Benefits
What are the Health Benefits of The Pretty Smart Food Co® Matcha Green Tea?
Antioxidants
The Pretty Smart Food Co® Matcha contains up to 137x more antioxidants than regular green tea. Antioxidants help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, harmful molecules which contribute to ageing and tissue damage.
Green Energy
While matcha is natural source of caffeine, it won't give you the horrible jitters and energy crash you get with coffee - all thanks to L-Theanine. L-Theanine and caffeine team up to keep your energy levels sustained and your mind focused (for even as long as six hours!)
Metabolism boost
The epigallocatechin gallate (or EGCG, if that's easier), in matcha is your metabolism's best buddy. In fact he even partners up with caffeine to increase your body's metabolism, which in turn help to burn body fat. Powering up on matcha before a workout helps to push your body that extra mile.
FOCUS
Remember our friend L-theanine? It plays a part in stimulating the production of alpha wave activity in the brain, resulting in a state of calm but with focus. This is because L-Theanine doubles up by promoting relaxation while heightening concentration. And you guessed it, it also reduces anxiety and enhances your mood.
DETOX
Matcha is richer in chlorophyll than regular green tea because it's grown in the shade. Chlorophyll is what gives plants their signature green color and for us humans, acts as a powerful detoxifier right down to the molecular and cellular level. Don't worry, you won't turn green.
NO SUGAR
Matcha is sugar-free and virtually calorie-free (less than 3 calories per serving)! And look no further for a great source of dietary fibre, which helps to stabilise glucose and cholesterol levels and maintain a healthy digestive system.
Skin health
Catechin polyphenols contribute to high antioxidant activity which slows down the ageing process. Its potent anti-inflammatory effect makes it an incredible food for the skin by protecting from UV damage and improving skin elasticity. Drinking just one cup of matcha a day is by far the simplest thing you can do to combat skin ageing and promote overall skin health.
concentrated nutrients
1 cup of matcha = 10 cups brewed green tea in terms of nutrition. Matcha is the purest and most nutrient dense form of green tea, with over 600 studies proving this claim.
NO JITTERS, NO CRASH
As matcha is digested, the caffeine molecules bind to more stable larger molecules, like catechins. This binding slows the breakdown of caffeine in the bloodstream and therefore counteracts the usual negative side effects of caffeine. No jitters. No crash. And no cortisol production, the stress hormone that in excess contributes to bloating, anxiety, weight gain and sleep disorders.
The freshest tea leaves, guaranteed
The highest quality and most nutrient dense tea leaves are those that emerge after the tough winter period - these are the leaves that are the most sought after by the tea masters. They are also known as first flush, or early crop leaves.
Grown in the most nutrient dense soil
We source our matcha directly from an organic tea plantation in Nishio, a region in Japan renowned for growing some of the country’s highest quality and most nutrient dense tea leaves. Our matcha is 100% pesticide/herbicide free, certified organic by the Soil Association and Japanese Agricultural Organic Standard.
Shaded for maximum nutrition
Prior to harvest, the matcha fields are gradually covered to reduce the amount of sunlight exposed to the leaves. This process increases the natural amino acid and chlorophyll content in each leaf, which results in matcha’s rich green colour, unique flavour and superior nutritional profile.
Stone milled for flavour and health
After the shading process is complete, the leaves are handpicked, steamed, dried and then ground by granite stone mills into the ultra-fine powder. Stone milling gives us an ultra-fine matcha powder - this makes the nutrients more bioavailable, increasing their effects.
Highest L-Theanine content
We only use the youngest, most tender leaves - giving the sweetest, smoothest tea without bitterness and the strongest health benefits as they are the highest in L-theanine. Many "ceremonial grade" matchas are made from 8 leaves which are older and more oxidized.
Steamed not roasted
With our matcha you'll be getting all the delicate nutrients (and no free radical damage to your cells because of oxidation that occurs when roasting and pan-frying the tea - ouch). Our special 30 second steam immediately stops oxidation and preserves the nutrients.How to use Matcha Green Tea?
A moment of bliss
1. Put about 1 inch of water in a cup (cold)2. Add half teaspoon matcha
3. Tilt cup/glass and whisk it with an electric frother or matcha whisk (otherwise you'll get little clumps)
4. Once frothed up, add a tiny bit (1cm) of cold water
5. Now top the rest of the glass or cup up with boiling water
6. Voila!
Matcha Latte
1. Put about 1 inch of water in a cup (cold)2. Add half teaspoon matcha
3. Tilt cup/glass and whisk it with an electric frother or matcha whisk (otherwise you'll get little clumps)
4. Add warm frothed up almond/rice milk and top up the cup
5. Sweeten to taste
6. Enjoy!
