New free radicals and antioxidants are forming in our bodies daily. Antioxidants have a task of neutralizing free radicals, therefore it is crucial that free radicals and antioxidants are balanced. If there are more free radicals in our body, the body goes into a state of oxidative stress which may, in the long run, cause cancer, tissue aging, damaging of DNA, and even cell death.
Free radicals spread in our body due to our unhealthy habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, but also due to the factors we can't control, such as polluted air, UV rays, drinking polluted water, and unavoidable stress of modern life.
Every plant contains antioxidants because it needs them to protect itself against free radicals. And this is why we can obtain plenty of natural antioxidants with the help of a plant-based diet.
Certain food has a higher amount of antioxidants and we should add it to our daily menus, while we should take isolated antioxidants in a form of a supplement with caution, as we may get the opposite result.
One of the foods with high levels of antioxidants is Matcha. Matcha is a powder made by finely ground young tea leaves. It dissolves in water and milk (matcha latte) or we can add it to desserts.
We measure the antioxidant power in food with the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scale. Researches show we need to consume at least 3,000-5,000 ORAC units of antioxidants daily. Matcha contains approx. 1,400 ORAC/g.
Matcha has 10 times more antioxidants than classic green tea, and above all else matcha:
- contains anti-inflammatory substances,
- raises awareness and well-being
- boosts digestion
- lowers cholesterol and high blood pressure
- contains vitamins C and A
- contains minerals selenium, zinc, magnesium
- contains caffeine
Caffeine is being released more slowly as matcha contains high levels of amino acid L-Theanine. Therefore, caffeine in matcha doesn't raise our cortisol levels like coffee does, but allows us to be awake and aware for hours without a quick release.
Matcha contains the highest level of Catechin EGCg antioxidant, which helps in preventing cancer.
Making matcha is easy, the drink is tasty, bitter-sweet, and unforgettable. This is why it deserves a place on our daily menu.
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