Imagine if boosting the health benefits of your everyday diet was as simple as having a cuppa? That's precisely what you get when you drink matcha, probably the most powerhouse cup of tea you could ever drink. Originating in Japan, where monks would drink it to remain alert yet calm during meditation, matcha has seen a huge surge in popularity thanks to its nutritious contents and delicious flavour. The vibrantly hued liquid is made from finely milled green tea powder - the staple ingredient behind traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
MATCHA FACTS
One serving of matcha is the nutritional equivalent of 10 cups of regularly brewed green tea
When you drink matcha you ingest the entire leaf and 100% of the leaves' nutrients
Matcha powdered green tea has 137 times more antioxidants than regularly brewed green tea.
Don't get me wrong - regular green tea is good - but water can only extract a fraction of its benefits, meaning most of its goodness ends up in compost... all those fabulous antioxidants and minerals trapped inside the tealeaves. Matcha is essentially those very tealeaves, stoneground and less processed to preserve all of their delicious goodness.
While not entirely virtuous - it does contain a similar amount caffeine to coffee - matcha leaves us feeling simultaneously energised and calm, for longer. This is thanks to the presence of amino acid, L-Theanine, which slowly releases caffeine for a super chilled effect. All that aannnnd it tastes good.
Not only can you froth matcha with hot water or milk for a delicious creamy drink, you can eat it too! Blend the magical green powder in smoothies and frozen yoghurts or add to cup cakes.
MATCHA HEALTH BENEFITS
Packed with antioxidants including the powerful EGCg
Boosts metabolism and burns calories
Detoxifies effectively and naturally
Calms the mind and relaxes the body
Is rich in fibre, chlorophyll and vitamins
Enhances mood and boosts concentration levels
Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium
Helps prevents disease
Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar.
(I know... I'm almost done then you can go order one!)
ANTIOXIDANTS
There's a lot of talk about antioxidants, but what actually are they? In essence, they are the body's defence agents - naturally occurring chemical compounds that help prevent aging and fight infections and disease. While a tonne of fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, matcha is unparalleled in comparison. Experts at Tufts University have discovered that matcha possesses twenty times more antioxidants than pomegranates or blueberries. That's pretty mind blowing.
Almost calorie free, matcha boosts metabolism, burns fat and does not put any stress on the body. It doesn’t raise blood pressure or heart rate, making it a safe alternative to questionable quick fixes.
L-THEANINE
Thanks to L-Theanine, a rare amino acid that promotes a state of relaxation and well-being, a bowl of matcha promotes concentration and clarity of mind without any of the nervous energy found in coffee. Try matcha as a pick-me-up for the afternoon or anytime you need extra focus.
TASTE
The taste of matcha is complex, rich, aromatic, astringent, and leaves an alluring sweetness post-drinking. When prepared in the traditional ceremonial style, it is smooth and creamy with a rich, full bodied flavour.