the *buzz* about matcha

If you’re like me and get jitters, headaches, and even anxiety after drinking coffee, then matcha is your friend. These negative side effects could be due to the “slow metabolizing” copy of the CYP1A2 gene, which means the body cannot efficiently break down caffeine. When drinking coffee, the caffeine release curve is an intense boost followed by an even sharper crash. While matcha has been shown to have a slower caffeine release, providing a delayed, continuous energy curve. The tea is chock full of amino acids {particularly L-theanine} which have been proven to stimulate alpha wave production in the brain. This helps to improve energy and focus, without the shakes and jitters of caffeine from coffee. Pass me a cup!

Matcha powder has up to 10 TIMES the nutritional content of brewing regular green tea leaves because you’re ingesting the whole tea leaf and all of its green goodness. The matcha plant is shade-grown, which means the leaves have high chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll is what gives plants their green color, and is considered a superfood because of its powerful antioxidants,  detoxifying properties, and anticancer effects. 
Another reason for drinking matcha is for it's immune boosting benefits: due to its high antioxidant content, matcha has been shown to fight free radicals that contribute to inflammation and tissue damage. The powder also contains natural flavonoids {called catechins} which enhance metabolic rate. Matcha can have up to 137 times the levels of catechins compared to regular brewed green tea. 
It’s also super delicious and easy to make! Traditionally, it’s made with water. But I usually blend with warm almond milk {see recipe below}. 

Here are a few tips for optimizing your matcha:

1. Try to buy organic matcha when possible. It typically contains a higher amount of healthful catechins. 
2. Use hot but not boiling liquid, which can diminish the integrity of matcha’s natural flavonoids.
3. If possible, drink matcha at least an hour or two before eating food. This helps absorb as much of the nutrients as possible. 
4. Add a squeeze of lemon to your morning matcha to help increase the absorption of the beneficial green tea compounds. 
5. If you want to use milk instead of water, it's best to combine nut milks with matcha. Dairy has been shown to decrease the bioavailability of matcha's nutrients. 
6. If you aren't vegan, add 1/2 scoop of marine collagen powder for extra creamy/frothiness. 

Easy Homemade Matcha Latté

1. Fill desired mug or container with nut milk/water to measure exactly how much latté you'd like to make. 
2. Heat up liquid {hot, but not boiling}
3. Add 1/2-1 tsp matcha. {Optional add-ins: 1/2 SunPotion Reishi, 1/2 scoop collagen powder}
4. Combine in a bender or whisk until frothy.​
5. Pour and top with cinnamon or chia seeds. 

Add this superfood to your mourning routine, or throw it in your favorite recipe. There are so many ways to incorporate matcha into smoothies, desserts, breakfast bowls, chia seed puddings, etc! Get creative, or pick up a matcha latté from your favorite coffee shop. Just be sure that their matcha mix is pure matcha powder. 

x,

Molly 


Resources:
The Book of Matcha. Lousie Cheadle, Nick Kilby. 2016.
​Matcha: A Lifestyle Guide. Jessica Flint, Anna Kavaliunas. 2017.
Organic matcha brand : Ippodo Matcha 

matcha latté, matcha chia seed pudding, vanilla matcha green smoothie bowl w homemade granola