My tea of choice is green, and I especially like matcha. It’s loaded with antioxidants and other vital nutrients that have been shown to protect against certain types of cancers and health conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cardiovascular disease. Antioxidants provide the best defense against illnesses of all kinds. The more antioxidants you have in your system, the better equipped your body is to fight off infections and fatigue.
Green tea contains a unique type of antioxidant known as catechins that serve to kill off nasty bacteria and help to inhibit viruses. It also contains polyphenols, naturally-occurring compounds in plants, that are good for balancing gut flora. How’s that for protection!
Among green tea’s other healthful components is the amino acid L-theanine, which helps improve brain function. It does this by increasing alertness and releasing an array of feel-good chemicals that can lead to improved mood and concentration. It calms the mind and body at the same time it boosts metabolism.
Matcha is considered the granddaddy of all green teas because of its high concentration of antioxidants, chlorophyll, vitamin C, zinc, selenium, chromium, and magnesium. A single cup of matcha has the same antioxidant level as 3 or more cups of other green teas.
Matcha is consumed as a powder, meaning you ingest the entire finely-ground leaf. Because of this, the potential for consuming contaminants is high if the soil the tea is grown in is not healthy or the plants have been treated with pesticides. A point to consider when selecting any tea and especially matcha.
This summer I discovered Haraki-Gordon tea at the Quad Cities farmers’ market. I met owner Tony Gordon who, together with his wife, imports tea from the Haraki family farm in Japan. The Haraki family has been growing green tea for 700 years in the fertile region of Shizuoka, Japan.
What makes the Haraki-Gordon matcha tea I stumbled upon special enough for me to write about it? Its quality and delivery. Haraki-Gordon tea is certified organic and freshly harvested under pristine conditions. The farms are located in a high mountainous region where very few automobiles travel, the air is clean, and the water is pure. You can’t get much better than this for ensuring a high-quality, clean tea.
And then there is the container…it’s unlike any I’ve seen. An easy pour spout lets you put a quick shake of matcha powder into a mug of hot water with no added fuss. No teabag or wrapper to manage and throw away. It’s convenient at your desk, on the road, or in your kitchen. Swirl the mug a few times to dissolve the powder in hot water and enjoy!
Since discovering Haraki-Gordon tea this summer, I frequently travel with it. I toss the container in my purse or travel bag whenever I will be away from home for the day or overnight. Having it with me means I am assured I have quality tea at the ready.
As a matter of fact, I’m headed to the kitchen now to prepare a mug.
Green tea is considered one of the healthiest beverages on the planet alongside pure water. I encourage you to add green tea, and specifically matcha, to your daily beverage ritual. It’s a great way to protect your body and keep it strong.
Here’s to your health and vitality!
