Ippodo Tea Co. has been bringing the best quality Japanese tea to tea enthusiasts since 1717. The tea company is well known all over the world for the excellent flavor of their tea; thanks to their careful selection of tea leaves from the tea farms located in Kyoto.
Kyoto is famous for producing the highest grade green tea in Japan. The brands give great importance to maintaining the consistency of the tea’s taste and that sets it apart from the rest.
They have their stores and Kaboku tea rooms in Kyoto, Tokyo, and New York City.
About Ippodo Matcha (Ummon-no-Mukashi Matcha)
Ippodo matcha has a vibrant and deep green color with a full-bodied and rich umami taste that has a mellow sweetness.
The Ummon-no-mukashi matcha takes second place in Ippodo’s entire matcha selection when you talk of quality.
It has an aroma that reinvigorates the body and mind. You can make both koicha (thick matcha) and usucha (straight/thin matcha) with it.
A treat for tea lovers, Ummon-no-mukashi Ippodo matcha undergoes testing to detect the presence of radioactive elements and pesticide residue in it.
However, there are no tests for heavy metals and fluoride as the soil of the tea plantations is free from such harmful substances.
In addition, the ummon matcha is gluten-free and free from allergens (dairy-free, tree nut-free, fish-free, shellfish-free).
Health Benefits of Ippodo Matcha
The matcha has more nutrients to offer when compared to regular green tea. This is because you consume the whole tea leaves instead of discarding them after steeping. Therefore, this gives you a chance to enjoy the health benefits of both the soluble and insoluble components of green tea.
The main water-soluble components of green tea leaves include L-theanine, caffeine, tannin, and vitamin C whereas the insoluble components are vitamin A and fiber. Each of them has its own health benefits to offer.
1. Boosts energy, increases alertness, and reduces stress
Matcha has the highest amount of the amino acid L-theanine in it when compared to other green teas. It slowly absorbs the naturally occurring caffeine in matcha and gives you a ‘clean’ and sustainable energy boost for 3-6 hours.
This comes without any caffeine crash or jitters that are mostly associated with coffee.
Matcha also helps one feel an alert calmness as L-theanine triggers alpha wave brain activity and releases the feel-good hormone ‘dopamine’. In addition to that, it works well in reducing stress to a great extent.
2. Fights inflammation and chronic diseases
Matcha is a rich source of powerful antioxidants. This is chiefly because of the presence of tannins that are a part of a group of compounds called polyphenols. EGCG or Epigallocatechin gallate is one of the main tannins found in green tea.
The antioxidants in matcha help fight the damage caused by free radicals in the body. This prevents several chronic diseases like heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and even cancer.
3. Improves brain function
The compounds present in matcha are helpful in enhancing the functioning of the brain. It improves attention, memory, and reaction time. So, by boosting brain function matcha makes you smarter.
4. Helps prevent cancer
As matcha is high in the antioxidant EGCG, you can expect it to exhibit anti-cancer properties. According to test-tube studies, EGCG world in preventing prostate cancer, skin cancer, liver cancer, and lung cancer.
However, there is a need for more human studies to study the exact effects.
5. Protects heart health
Consuming matcha can have protective effects on the heart. The compounds in matcha, particularly EGCG, bring down the level of the bad cholesterol ‘LDL’.
Additionally, it prevents its oxidation so that there is no clogging of arteries that can lead to heart disease and stroke.
6. Aids weight loss
As already mentioned, with matcha you consume the whole tea leaves in powdered form. This prevents discarding them after steeping as you do with loose leaf tea or tea bags. This way you get more EGCG.
The compound has weight loss benefits to offer. It speeds up your metabolism and increases fat burning. It will help you lose excess body weight when you make it a part of a healthy lifestyle along with the considerable physical activity.
7. Boosts immunity
The presence of vitamin C in matcha makes it a great drink to boost overall immunity. It will help you fight the flu and common cold. So, if you are looking to boost your immune health, matcha is just the thing for you.
8. Improves skin health
The anti-inflammatory properties of matcha due to the presence of EGCG are helpful in reducing the redness of the skin due to acne. It is helpful in improving skin health and complexion.
The compounds in matcha also fight the signs of aging like age spots and wrinkles and protect the skin from UV damage.
9. Fights bad breath
Bad breath is mostly due to bacteria in the mouth releasing foul-smelling compounds. Thanks to the antibacterial properties of matcha, it keeps the oral bacteria in control and reduces bad breath considerably.
Proof that it works…
Ippodo Matcha Ummon-no-mukashi is the second highest-grade matcha from the house of Ippodo Tea Co. The tea leaves are organically cultivated making Ippodo perfect organic matcha.
It has a vibrant color, rich taste, and alluring aroma making it great matcha to perk up your senses.
Ippodo’s matcha is free of radioactive substances and pesticides. The Ippodo high-grade matcha is good for heart health, boosting brain function, increasing alertness, and reducing stress.
In addition, it helps in improving skin health, getting rid of bad breath, boosting immunity, losing weight, and fighting inflammation. These all health benefits are due to the presence of l-theanine, EGCg, polyphenols, and 137x more antioxidants in matcha.
Overall, it is perfect to add a cup of Ippodo matcha to your day for good health.
How to prepare Ippodo matcha?
Ummon Ippodo matcha can either be prepared thick or a little thin. Here’s how to prepare thicker matcha (koicha),
- Heat water to a boil (80 degrees Celsius) and let it cool for a while
- Sift 2 tsp of matcha in a tea bowl
- Add 1 oz of the cool water to the bowl
- Whisk it till it gets frothy using a bamboo whisk (back and forth for not more than 15 seconds).
You can now sit back and enjoy your cuppa. However, to prepare thin matcha (usucha):
- Boil 2 oz of hot water and let it cool for a few seconds
- Sift 1 tsp of Ippodo ummon matcha in a tea bowl
- Add the cool water to the bowl and whisk vigorously for 15 seconds (making ‘M’ shape).
This will give you a rich, smooth, sweet, and umami flavor.
The Side effects of Ippodo Matcha Ummon-no-mukashi
While matcha is generally safe for most people, its caffeine content can be a cause of worry for those who are sensitive to the compound. Caffeine can cause the following side effects when you consume it in excess,
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Anxiety, restlessness, and jitters
- Sleeping issues
- Stomach problems
- Dehydration
Usually, when you buy matcha, it is important to check whether it has been tested for radiation and heavy metals. Ippodo Matcha (Ummon-no-mukashi range) undergoes testing for the presence of radioactive substances.
However, Ippodo does not test for the presence of heavy metals and fluoride. This is because the soil where the tea leaves grow is free of such harmful substances.
In case you are suffering from a health condition, it is better to seek the advice of your doctor before consuming matcha. Also, expecting and nursing moms should also be extra careful.
What’s more is that Ippodo matcha is not FDA evaluated and doesn’t intend to diagnose, prevent or treat any disease.
My Ippodo Matcha Review
Product Name: Ippodo Matcha (Ummon-no-mukashi)
Price: Check here
Brand: Ippodo Tea Co.
Quantity: 40 grams (1.41oz)
Ingredient: Matcha powder
Money-Back Guarantee: 30 days. No questions asked!
Ippodo’s matcha is made from the best quality tea leaves grown in Kyoto, Japan which is famous for producing high-grade green tea.
Made from carefully selected tea leaves, this is the brand that will make you fall in love with matcha because of the outstanding flavor, aroma, and texture.
Though it is a bit expensive when compared to other matcha brands, the pleasant taste and umami flavor make it really worth buying. In my opinion, it is a perfect everyday tea with a good texture.
Moreover, this organic matcha has a sweet and strong taste without any bitterness.
Also, when it comes to the expiry date, matcha can last for a good one year. However, if stored properly, it is best to use it within 60 days once you open the tin/wrapper.
Owing to the health benefits it provides, you should not think twice before making it a part of your diet plan. Club it with healthy lifestyle choices to make the most of its benefits.
