Within the last 8 months or so I have been absolutely matcha obsessed!
My matcha green tea has been a part of my daily ritual for a while now and I have been enjoying every sip along the way, guilt free (even if it’s been breaking the moderation “rule”).
Earlier this year I learned that I have a severe sensitivity to black tea… yes black tea… coming from the girl who’d drink at least one chai a day you can imagine this was not good news. I had to stop drinking black tea and find a much healthier alternative. I drink a ton of herbal teas (which are great and alkalizing for the body) however, I needed another substitute. Most recently the matcha green tea has been my go-to drink of choice and it’s been doing just the trick!
If you are wondering what matcha is, it’s a fine green tea powder originating from the Japanese culture. We all know the benefits of regular green tea so does matcha green tea top it? Let’s find out:
The 3 Main Health Benefits
1. Antioxidants
Matcha green tea actually has three times the amount of antioxidants than regular green tea. Wowzers! This is mostly due to the fact the entire leaf is ingested opposed to the steeped tea leaves alone, which means higher amounts of the good “stuff”. Also, I love that it comes in powdered form because I don’t have to worry about the hidden chemicals used on the tea bags, like chlorine.
2. Catechins
Matcha green tea has catechins, which are forms of antioxidants called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg). These EGCg’s are antioxidants known for their cancer fighting properties.
3. L-Theanine
Another factor is the high amount of L-theanine present in matcha green tea, which has been shown to relieve stress and increase mental alertness. L-theanine produces dopamine and serotonin- our feel good hormones! This could be why I am so addicted to this satisfying drink!
How to Enjoy it
I love matcha green tea lattes with almond milk, but you can also enjoy this health filled powder with hot water, by adding it into your smoothies or by baking with it. I have made some delightful green tea matcha cookies! The options are limitless…
For a cool down drink this summer, try a matcha green tea over ice!
- 1 tsp Green Tea Matcha Powder (more or less depending on your preference)
- 2-3 cups spring water
- 1 tsp raw honey (optional, stevia or coconut sugar work too)
- Ice
- Pour 1 tsp. of matcha powder into a bowl.
- Fill the bowl up with water.
- Whisk the powder and water mixture until all the clumps have dissolved.
- Keep it sugar free or add in a teaspoon of honey for a sweeter taste and continue to whisk.
- Fill a cup with ice and pour the matcha mixture into cup. More water can be added if needed.
- Viola! All done!
This increasing popular ingredient has become much more widely available. There are a ton of brands out there now making matcha. A few brands I am familiar with that I would definitely recommend are DoMatcha, Pure Matcha and Eden. Go to the tea aisle in any health food store and you’ll see several matcha green tea options. Many Asian grocers also carry the tea and typically at a cheaper price.
What about quality?
Good quality matcha is bright spring green in color. The brighter the green indicates the higher antioxidant levels and usually a much better flavor as well. Some of the brands out there add in cane sugar to sweeten it and sometimes even flavouring. Stay away from those ones and go with the purest organic matcha you can find.
Now, go get your matcha on!
Stephanie xo
