Tag: Matcha antioxidants

According to a study conducted at Tufts University, matcha possesses an oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) rating over twenty times that of pomegranates or blueberries. Is matcha tea actually healthy, or is its reputation just hype? The answer lies in its unique processing and potent chemical compounds.

Fact: All authentic matcha is made from shade-grown green tea leaves, a process that boosts its chlorophyll and amino acid content. However, the real question of what kind of matcha is the healthiest isn't a simple choice, but rather depends on how it's harvested and processed.

A 2020 study published in *Food Science and Biotechnology* found that storing matcha at higher temperatures significantly decreased its antioxidant activity and catechin content. This confirms what many tea experts have long known: matcha is indeed sensitive to heat, and improper handling can degrade its quality and health benefits.

Matcha is a powdered form of green tea, so when you consume it, you ingest the entire leaf, providing a more concentrated dose of its beneficial compounds compared to steeped green tea. For this reason, optimizing your consumption method is key to maximizing its numerous health benefits, from cognitive function to antioxidant intake.

An estimated one in five Americans consumes some form of green tea daily, and for many, that includes a creamy matcha latte. While matcha is celebrated for its antioxidant-rich properties, the addition of milk—especially dairy—has sparked debate about whether it negates the tea's health benefits.

With the rise of trendy matcha lattes, many people wonder: is drinking matcha with milk good? While adding dairy creates a creamy, comforting drink, research suggests that the milk's proteins might slightly diminish the absorption of matcha's potent antioxidants, creating a debate among health enthusiasts.

Studies have shown that some of matcha's vital nutrients, like chlorophyll and certain vitamins, are better preserved at lower temperatures, meaning a chilled preparation can actually retain some compounds better than its hot counterpart. So, is cold matcha still healthy? The answer is a resounding yes, though the balance of extracted compounds shifts depending on the brewing method.