A little thanks for being you + supporting me :) Check out my matcha latte recipe below!
What is matcha/matcha powder and why is it good for me?
Matcha is comprised of ground up green tea leaves that originated in China. These leaves were brought to Japan where they became the most treasured type of tea and the only one used in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The entire ground tea leaf is dissolved in hot water which optimizes its nutritional benefits. Due to its rich taste and wide range of health benefits it is now being used in a variety of food recipes and beverages.
Health Benefits
Full of the polyphenol antioxidants (a kind of chemical that protect some common health problems and possibly certain effects of aging) matcha helps prevent the oxidation of molecules in the body called free radicals, which can cause autoimmune diseases and chronic diseases. Free radicals are created by the foods we consume, environmental toxins we ingest, and stress. Often these free radicals outweigh the antioxidants are bodies naturally produce, which is why external sources are necessary. Antioxidants increase energy, slow the aging process, lead to younger-looking skin and can prevent diseases. Just one cup of matcha green tea provides over 5x as many antioxidants as any other food.
6.2x that of goji berries, 7x that of dark chocolate, 17x that of blueberries, and 60.5x that of spinach! It has the highest amount of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) than any green tea, which is a strong antioxidant that is more potent than Vitamin C or E and helps them do their jobs better. It also contains Vitamin A, Vitamin B-Complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, trace minerals, other pholyphenols, and chlorophyll.
Other benefits include:
Fighting Cancer: The polyphenols have been shown to inhibit tumor cell development and help with cancer cell destruction. The catechins in matcha protect against damage caused by UVB radiation and protect cells from DNA damage.
Immune System Support: Fights against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Protects against the growth of influenza A virus, hepatitis B and C, herpes, adenovirus, staph infections, and candida. Also said to inhibit the attack of HIV.
Healthy Heart + Glucose Levels: EGCG helps maintain a healthy heat, metabolism, and blood sugar levels for those with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Reduces levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and glucose.
Balanced Energy Booster: EGCG helps improve sustained energy levels but at the same time can improve your sleep quality. It has a balancing effect that is both energizing and calming.
Weight Loss: Can increase the rate in which your body burns calories from its normal 8-10% to 35-43%. Exercising immediately after drinking matcha can result in 25% more fat burning.
Detoxing: The increase in Chlorophyll helps detoxify cells in the body and maintain the alkalinity of blood and tissues. Matcha will naturally remove heavy metals and toxins from the body specifically within the colon walls and liver.
Brain Health: Due to the amino acid L-theanine it helps keep the brain alert while inducing relaxation. It also reduces stress levels, lowers blood pressure, PMS symptoms, and antioxidant activity in the brain. It’s a natural production of dopamine and serotonin which keep the blues away, improves memory function and promotes better concentration.
Do you think it’s healthier than coffee? How so?
Yes! It contains a different form of caffeine than coffee called theine which comes from a tea
plant called Camellia sinesis. It creates a sense of alertness while keeping you calm and
relaxed at the same time. Therefore, you don’t experience the caffeine jitters that people get
with coffee! Unlike coffee, the caffeine in matcha binds to its larger catechin molecules and
releases into the bloodstream slowly. This makes it less harsh on your adrenal glands and helps maintain optimal hormone levels. It not only produces sustained energy, but it also prevents insulin and cortisol spikes that you see with coffee which means you don’t experience that “crash” from your blood sugar levels dropping.
Is there anything else I should know about Matcha?
The health benefits make it one of the most potent super-foods in the world! Its high concentration of antioxidants makes it almost 10x more nutrient-dense than regular green tea.
INGREDIENTS:
1 tsp matcha powder
2oz hot water
8oz coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk
1 scoop collagen powder
Optional: 1 tsp honey or maple syrup for sweetness
*I am sensitive to caffeine but if you want to increase the matcha to 1.5 or 2 tsp go for it!
DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat 2oz of water and whisk in the matcha
2. Heat 10oz of your choice of milk
3. Pour matcha, milk, and collagen powder into blender or Vitamix. Blend for 30 - 45 secs.
4. Pour into mug and enjoy!
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