Are you a fan of matcha drinks? Matcha is a type of green tea that has several health benefits. At first glance, matcha and green tea look very similar. But both have some differences. What are the differences between matcha and green tea? Check out the following review.

Differences between matcha and green tea

Matcha and green tea are both popular drinks among Indonesians. Although both are green, matcha and green tea are different. Here are some differences between matcha and green tea:

Manufacturing process

According to Medical News Today, one of the main differences between matcha and green tea is the manufacturing process. In matcha, the tea leaves go through a more careful growing and extraction process than in other teas. While green tea producers generally do not grow green tea in the shade or protect it from oxidation, the tea leaves used in matcha are produced in a more shaded area than the typical green tea plant.

This difference in plant cultivation contributes to the unique flavor of matcha. Where green tea has a light and refreshing flavor, matcha is rich with a stronger and grassy taste.

Nutrient content

Both matcha and green tea are low-calorie drinks. But of course, the calorie content of matcha can change if you add milk, cream, or sweeteners, like in a matcha latte. According to the USDA, 1 cup of green tea contains 2 calories. While the calorie content of matcha varies depending on the manufacturer, generally, 1 cup of matcha can have calories per serving.

Reporting from Everyday Health, another difference between matcha and green tea is in the content of catechins, which are antioxidant compounds. Matcha contains three times more catechins than green tea. The benefits of catechins include helping to prevent oxidative stress and other related diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Brewing method

Regarding brewing, there are also differences between green tea and matcha. To brew green tea, you only need to brew it with hot water. As for making traditional matcha, you need to dissolve the matcha powder in hot water and then stir using a bamboo whisk until it is even and not lumpy.

Benefits of consuming matcha

Like green tea, consuming matcha also has several health benefits, including:

Rich in antioxidants

Antioxidants help stabilize harmful free radicals, compounds that can damage cells and cause chronic diseases. Some research suggests that matcha may contain more antioxidants than green tea due to how it is produced, but this needs further investigation.

Protects the liver

A review of 15 studies revealed that consuming matcha can help protect liver health. Drinking matcha is known to lower the risk of developing liver cancer. However, more research is needed on the effects of consuming matcha on the broader population. We recommend choosing high-quality matcha or natural green tea, not extracts or supplements, if you want to drink matcha.

It helps with weight loss

A controlled study on women found that drinking matcha before brisk walking can help boost fat burning during the walk. This can aid in weight loss for those following a diet.

Matcha drinks have many health benefits. If you have nutrition-related questions, you can speak with a nutritionist or a dietician. If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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