Unknown herbs and green dye "matcha" lose
their health value
Matcha,
the vibrant Japanese green tea, has transcended its origins to become a global
phenomenon. What was once a drink for the curious or those seeking new
discoveries has rapidly evolved into a mainstream beverage, gracing the menus
of cafes worldwide.
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| Unknown herbs and green dye "matcha" lose their health value |
Unknown herbs and green dye "matcha" lose their health value
- However, this explosive popularity has brought with it a cascade of
- challenges, including strained supply chains, escalating prices, and the
- proliferation of counterfeit products, which, alarmingly, often contain
- unknown herbs and artificial green dyes, thereby stripping matcha of its
- inherent health benefits.
Initially,
matcha occupied a niche, considered a seasonal offering or a specialized choice for specific health conditions, akin to ginger tea. Its presence in coffee shop listings, particularly smaller, local establishments, was uncommon. Yet, this mysterious green elixir has now achieved staple status, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with coffee itself.
- Cafes, eager to capture the burgeoning market of "matcha lovers," have made
- it a point to include it in their offerings. This rapid expansion, however, has
- exerted immense pressure on global supply chains due to soaring demand.
- Consequently, prices have surged,
and a disconcerting trend has emerged: unknown herbs are being marketed as "matcha" after being artificially colored with green dye, fundamentally compromising the product's value.
Beyond the issues
of escalating prices, supply crises, and fraudulent products, the widespread adoption of Japanese tea has been accompanied by a plethora of health-related rumors. These speculations have positioned Japanese tea as exceptionally high in caffeine and, in some instances, even attributed gender-specific effects, claiming a significant impact on hormones.
- However, nutritionist Lynn Osama offers a clarifying perspective, explaining
- that the caffeine in matcha is absorbed gradually, thanks to the presence of L-
- theanine. This amino acid acts as a calming agent for the nervous system,
- mitigating the jitters and anxiety often associated with the rapid absorption of
- high caffeine doses found in coffee.
To illustrate, a prepared cup of matcha typically contains 60-70 mg
of caffeine, absorbed at a moderate pace, whereas coffee packs a more potent
punch of 90-120 mg, absorbed quickly and intensely. This rapid absorption in
coffee can trigger acidity, colon irritation, or anxiety in sensitive
individuals.
The insatiable demand
for Japanese tea has triggered a global supply crisis, leading
to significant price hikes. According to "Arabian Business" magazine,
authentic matcha production is geographically restricted to specific regions in
- These elevated costs inevitably trickle down to retail channels, potentially
- alienating segments of the consumer market that were instrumental in driving
- the initial demand surge.
In the
The supply crunch
has inadvertently paved the way for a flood of cheap, counterfeit alternatives into the market. What should be a healthy choice has, in these instances, become quite the opposite due to the addition of artificial colors. Osama elaborates on how to distinguish between genuine and commercial matcha. Natural matcha boasts a vivid, bright green hue, a direct result of being derived from green tea leaves shaded from sunlight before harvesting.
- This process enriches the leaves with chlorophyll and powerful antioxidants,
- such as EGCG, imparting a distinct and robust flavor. In stark contrast,
- processed or counterfeit matcha may contain green dyes and low-quality tea
- leaves or other ingredients, like starch or other green herbs such as moringa,
- purely for color and taste. Crucially, these imitations lack the authentic health
- benefits of genuine matcha.
Several indicators
can help identify authentic matcha. Firstly, its color should be a brilliant, vibrant green, not a phosphorescent or faded green. Secondly, its texture should be exceptionally fine and smooth, devoid of impurities, unlike some counterfeits that can be coarse and poorly ground.
- In terms of taste, genuine matcha possesses a subtle bitterness complemented
- by a rich, herbal tea flavor, distinct from artificially flavored or sweetened
- varieties. It also emits a fresh, grassy, aromatic scent, unlike counterfeit
- versions that often lack fragrance or carry artificial scents like vanilla. Lastly,
- natural matcha dissolves effortlessly in hot water (or cold water with
- whisking), whereas imitations may clump or contain large impurities.
The nutritionist also highlights
the potential risks associated with counterfeit matcha. These products might contain dyes, preservatives, or unsafe herbs in high doses, leading to digestive issues or allergic reactions. They could also have high caffeine content without the accompanying antioxidant benefits, thereby increasing anxiety, insomnia, or heart palpitations.
The absence of beneficial
natural compounds like EGCG significantly diminishes the antioxidant advantages.
While authentic matcha is safe when consumed in moderation, excessive intake
can lead to increased caffeine-related effects such as insomnia, palpitations, and
anxiety, as well as impaired absorption of vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, matcha
can interact with certain medications, including some blood thinners.
Regarding
the rumored connection between matcha and increased estrogen levels, Osama
clarifies that there is no robust scientific evidence to substantiate this
claim. While some animal studies have shown weak effects on specific sex
hormones, these are not significant enough to cause harm in humans at moderate
consumption levels.
