Green tea originated in China over four thousand years ago before being brought to Japan in the 6th Century.  Green tea is made with unoxidized leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant that is hand or machine picked, dried to remove moisture and then shaped by rolling or twisting depending on the final appearance desired.  Since Green Tea goes through less processing than other varieties of tea, it has a higher EGCG level.  EGCG is a catechin, which helps protect the body from harmful free radicals.  Green Tea was also the first tea to be studied for its cancer fighting benefits. In recent years, many of the legendary medicinal benefits of tea have been supported by the scientific community, making Green tea a more popular beverage than ever. Studies have shown that Green Tea helps lower cholesterol, prevents blood clots, burns calories, strengthens the immune system and may prevent and reduce the severity of arthritis.

Matcha Green Tea

Matcha is a fine powdered Green Tea that plays a prominent role in the history of tea culture.  It is believed that Matcha was brought to Japan in 1191 A.D. by a Zen Buddhist monk named Eisai.  Once Buddhist monks were introduced to Matcha they began to use the beverage to keep them focused and relaxed during long periods of meditation. We now know that the amino acid L-Theanine, found almost exclusively in the Camellia sinensis plant (tea), is responsible for relaxing the body while at the same time stimulating brain waves, which keeps us alert. Matcha is the fastest growing health drink today because of its high antioxidant count and numerous health benefits.  To get the most out of this incredible Green Tea, make Matcha part of your daily routine by adding it to smoothies, yogurt, shakes and of course traditionally prepared.

This variety of Green Tea iis unique because the leaves are grown under diffused sunlight for 20-30 days prior to harvesting, which increases its chlorophyll content. Our Matcha is created from the finest shade grown tea leaves, which are steamed, dried and then removed of all stems and veins. The dried leaves, referred to as “tencha”, are then stone ground into a powder creating the final product, Matcha.  Since you are actually ingesting the whole Green Tea leaf when drinking Matcha, you receive more health benefits, in fact approximately 10x more than an infusion of Green Tea leaves.

Health Benefits

• Highest known concentration of antioxidants in a food source
• 10X more antioxidants than Green Tea
• 9X the beta carotene of spinach
• High in chlorophyll which detoxifies the body
• Boosts metabolic rate by 35-40% when consumed regularly, assisting in weight loss
• High in L-theanine which increases alertness, improves concentration and reduces stress
• Fights free radicals, which can cause diseases such as cancer and heart disease

ORAC Chart

Green Tea leaves are known for being high in antioxidants, catechins and polyphenols, and we now have scientific proof of the incredible power of Matcha Green Tea. Tufts University and the USDA developed a method for measuring the antioxidant power of foods; each food received an ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) value. The chart below lists some of the highest ranking and well known foods.