Written by Moriah Hunter - The Tea Centre Toowoomba store manager
Matcha is definitely having a moment right now. Around the world, matcha consumption is growing at just under 10% per year. That’s a staggering number, especially when you think about how much tea that actually is!
Back in 2010, Japan produced roughly 1’470 tonnes of matcha per year. In 2023, it had to produce 4’170 tonnes of matcha per year to meet demand, and it’s only getting bigger. Bear in mind too, that you only need 2 grams of matcha per cup. That means that the world is consuming over 2 Billion cups of matcha per year, and don’t forget that 10% growth.
If that growth rate holds steady, it will mean the consumption of an extra 200 Million cups next year. But why? What makes matcha so special?
Here are 5 good reasons to take a Moment for Matcha.
Antioxidants:
Matcha is jam packed full of them! The main antioxidant in matcha is EGCG, which seems to be a powerhouse of a compound. Research has linked it to improvements in brain health, heart health, and lowered risks for joint diseases like osteo and rheumatoid arthritis. Some studies also show possible use in slowing neuro-degenerative diseases like dementia, but that research is still in the early phases. Just be careful though, because EGCG is temperature sensitive. The hotter the water, the more EGCG you lose.
Energy Boost:
Matcha is relatively high in caffeine. It’s not quite as strong as coffee, but you’ll definitely get more caffeine from a cup of matcha than an ordinary cup of tea. Unlike coffee, though, you won’t get a caffeine crash from matcha. This is because of a fantastic little compound called L-theanine, an amino acid that regulates the release of caffeine in the body to provide that sustained sense of energy you really need. This makes matcha a brilliant alternative to the morning cup of coffee, if you are looking for that extra vim to start your day.
Focus & Clarity:
Remember L-theanine from just before? Well, it doesn’t just regulate caffeine release. It turns out that this little friend also lowers stress and anxiety, all without the drowsiness associated with many other stress-relieving compounds. Given that heightened stress is linked to poor attention, the calming effects of L-theanine alone are a major boost to improved focus. But that’s not all. Combine it with a little caffeine, and studies show a noticeable improvement in mental acuity and heightened focus during complex tasks. And what do you know, matcha has both these compounds already!
Improved Metabolism:
Is matcha a miracle cure for obesity? No. There’s no magic bullet here. But research does show that EGCG does boost your metabolic rate, oxidising more fat and improving insulin sensitivity. It won’t make any difference to a bad diet, or lack of exercise. But it does make matcha a handy little supplement, if you are looking to boost the effectiveness of your exercise regime.
Mindfulness:
Buddhist monks have used matcha for over a millennium as an aid to meditation. L-theanine plays a part here, thanks to those focus-improving properties. But it goes beyond that. The ritual of making matcha forces you to slow down, to take a little time and forget about worldly concerns. And, in a fast-paced world like ours, maybe that’s the greatest benefit of all. So, if you’re feeling a bit burnt out, try making a cup of matcha.