Matcha and yoga for harmony

How, you may ask?

Matcha tea is not just a drink, the same way as yoga is not just a form of physical activity. In reality, they both encompass so much more: a lifestyle and philosophy based on practising meditation and focusing inward to find and maintain balance within ourselves and cultivate inner peace.

What is matcha?

For centuries, matcha tea was the drink of Zen buddhist priests and the samurai. Its production and method of preparation as well as the ceremony surrounding it, were kept a secret. Matcha was believed to have extraordinary powers, a life elixir for all ailments. 

They would consume it before meditation during tea ceremonies, which are an integrated part of Japanese culture. Tea ceremonies are considered a form of art, a philosophy that may take years or even decades to master.

It’s not only about consuming the tea itself, but also about slowing down and being present in the moment. Appreciating the small things in life, and how beautiful and perfect it is. For a long time now, matcha tea has been a key element in “The Way of the Tea”, bringing spirituality and mindfulness into people’s lives. 

Why is it special?

Matcha is ground green tea powder, its uniqueness lies in its production.

It is made exclusively of the youngest leaves from the top of the tea plant, hand-picked with the utmost care. A few weeks before the harvest, tea plants are covered to prevent direct sunlight – that helps them to preserve valuable substances such as chlorophyll, l-theanine and other nutrients. 

During regular tea consumption, we get merely 10% of the nutrients from steeping the leaves, in the case of matcha, however, we consume the entire, finely ground tea leaf, thus reaping all the health benefits.

One cup of matcha tea equals the health benefits (antioxidants, vitamins, minerals) of 10 cups of regular green tea. 

1. Opens up new mental dimensions

Matcha contains a special type of amino acid called l-theanine, which stimulates the brain’s alpha waves, causing you to feel focused, conscious and alert. The presence of alpha waves promotes better concentration, you will experience mental clarity and alertness as it reduces stress, putting you in a calm and relaxed state of mind.

This is exactly what we are striving for during yoga as well.

2. Energizing and refreshing to the body and mind

It is not necessarily true that we can only consume caffeine-free beverages to stay healthy. There are many reasons why the combination of caffeine and l-theanine found in matcha is ideal for the body. L-theanine causes caffeine to be released gradually into the bloodstream, thus providing you with long-lasting energy for the entire day. 

One cup of matcha tea (prepared with 1 gram of matcha powder) contains only 35 milligrams of caffeine, while your average cup of coffee has 95 milligrams.

You will be perfectly alert for your morning yoga session, but with no caffeine overdose. Matcha can be a great alternative to coffee.

3. Increases stamina and helps you lose weight

Studies have shown that green tea increases performance by up to 30%.

Furthermore, the main antioxidant found in matcha tea can help inhibit an enzyme that breaks down a special hormone. When the level of this hormone increases, it promotes fat loss. Drinking matcha before a workout helps to burn 25% more fat.

Matcha helps boost resting metabolic rate (metabolism) by 35-40%, thus promoting natural weight loss. It contains easily absorbable dietary fiber, which stabilizes your blood sugar as well. What’s more, high levels of chlorophyll also aid in the detoxification of the body.

4. A nutrient bomb

Matcha is the single best natural source of antioxidants! Antioxidants are vitally important compounds that fight free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive atoms in our bodies that may contribute to cancer and they may be responsible for accelerating the aging process and skin damage as well. They can also weaken your immune system and cause damage to DNA and other parts of human cells. Some well-known antioxidants are vitamin A, C and E, beta-carotene, flavonoids, phenols, selenium and coenzyme Q10.

Thanks to these amazing properties, matcha helps protect our body against diseases, lowers cholesterol and high blood pressure, promotes beautiful skin and slows down the aging process by preventing oxidation.

Visit our webshop to try our high quality, authentic Japanese matcha for yourself!