Matcha green tea with turmeric is known for its vibrant green hue, attributed to the shade-growing process that results in higher chlorophyll levels compared to other green teas. This tea holds significant cultural importance in traditional Japanese tea rituals. Before use, matcha is sifted to remove any clumps. For the Japanese tea ceremony, it’s either placed in a small tea container or used directly from the sieve. Typically, two to four grams of matcha are placed in a bowl, and 60-80mL of hot water (70–85°C) is added—not boiling to preserve its properties. The mixture is whisked with a small bamboo whisk until smooth and is generally paired with a small sweet to offset its natural bitterness.
There are two popular ways to prepare matcha with turmeric: thick (koicha) and thin (usucha). Koicha uses twice the amount of matcha with about half the water of usucha, making it milder and sweeter. Often made from high-quality matcha from older plants, koicha is stirred rather than whisked, resulting in no foam.
Tea has been enjoyed worldwide for centuries due to its health benefits. Various studies have shown that different types of tea can enhance the immune system, decrease inflammation, and may even protect against cancer and heart disease. While some teas offer more benefits than others, regularly consuming them can significantly improve overall health.
Nowadays, matcha is not just limited to tea; it’s also a versatile ingredient in cooking. It’s used as a flavor in ice creams and cakes, as a topping for shaved ice, and is mixed with milk and sugar to make cold beverages, among other uses.
When it comes to active ingredients, matcha with turmeric contains L-theanine, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory), caffeine (mainly theophylline, which boosts energy minus the jitters), and chlorophyll, which acts as a detoxifier. L-theanine adds to the umami taste, promotes relaxation, enhances focus and learning, boosts immunity, and improves liver function.
Matcha green tea with turmeric is rich in antioxidants, helps with metabolism and calorie burning, detoxifies, calms the mind, relaxes the body, and is packed with fiber and vitamins. It elevates mood, aids in concentration, and can help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Nutritionally, it offers vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc, and magnesium.
In terms of antioxidant content, matcha with turmeric surpasses any food, boasting 20 times more antioxidants than pomegranates and blueberries. These antioxidants shield the body from free-radical damage caused by pollution, UV rays, and chemicals.
Referred to as brain food, matcha green tea with turmeric can enhance mood and cognitive performance. Studies show improved attention, memory, and response speeds about an hour after consumption. This effect is more pronounced when consumed as tea rather than a food bar. Additional research suggests it may reduce anxiety, enhance memory, focus, and working memory due to the synergy of L-theanine and caffeine.
Considering the role of oxidation and inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, green tea polyphenols, especially ECGC, appear to improve cognitive function in older adults. Large-scale studies suggest matcha acts as a neuroprotective agent, potentially safeguarding the aging brain and reducing dementia risks. Green tea could help protect and even repair the brain as you get older.
Research on rats has shown that matcha can significantly increase the expulsion of toxic compounds. Additionally, studies in humans indicate that matcha offers protection against environmental hazards like pesticides, smoke, and heavy metals.
When it comes to cardiovascular health, both animal and human studies suggest that green tea may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Catechins in green tea have been shown to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels by reducing dietary lipid absorption and accumulation.
Green tea also aligns with cardiovascular health by addressing related metabolic conditions like diabetes. It can reduce cholesterol absorption, slow the lymphatic absorption of fats, and prevent the formation of visceral fat, thereby improving lipid metabolism and preventing metabolic syndrome.
Unique catechins found in green tea can offer cancer protection by inhibiting new blood vessel growth and slowing cell proliferation. Scientific research supports that drinking several cups of green tea daily is linked with cancer prevention, reduced cardiovascular risk, improved brain function, and a lower risk of dementia. Green tea is also chemopreventive, reducing environmental damage and age-related disorders.
