Why Include Matcha in Your Daily Routine

Matcha Green Tea’s health benefits date back thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Matcha tea uses the entire leaf and grinds it into a fine powder, to retain all its nutrients. You would have to drink 10 cups of loose-leaf green tea to get the antioxidants, L-theanine, vitamin C, carotene, vitamin B12, B6, and overall nutritional value you get in one cup of matcha.

Matcha is extremely high in antioxidants

Each food in the picture below has been measured for its antioxidant capacity, and it is clear from it why Matcha is considered a superfood that boosts our health.

 

 

Matcha tea is classified into three grades, Culinary, Premium, or Ceremonial. The grading system is actually quite misleading, as Culinary and Premium-grade Matcha are not of lower quality than the Ceremonial-grade. They are just grown differently so that they may better suit different purposes.

• Ceremonial Matcha has an earthy flavour and can be enjoyed without adding a sweetener.  It is expensive so it is not ideal for baking or cooking.
• Premium Matcha does not have the same sweet flavour as Ceremonial Matcha but neither is it as strong and bitter as the Culinary variety.  Not as expensive as Ceremonial but tastier when a sweetener is added (I like to use Stevia or Medjool dates).
• Culinary Matcha is best used for baking things like chocolate truffles or energy balls.

Matcha has grown in popularity lately, with Matcha shots, lattes, teas, and even desserts served in many cafes.

Matcha green tea delivers super health benefit:

• Protects against disease and environmental toxins

Matcha tea is rich in micronutrients, it contains catechins which are powerful antioxidants.  One of the most potent antioxidants is called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). It is instrumental in protecting the body, by counteracting the effects of free radicals from the damaging effects of air pollution, harmful UV radiation, and chemicals used in our daily environment.  Therefore it is potentially promising in studies showing protection against cancer.

• Cholesterol reduction

Research suggests that the Catechins in matcha tea, may support a healthy heart by reducing blood pressure, cholesterol, and the accumulation of plaque in blood vessels, these are all major factors for heart disease. 

• Reduces the effects of stress

Matcha has a high concentration of the amino acid L-theanine. L-theanine has been shown to increase alpha wave activity in the brain, which may help induce relaxation and decrease stress levels. L-theanine and EGCG compounds in matcha green tea are known to act on our happy hormones serotonin and dopamine, which can increase our sense of wellbeing and happy outlook. It also promotes concentration, memory, and clarity of mind. 

• Promotes weight loss

Matcha is a great addition to a weight loss program, it is known to boost metabolism and burn fat. Unlike coffee it doesn’t raise our blood pressure or heart rate, making it very safe to use. One small study showed that taking green tea extract during moderate exercise increased fat burning by 17%.  There’s a good chance you’ll see “green tea extract” listed in the ingredients of many weight loss supplements.

• Matcha naturally detoxifies your body

Matcha green tea has high levels of chlorophyll, which is a powerful detoxifier, helping to eliminate both chemicals and heavy metals from the body.

• Boosts energy and endurance

Unlike a cup of coffee or an energy drink, matcha lets you maintain a steady flow of energy levels after drinking it. You won’t experience an energy crash one or two hours after drinking a cup of matcha.

• Promotes healthy skin and teeth.

Matcha has antibacterial properties which help cleanse the gums and teeth while also suppressing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Due to the high anti-oxidants in Matcha, it protects the skin from free radicals associated with damaged cells and aging.

Although matcha is generally considered safe when consumed in small amounts as a beverage, it’s important not to go overboard. Due to the caffeine content, it is not recommended for use for children, pregnant or nursing women.

Otherwise include Matcha as part of your daily routine. It is as easy as just adding 1/2 – 1 teaspoon to a cup of hot water, you may need a special whisk for smoothness. I include it as part of my morning drink, juice of 1/2 lemon, 1/2 teaspoon of Matcha (ceremonial) in a pint of hot water.  It can also be added to a smoothie, best added after all the other ingredients are blended fully.

Here is one of my own simple nutritious Matcha latte recipe:

 

Ingredients

• 1/2 – 1 tsp Matcha powder
• 1 cup hot water
• 8 Almond nuts
• 1 tbsp of pumpkin seeds
• 1 or 2 Medjool date (depending on how sweet you like it)
• A few drops of stevia (vanilla an option)
• A dash of organic nutmeg or cinnamon

Method

• Add the date, nuts, pumpkin seeds into a strong blender with some of the hot water and blend until as smooth as possible.
• Add Matcha, stevia, spices and the rest of the water, blend for only a few seconds.

 

Enjoy