Matcha Movement

Matcha powder is made up of compressed green tea leaves after the deveining and stone grinding. The results are sweeter than steeped green tea. This green powder is said to be better than regular green tea as it is derived from whole tea leaves. These leaves are high in a catechin called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) which is an important antioxidant for the body. It is believed to have cancer-fighting effects. Protecting cells from damaging, flushing out toxins, improving attention and concentration are some of the other health benefits of matcha green tea.

“It's high in amino acids and antioxidants which are important for body functions,” says Chef Ansab from Burma Burma. Sharing his views on how does matcha affects the Indian immune systems being a Japanese ingredient, the chef further adds, “It is definitely effective for Indian body types as it not only helps in increasing the metabolism but also aids in reducing the risk of heart diseases.” Contradicting the scientific belief, that the more local the ingredient, the better the effect on the body.

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Being a versatile food element, Matcha has proven to blend well with food and beverages. Not just remoulding your mundane tea into a healthy drink, this wondersome ingredient can transform a regular smoothie or latté into a healthy yet tasteful summer punch. “The fresh green powder can also be used with non-fat cream, to make a Matcha Gelato,” suggests Chef Harangad Singh from Prankster, Gurugram. Moreover, it can be incorporated with a lot of food varieties ranging from hummus to cookies to pasta and much more.

Further, it has become the ingredient of choice for a lot of experts, especially when preparing a dessert. Pa Pa Ya, a restaurant in Delhi offers Matcha cheesecakes, brownies and tiramisu. The Head Chef of the food chain Sahil Singh says, “Its numerous health benefits might have you feeling less guilty about giving in to these indulgences, but chances are you will be too distracted discovering just how well the fresh green tea flavour complements your favourite confections.” But because it is concentrated it is wise to watch the quantity of its consumption and not go overboard.

Although, it is a safe and healthy drink, if not consumed in large quantities. But it is important to know that it is not the only health alternative possible. The antioxidants found in this green powder can also be found in fruits and vegetables. “Overall, the nutrients in matcha seem to promote good health, but if you are thinking about adding it to your diet to help with weight loss, don’t expect this to work if you are on a high-calorie diet. Although it does have fat burning qualities, it will not help you burn enough calories to make up for a bad diet,” says Chef Sahil.

Dr Farah Ingale, Internal Medicine Expert also explains, “Being a natural compound that is derived from plants, it has anti-inflammatory properties in the rawest form possible. Its consumption increases the body’s metabolic rate, much like exercise which further aids weight loss.” She further suggests that a good workout brings the same effect too.

Matcha was an obsession in early 2018 and has not seen a dip in the trend, but considering it your ultimate food element for health management would not be right. However, its health benefits combined with taste can certainly aid your process of weight management. So, are you ready to replace your regular tea with this healthy alternative?