Top 5 Health Benefits of Matcha

So what is Matcha? 

Matcha tea powder is finely grounded young green tea leaves. Matcha is different from traditional green tea because the plants are covered for up to 30 days before harvesting. This increases the chlorophyll production and increases the amino acid production in the plant ultimately giving it its rich flavour.  After handpicking the leaves are dried and grounded to a fine powder and are packed with loads of great nutrients and benefits.  To get the full benefits from matcha you have to drink the powdered leaves.  

Let’s be honest, for most people, it’s one of those things that you either hate or love. Some people say that it tastes bitter and just plain disgusting. But I always combine it with some type of dairy-free milk and prefer it hot and I absolutely love it. The best way for me to describe it is a smooth earthy taste. I know that may not be very helpful but you should give it try before you decide to turn it away. Don’t let the green color turn you away you might actually love it. And besides, it is also packed with some amazing nutrients and benefits. You will find my favorite Matcha Latte recipe down below. 

There is so much research done on matcha but here the top 5

• Antioxidants and immune booster

Matcha tea is healthy and packed with natural antioxidants, which reduces cellular damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants act like your body’s defense mechanism

• Boost energy

Matcha has a high concentration of flavonoids and L-theanine. When matched with amino acids Match increases energy levels that do not cause a spike and then a crash like some of the other common caffeinated beverages. 

• Detoxifies

Some studies show that drinking matcha can detoxify your body of different chemicals and heavy metals. The concentration of chlorophyll helps to clean out your digestive system, increase your red blood supply.

• Boosts Metabolism

A compound called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is found in caffeinated green tea, is known to increase the body’s metabolism and thermogenic effects in the body. This is what stops or reduces the development of fat cells. Matcha is a more concentrated form of green tea. The potent EGCG combined with the natural antioxidants studies show that it’s a great solution to feeling energized and aiding in weight loss

• Brain health

Research shows that matcha contains L-Theanine, which is known to help the brain improve memory, attention, and overall brain function. One research shows that L-theanine can relax the mind without causing drowsiness while at the same time cause the alpha frequency band, which measures brain activity, to last longer. 

So to summarize matcha is packed with amazing health benefits and the five listed here, high antioxidants, boosts energy, detoxification, boosts metabolism and brain health, are all just the tip of the ice burg and there is so much more to learn about matcha. 

Here is my favorite super simple Matcha Latte recipe. 

A little matcha can go a long way

Ingredients

1 ½ teaspoon matcha powder

1 tablespoon warm water

¾ cup hot milk 

1  teaspoon of honey or sugar or whatever sweetener you like

*side note I’m not a fan of sugar in tea or coffee and I am fully aware that some people cant drink things without it. So feel free to add more or less sugar if you like.. Or if you are like me you can completely leave it out.*

Step1

Sift the matcha powder into a cup. Add the water and stir until no lumps remain. 

Stir in your sweetener of choice. Add the milk and enjoy.

Let us know what you think. Do you love matcha as much as I do? What’s your favorite way to drink Matcha?

Like this blog post or leave us a comment below 

Joelle@stillsofhue

sources 

• https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/ss/slideshow-all-about-matcha
• https://time.com/5188377/matcha-tea-benefits/
• https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/a27127259/matcha-powder-benefits/
• L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18296328/