Green tea powder is made from the whole leaf of the Camellia sinensis plant. Often it will include the veins and stems of the leaf. It is milled from the leaf to make a powder. This powder can be used for making mixes for baking, cooking and even soaps and candles as well as drinks. It is also used in some cosmetics.

It is believed green tea powder was invented in China in the tenth or eleventh century. Through Buddhism it spread to Japan. It came to be called Zen by the Japanese. A sixteenth century tea master (Sen no Rikyu) put together the rules of the renowned tea ceremony. It was specified that matcha was the only tea to use for this ceremony. Matcha green tea comes from Japan.

A few weeks before the tea bushes are harvested they are sheltered from direct sunlight while at the same time this causes slowing of the plants growth. This results in the leaves turning to a darker shade of green. It also is causing the production of amino acids. This gives green tea powder the sweeter taste and a vivid green color.

These leaves are known as tencha after they are laid out flat to dry and then they are crumbled. These leaves are continually protected from the sun. They are then made into a fine ground powder. If it comes from Japan the green tea powder is known as matcha.

Green tea powder can be purchased in many markets world wide. It is used in many recipes today to give a wonderful flavor to such things as cookies, cakes, puddings, ice cream, milk shakes, smoothies, lattes and of course tea. Even some alcoholic beverages today have included it in their drinks.

Green tea powder presents numerous health benefits. The research that has been conducted around the world has revealed this fact. It can be used as a weight loss supplement as part of your weight loss plan. It also increases the metabolism rate helping the body to burn more fat thus another way it can aid in weight loss. It contains the same free radical fighting antioxidants as the tea. It is credited with aiding in cancer prevention, reducing blood pressure and reducing blood sugar levels.

It does not matter if you are enjoying it in your favorite bake goods or in a delicious drink; the health benefits of green tea powder are enormous. This form is just another way the benefits may be included in your diet for better health.

Written by Fran Mullens. To view the original article, click here.