We at US Family Health Plan, love our morning, afternoon and evening tea.  We are well aware of the health benefits herbal tea and the joy of sipping on something delicious and warm. But have heard of Matcha Green Tea? It may just seem like the latest health craze, but Matcha Green Tea is a long standing tradition of Japanese culture.  It is known for centuries for the amazing health benefits it offers.

Matcha Green Tea is a powdered tea made from the young tips of the shade-grown Camelia sinensis plant.  The nutrient rich leaves are first steamed, stemmed and de-vined, before they are stone-ground into a fine bright emerald green powder.  This power is stored away from light and oxygen to preserve its taste, color and amazing health properties.  

Consumed for over a millennium in the Far East, we in the U.S. are just learning about this amazing form of green tea.  It is considered one of the most powerful superfoods available today.  If you haven’t tried it already, we at US Family Health Plan encourage you to try a cup.  We all about health and happiness, and Matcha Green Tea can provide a positive boost on every front.  Take a moment to sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious cup of Matcha tea.  The quiet moment and the health benefits will make your day better.

Here are a four of the amazing healthy benefits of Matcha Green Tea.

1. Matcha is Super Rich in Antioxidants. Antioxidants have long been proven to give us younger looking skin and fight off serious life threatening health conditions, including inflammation and cancer. While most of us think raw fruits and vegetables are a great source of antioxidants, Matcha Green Tea has been found to deliver more than five time as many antioxidants as other food sources. So drink up!
2. Matcha Reduces Stress and Calms Nerves. For over a millennium, Matcha Green Tea has been used by Chinese Daoists and Japanese Zen Buddhist monks to help them relax and meditate, while remaining alert. This is because Matcha tea contains the amino acid L-Theanine, which promotes the production of alpha waves in the brain. The result is relaxation without drowsiness. Have another cup!
3. Matcha Boosts Memory and Concentration. Matcha Green Tea can improve your memory and promote better concentration. This is also due to the L-Theanine it contains, which is a product of dopamine and serotonin. Have a cup at work!
4. Matcha Increases Energy Levels and Endurance. Japanese Samurai warriors of medieval times drank Matcha Green Tea before going into battle, as this tea gave them increased energy. While all green tea naturally contains caffeine, the Matcha can boost energy largely through the nutrients it contains, as opposed to caffeine. So it is healthier form of energy that can last for up to 6 hours. Have a cup in the morning before you start your day!

So as you can see, the list of health benefits is impressive.  Let’s add that Matcha Green Tea also helps burn calories, removes toxins from the body and fortifies your immune system, all at once. And it actually tastes good all by itself, without added sugar or dairy. 

Go have yourself a Matcha Green Tea moment.  You will get great health benefits and great taste all at once.  US Family Health Plan – a TRICARE Prime Health Program – prides itself in dropping these little healthy tidbits of knowledge. Matcha Green Tea is one of our favorites.  So, enjoy a good sip of healthiness!