Energize yourself - Why ceremonial matcha and toothpaste tabs are the perfect combo…

What's actually wrong with drinking one or more cups of strong coffee in the morning? Nothing at all, in theory. Coffee wakes you up, refreshes you and comes in delicious varieties. So it's a perfect start to the day.

However: the coffee kick doesn't last long. This is because the caffeine in the bean is released directly in the stomach, resulting in a rapid stimulation effect: our adrenaline level rises, stomach acid is stimulated, and we feel clear and awake. However, this effect is over just as quickly. The result can then be sudden fatigue, heartburn or the typical "coffee flutter".

Now the Japanese Matcha tea comes into play, also known by its strong green color. Ceremonial matcha in particular - the highest-quality variety of Japanese green tea - has it all: even a small cup of the powder contains as much caffeine as an espresso. 

Unlike coffee, however, the caffeine here is in a bound form. This means that the caffeine is only absorbed through the intestines, which means that its effect is slower and at the same time longer-lasting.

 Ceremonial Matcha - highest quality, greatest effect.

Matcha tea is defined by different grades of properties. These refer to the method of production and origin. Ceremonial matcha is of the highest quality and significantly richer in healthy active ingredients than culinary matcha.

Ceremonial Matcha is traditionally hand-picked around the end of April or beginning of May as 1st flush - spring harvest. It is obtained from the younger tea leaves in the upper part of the Tencha plant. These are softer and sweeter in taste, the somewhat rougher stems and veins are filtered out. The culinary Matcha comes from the lower part of the plant, it can also come from the 2nd 3rd flush.

Before harvesting, the green power plant is shaded with bamboo mats or dark cloth for up to 30 days. This produces a particularly large amount of chlorophyll - which is also how its bright green color comes about.

Tencha plants grow in one of the oldest tea-growing areas in central Japan. Permeable and fertile soils in combination with a lot of fog there prevent frost, which is considered the biggest enemy to the sensitive tea.

The production of ceremonial matcha is also very lengthy: traditionally, it is ground with a granite stone mill, which requires about an hour for just 20 g of matcha. Culinary matcha, in contrast, is pulverized with metal balls in a larger machine.

#NaturallyDifferent

And the active ingredients of this power powder are pure and energizing!

Because the tea contains a high proportion of the amino acid L-theanine, which reduces stress, provides relaxation and at the same time makes you awake. Matcha also has the vitamins A,B,C and E, is mood-lifting and promotes memory. 

By the way, the miracle green powder has been part of the Japanese tea ceremony for centuries. It was developed around the 6th century in China. There it was first used as a holistic medicine, its tea leaves were dried for this purpose as a medicinal plant and then processed into fine powder. 

This natural medicine was traditionally produced in Buddhist monasteries, and initially consumed mainly there. This tradition then developed into a tea ritual for Buddhists. In China, this ritual played less and less of a role, but the Japanese continued to cultivate it and developed the Japanese tea ceremony from it in the 16th century. Since then, the correct form of preparation has followed a clear set of instructions:

Matcha powder is placed in a round tea bowl and then water (about 70 °C) is poured over it. A special bamboo spoon, the "matcha whisk", stirs it until fine, green foam is formed.

So what do all these facts have to do with toothpaste?

Matcha isn't just your average ingredient  – it's a superfood full of antioxidants and nutrients that offer a multitude of benefits for both oral and physical health. Here's why Matcha deserves a prime spot in your oral care routine:

1. Oral Health Boost: Matcha contains many polyphenols (especially catechins), minerals, vitamins. Catechins are a type of antioxidant with potent antibacterial properties. These catechins help combat harmful bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risk of cavities, and gum disease.
   
2. Energizing / Alertness: Matcha contains L'theanine, a powerful amino acid that exhibits antioxidant-like properties. It produces an interesting body feeling, which makes most people feel relaxed. The caffeine gives you a boost but the L-Theanine keeps you calm, alert and focused.
   
3. Anti-Inflammatory properties: The anti-inflammatory properties of Matcha can help soothe irritated gums and reduce inflammation, promoting overall oral health and comfort.

4. Fights Bad Breath: Matcha's natural polyphenol compounds inhibit bacterial growth which neutralizes odors and freshens your breath keeping your mouth feeling clean and revitalized throughout the day. 

Another special feature: Here, as well as in the other three toothpaste tabs from Natch, no aggressive fluoride is used. Instead, this is the first toothpaste in tablet form in Europe to use the healthier, bioactive ingredient HAp (calcium hydroxyapatite) instead of fluoride, obtained from a natural form of calcium phosphate.

So have fun trying it out!

Energize yourself!

Yours 

Norbert and Heber