Can’t take Matcha More of This?
Try this healthy green drink with a kick.
It’s been quite the week. If you’re feeling anything like I am, you can’t decide whether you need to relax and calm down, or get energized with a little caffeine. Well, you can get a little bit of both effects with matcha green tea. You can find matcha flavored anything these days. From pastries to ice cream and lattes, you can't miss it’s bright green color.
This form of green tea from Japan not only looks good, it's actually good for you in the right amount. It also contains caffeine, so if you’re looking for an alternative from coffee, you might want to start your morning with a hot matcha latte instead.
What is Matcha?
Matcha is made from young green tea leaves that are ground into powder. These young leaves maintain a deep green color because they are harvested in the shade for a period of time, which increases its amount of chlorophyll and nutrients. The powder is then whisked into hot water. This is different from the preparation of green tea, where whole leaves soak in the water.
How much caffeine does Matcha have?
Matcha has less caffeine than coffee or black tea, but more caffeine than brewed green tea.
the Benefits of Matcha
1. Rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants help stabilize free radicals and help prevent cell damage. Matcha has a high amount of a catechin called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is believed to have cancer fighting properties.
2. Improves cardiovascular health
The New York Times looked at a study from 2014 that analyzed 25 different randomized control trials where the subjects drank green tea for 12 weeks and noticed a significant drop in their blood pressure. There are also reports that show decreased LDL cholesterol levels, but more research needs to be done.
3. Helps with liver function
Studies have shown that the properties in green tea help prevent liver disease, as well as improve liver and kidney function. At this time, population studies show a positive correlation to liver disease prevention. Studies have also been done on rats, showing similar effects.
4. Improves brain function
In a study where researchers looked at a series of tasks performed after having matcha, they found improvements in their subjects' attention, reaction time, and memory, compared to those given a placebo. Similar effects have been found with caffeine studies as well. Certainly, there are other contributing factors that would affect such results. Matcha also contains L-theanine which is said to increase alpha wave activity in the brain. This would potentially lower stress levels and assist with relaxation.
5. Assists with weight loss
Studies have shown it increases energy and speeds up your metabolism, in order to burn fat at a faster rate. This is why you’ll notice many weight loss supplements have green tea extract or some form of this, on their ingredients list.
Are there any side effects to Matcha?
Green tea in general is considered a safe and healthy beverage. If you are sensitive to caffeine that is definitely something to keep in mind. There have been studies that show excessively high amounts of green tea can lead to liver problems. It’s best to use matcha in moderation. A few sites suggested 1-2 cups a day, but the amount may vary per person.
If you like tea, especially green tea, you should give it a try. There are so many health benefits related to matcha and green teas in general. It seems like matcha flavored food and drinks are here to stay, so you have plenty of options.
I’ve included a recipe below for an awesome matcha latte, and matcha thumbprint cookies too! Enjoy!
DIY Matcha Latte Recipe
Here’s a simple matcha latte recipe by blogger, Molly Yeh, to get you started:
Ingredients:
1 ½ teaspoons matcha powder
1 tablespoon water (HOT)
2 teaspoons of honey (or to taste)
¾ milk (HOT)
Directions:
Sift the matcha powder into a cup. Add the water and stir until no lumps remain.
Stir in the honey.
Add the milk and serve.
Matcha Thumbprint Cookies with Chocolate and Walnuts
Get Matcha Thumbprint Cookies with Chocolate and Walnuts Recipe from Food Network.
Including chilling time, you can have delicious Matcha Thumbprint Cookies in about an hour and 10 minutes!
Stock up on Matcha & Matcha-Related Accessories
Jade Leaf Organic Matcha Tea Powder
100% USDA Certified Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder - Pure Shade-Grown Green Tea Leaves - Grown Without Pesticides or Harmful Fertilizers
Authentic Japanese Origin - less than 1% of tea fields in Japan are certified organic for strict farming practices. We source directly from partner family farms in Uji and Kagoshima, Japan.
Create Amazing Matcha Recipes - Culinary Grade Matcha is an affordable way to add a delicious, healthy boost to lattes, smoothies, baked goods, and other dishes
Matcha Green tea powder from Pure Chimp
Ceremonial grade matcha green tea from Japan - Matcha tea grown without the use of pesticides
Can help to improve your mood, memory & concentration
137x more EGCG (an antioxidant) than in regular green tea
Boost your metabolism & energy levels with our matcha tea
5% of our profits go to charity - Packaged in recyclable glass
Matcha Green Tea Powder by Superior Culinary
Start Your Day With a Cup of Matcha Wellness - Feel the inner peace & clear mind a cup of Matcha tea brings
Experience the gentle & uplifting steady energy flow without the “jitters” or “caffeine crash”. A refreshing energy hit that will have you coming back for more
USDA & JAS Certified Organic, our premium matcha green tea powder is BRIGHT GREEN in color & has a FRESH GRASSY Aroma. Produced in the Uji region of Japan
