My diary: Today’s snack is macha! – It is one of green teas. I enjoyed an orange flavored chocolate together with matcha during my work. This chocolate made in the Japanese confectionery company was one with rich aroma and was exhibited in SALON DU CHOCOLAT 2017 held in Paris in last October. Usually, I rarely drink matcha but I had a cup of matcha today. The matcha is one of green teas and is called powdered green tea. Do you know the difference between the typical green tea and the macha? The following is the difference between the green tea and the matcha in terms of the manufacturing process, the constituents and the effects. - Green tea It is made from young tea leaves which were exposed to sunlight. The steamed and dried leaves are infused in hot water to make the beverage and the leaves are discarded. Since there is a lot of catechin in this tea, it helps prevent the absorption of fat. - Matcha It is made from young tea leaves which were blocked sunlight. The steamed and dried leaves are pounded into powder and the powder is mixed with hot water. Since there is a lot of theanine in this tea, it helps relax both your mind and body. Main constituents of the green tea are theanine, catechin, caffeine, vitamin c and dietary fiber. Tea particular contents are the theanine which is known as the sweeting constituent and the catechin which is known as the bittering constituent. These constituents are in proportion to how long the tea leaves were exposed to sunlight. When the leaves are exposed to enough sunlight, the catechin is increased and the theanine is reduced. On the other hand, when the leaves are shut out sunlight, the catechin is reduced and the theanine is increased. The catechin has a high effect of inhibiting the absorption of fat. The theanine has relaxation effects. It also has an effect of improving the circulation of blood. If you want to go on a diet, please choose the green tea! If you want to relax, please choose the matcha!