The history of matcha begins in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). At that time, the raw materials for tea were steamed, pressed into briquettes, which allowed to extend the shelf life of the tea. Later, it was invented to grind it into a fine powder and brew it with the subsequent addition of salt and mint. For a long time, the idea of ground green tea remained within China and did not go beyond its borders. The spread of tea began only during the reign of the Chinese Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). This happened with the participation of the monk Eisai, who brought matcha tea to Japan in 1191, taking with him the idea of Zen Buddhism. Then the matcha powder was poured with hot water and whipped with a whisk Chasen until foam formed. Thanks to drinking matcha, Buddhists could withstand many hours of exercises and meditation. Over time, the process of preparing and consuming matcha tea turned into a meditative ritual. At the end of the 13th century, Chinese monks spread Zen Buddhism throughout Japan, and with it the culture of drinking powdered tea. In China, this culture gradually faded away and was forgotten. And in Japan, having gone beyond the monasteries, it gained wide popularity among the noble classes of the population, gained significant distribution in other strata of society and, eventually, became an integral part of Japanese culture. You can talk about the benefits of matcha for hours, this tea has many useful properties. Scientists from the University of Colorado claim that matcha contains a large number of antioxidants, and studies by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences have shown that matcha can be useful as a prevention of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, matcha fills with energy, stimulates metabolism, improves skin condition, slows down the aging process, increases endurance and performance. Despite its many beneficial properties, there are reasons why drinking tea can be harmful to some people. How to minimize the negative effects of matcha depending on your body condition? Matcha should not be consumed by pregnant and lactating women. You should avoid tea 4-6 hours before bedtime. Do not increase the amount of powder by more than 5 grams per serving.