole lot & have managed to come up with FIVE creative, interesting, healthy & really delicious recipes which I will share over the next few weeks. If you're also a mega matcha fan like me & want to get creative in the kitchen with this amazing ingredient, these healthy recipes are for YOU! |
I'm interested to see your creations of the recipes, so share your photos either by posting it on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/denisechewsnutrition or by tagging me on Instagram @denise_chewsnutrition & hashtagging #dchewsnutrition. I had tons of fun in the process of making (& eating) these recipes & I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did!
p/s- the first recipe of this series will be up on Monday (12/10), so stay tuned :)
Much love,
Denise xx