To know us is to know we love matcha.
For the uninitiated, matcha is a type of green tea. Matcha, oolong, black, green, and white tea actually all come from the same tea leaves. The main difference with matcha is that it’s made by grinding the leaves into a fine powder, while other kinds of tea leaves are strained and steeped. So when you drink matcha, you consume the entire tea leaf, getting a higher concentration of beneficial compounds and caffeine.
Matcha is also a staple in Kourt’s house. In addition to her morning matcha latte recipe, she incorporates it into several of her breakfast and snack treats, like these gluten-free pancakes and these matcha protein bites.
Ofc, the benefits of matcha go way beyond its versatility in the kitchen. It’s a powerhouse of antioxidants and other good-for-you compounds that can help with everything from energy to mood to inflammation. Here are 4 reasons why matcha deserves a spot in your daily wellness routine.
Four benefits of matcha:
1. It gives you energy without the caffeine crash.
The caffeine from tea, and especially in matcha, helps us feel calm, alert, and focused instead of hopped up, thanks to an amino acid called L-theanine.
L-theanine is believed to cross the blood-brain barrier, which allows it to influence neurotransmitters that raise dopamine levels and alpha waves in the brain. Its calming effects tend to counteract the anxious energy or “jitters” people may get from coffee for a more balanced, relaxed experience. Fun fact: Tea is one of the only naturally-occurring food sources of
L-theanine.
2. It’s packed with antioxidants.
Matcha is grown in the shade, so it contains higher levels of important phytochemicals and antioxidants than other green teas.
Two notable antioxidants include:
- Catechins: They protect our bodies from free radicals and oxidative stress, helping to reduce inflammation and prevent disease. EGCG, the most potent and researched catechin, is also the most abundant one in green teas, matcha included.
- Flavonoids: The antioxidant effects of flavonoids in tea have been shown to benefit heart health and may also help protect against bone loss.
3. It can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Some research suggests that green tea boosts metabolism, both at rest and during exercise. One study even showed that green tea can raise the body’s fat oxidation rate by a whopping 17% during medium-intensity exercise. This means that matcha’s potential weight-loss powers don’t just lie in its metabolism-boosting prowess, but it also selectively chooses to burn fat as energy.
4. It helps increase longevity.
Research has shown that drinking tea every day can lower our risk of death and possibly extend our lifespan. People who drank at least two cups of tea daily were less likely to die from common causes such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and stroke.
Whether you sip it, blend it, or bake with it, matcha is more than just a wellness trend—it’s a daily ritual worth adopting. So consider this your sign to make matcha your cup of tea (literally).
Shop Poosh-approved matcha picks:
Matcha Go-To Sticks
Price: $24
Matcha Bloom
Matcha Gokoro
Price: $120
Chafinity
Matcha Turmeric Latte Blend
Price: $29
Golde
Energize Tea
Price: $25
Olyxir
The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that Poosh, LLC (“Poosh”) is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. The opinions and content included in the article are the views of the author only, and Poosh does not endorse or recommend any such content or information, or any product or service mentioned in the article. You understand and agree that Poosh shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.
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