Everybody is talking about Matcha, but what is it, exactly, and what’s the big deal?
Matcha is actually green tea. (Whaaaaaat?) It’s true. Matcha is made from finely powdered high quality green tea leaves that were shaded from the sun a few weeks before the leaves were harvested. When the tea leaves are grown in the shade, they tend to produce higher levels of caffeine and antioxidants. Although there are 3 basic grades of Matcha (culinary, premium, and ceremonial), all contain higher levels of antioxidants and caffeine than standard green tea.
Click here to learn more about the many benefits of green tea
Even though Matcha might not bump avocado toast off the menu, here are 9 reasons to make it part of your daily life...
Matcha contains extremely high amounts of antioxidants
We all know that green tea is high in antioxidants, and Matcha contains even more of them. Matcha's growing process creates higher levels of antioxidants than standard green teas. Because the entire leaf is consumed, you get all of the vitamins and amino acids that make up the spectrum of nutrients found in Matcha.
Matcha contains more caffeine than any other type of tea
Unlike the caffeine found in coffee, the unique chemistry of the caffeine in Matcha creates a clean buzz without the crash that coffee drinkers complain about. Matcha doesn't create spikes in adrenaline or insulin, and the energy lift is a longer, smoother ride than the intense buzz from coffee.
There are lots of ways to drink Matcha
If you love drinking tea in the morning, Matcha is a perfect go-to. However, you're not limited to just tea. Matcha powder can be added to your favorite smoothies, lattes, and protein shakes. You can even stir some Matcha powder into hot chocolate for an energizing tasty drink. Here is a tasty and healthy smoothie recipe for energy and a strong immune system!
You can use Matcha in cooking, baking, and chocolates
From creamy soups to desserts, Matcha adds both flavor and kick to all kinds of recipes. Matcha makes a healthy addition to sweet or savory scones, cookies, and cakes. From simple to gourmet, Matcha takes desserts to a new level. Check out this tasty vegan Matcha cheesecake recipe!
You can literally add Matcha to avocado toast
I'm not joking. Here is a recipe. For a simplified vegan version, mash half an avocado with 1/2 teaspoon of Matcha powder, a squeeze of lemon, and some salt and pepper. Spread over your favorite normal or gluten-free toast, and you have a fast, healthy, energizing snack.
Matcha boosts memory and concentration
Chinese and Japanese monks drank Matcha tea to help them stay alert and focused during long periods of meditation. Now, modern science has discovered that the unique antioxidants in green teas, and especially Matcha, combat degenerative disease and memory loss. For best results, start including Matcha into your diet now. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Matcha provides protection from serious diseases
Scientific studies have shown that the antioxidants in Matcha have a protective effect on the cells of the body, helping to protect from heart disease, diabetes, and possibly even cancer-fighting benefits. An important disclaimer is that you have to drink at least 5 cups per day to see the benefits, and you lose some of the benefits if you add sugar. It's not a silver bullet, but a great addition to a healthy lifestyle.
Matcha can be used in skin care recipes
Take advantage of all those anti-aging benefits of Matcha and use it on your skin! One of the simplest natural facial treatments is to blend 1/2 teaspoon of Matcha with 1 teaspoon of French green clay. Stir in enough water or rose hydrosol to make a paste and apply it to your face and neck. Leave the masque on for 10 minutes, then rinse off in cool water. Moisturize afterward with a little jojoba or coconut oil and your skin will look and feel amazing!
Interested in natural beauty? Here are some anti-aging green tea beauty hacks
Matcha is an effective calorie burner
Matcha can help increase exercise performance, and boost your body's ability to burn fat. It works best if you use Matcha regularly, and of course, you have to eat a healthy diet and exercise. But when you combine the health benefits of Matcha with a healthy lifestyle, you're going to look and feel fantastic.
Are you a fan of Matcha? Let us know your favorite way to enjoy this amazing tea in the comments below!
2 comments
Hi Barbara,
We sell organic fair trade Matcha powder. Here is a link to the product page, including pricing and even more information.
Thanks so much!
Kita
I assume you sell matcha tea powder. What kind do you sell and how much does it cost?