Matcha from Japan is currently a major trend overseas. Major coffee chains, including Starbucks, are offering drinks made with matcha, and in New York, the center of this trend, specialty matcha shops such as "Matcha Bar," "Matchaful," and "Cha Cha Matcha" are gaining popularity.
Matcha is embraced by those who prioritize beauty, wellness, and health. The export of Japanese matcha overseas is continuously increasing due to its recognition as a superfood for its high nutritional value, its emergence as a staple cafe menu item as a coffee alternative, growing interest in Japanese culture, and the widespread sharing of matcha's visually appealing appearance on social media. We will introduce the charm of matcha, which is chosen by international celebrities such as Miranda Kerr and Billie Eilish, as well as K-Pop idols.
What is Matcha?
Matcha is made from tea leaves cultivated using a special method called "tencha." The leaves are steamed, then dried, and slowly ground with a stone mill. Matcha carefully ground with a stone mill loses little flavor due to heat, and unlike regular sencha or hojicha, which are consumed by extracting with hot water, drinking the tea leaves themselves allows for the intake of highly concentrated nutrients.
Why Matcha is Good for Your Body
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Antioxidant Properties
While "reactive oxygen species" are necessary for the body, they can cause aging and illness. When they increase excessively due to stress, lack of sleep, UV radiation, irregular lifestyle habits, etc., they can have various effects on the body.
Drinking matcha, which has the effect of protecting the body from reactive oxygen species, leads to anti-aging benefits such as preventing spots, wrinkles, sagging, dullness, and yellowing, preventing the deterioration of collagen and elastin to maintain elastic skin, and also preventing cancer, heart disease, and lifestyle-related diseases.
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Gentle Caffeine Effect for Enhanced Concentration
One reason why more business people in New York are choosing matcha over a morning cup of coffee is that matcha's caffeine effect is milder than coffee's. Matcha has a lower caffeine content than coffee, and it contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which is only present in tea leaves that have not been exposed to sunlight. This is believed to provide a gentle and sustained focus without causing caffeine crashes or nervousness.
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Relaxing Effect
L-theanine not only enhances concentration but also has a relaxing effect. It helps reduce stress and promotes relaxation, leading to improved sleep quality and a mental reset.
Matcha has been used in Japan for centuries for spiritual discipline because it calms and stabilizes the mind, and this state of relaxation brings about quiet and sharpened concentration.
Especially in our busy and stressful modern lives, incorporating matcha into your routine can be a strong ally in balancing your mind and body and making you more active.
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Increased Stress Tolerance
Consistently consuming matcha also helps with daily stress management. Cortisol and adrenaline, which are produced in the body when under stress, are said to be suppressed by the synergistic action of L-theanine and catechins found in matcha. L-theanine, which shifts you to a state of relaxed alertness, is a crucial amino acid unique to matcha. By making matcha a habit, you can stabilize your mind and manage stress.
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Enhanced Muscle Training Effects
It is said that the suppression of cortisol, a stress hormone, alleviates muscle fatigue and enhances the effects of muscle training. Furthermore, instances of increased skeletal muscle mass have also been observed.
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Potential for Dieting Effects
Matcha contains a large amount of "EGCG," also known as a naturally derived diet ingredient. EGCG is said to boost metabolism, promote fat burning, and also inhibit fat absorption. Research on its insulin resistance properties is also progressing, and improvements in exercise performance and endurance are expected. Matcha has many beneficial effects for those aiming for a beautiful body.
With the boom in Japanese food, the spread of cafe culture, and the rapid increase in matcha-based foods and drinks on social media, especially Instagram and TikTok, matcha has become a global trend. Please try incorporating it into your routine as an inner beauty habit for beauty from within.
☕Recommended Brands for Authentic Matcha
CUZEN MATCHA
A matcha machine that allows you to easily enjoy freshly ground matcha at home.
THE MATCHA TOKYO
Cafes and products offering 100% organic matcha.
ONEUN
A Korean TEA HOUSE with a selection of fragrant teas.
Mt.FUJIMATCHA
Enjoy matcha harvested at the foot of Mt. Fuji in your own home.
🎀MYRÓA Mats that accompany your wellness daily life
For details and purchase, click here
