Why Matcha is the Ultimate Wellness Drink (And How to Enjoy It)
Matcha may just seem like a wellness buzzword, but it’s actually a superfood packed with nutrients with centuries of history. It didn’t just pop up randomly when millennials became addicted to coffee.
It was traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies and is brimming with antioxidants, supports your energy levels, and looks after your overall well-being.
But what makes matcha so special? We’re going to look at why it’s so unique, what health benefits it has, and how you can add it to your daily routine so you can be in on the matcha hype too!
What is Matcha?
It’s a finely ground powder made from the leaves of a shade-grown plant, which helps the leaves to preserve their nutrients. Unlike your run of the mill green tea, where the leaves are usually steeped in hot water; matcha is consumed whole so you get the benefit of all of the nutrients, caffeine, L-theanine, and antioxidants along with its rich and vibrant earthy flavour.
Matcha originated in Japan when it was used in Zen Buddhist rituals and traditional tea ceremonies. It’s made by stone grinding shade grown tea leaves into a fine powder. Traditionally, when it’s made it’s whisked with hot water using something called a bamboo chasen in a tea bowl named a Chawan to form a smooth and frothy tea with a rich, savoury and earthy flavour.
Why are the leaves grown in the shade? Matcha plants are intentionally shaded for about three weeks before they’re harvested. Blocking the sunlight boosts chlorophyll and amino acid production in the leaves. Doing this intensifies the green colour and increases its nutrient density. By the time the leaves are ready to be made into powder, all the properties that make matcha good for you are at their most potent.
Health Benefits of Matcha Tea
There are a lot of health benefits of matcha tea, but let’s start with what nutrients we can find in it:
So what health benefits can you expect to see from this laundry list of goodness?
Antioxidants – High levels of catechins help fight free radicals.
Energy and Focus – Natural caffeine alongside L-theanine will give you sustained energy without the jitters.
Detoxification – The Chlorophyll will help your body eliminate toxins.
Supports Metabolism – Matcha can support fat oxidation and help with calorie burning.
Promotes Heart Health – Matcha can help lower LDL cholesterol levels and improve your cardiovascular function.
Supports Immune Function – Antioxidants and polyphenols help your body maintain overall immune health.
Reduces Stress and Improves Relaxation – L-theanine promotes calmness while maintaining alertness.
How to Incorporate Matcha into Your Routine
You can add matcha into your daily routine quite easily, and there are a few different ways you can do it:
Potential Side Effects & Who Should Avoid It
Matcha is generally considered safe for all, but as with adding any new supplement to your diet, you should do your research and approach it with caution.
Caffeine Sensitivity
With matcha, you’re consuming the plant as a whole rather than just steeping the leaves, you get the full dose of caffeine. It isn’t as much as coffee, but if you’re sensitive to it do take care.
Digestive Issues
Drinking too much matcha, especially on an empty stomach, may cause nausea or discomfort due to its high tannin content.
Iron Absorption
Matcha has compounds that may interfere with your iron absorption from plant-based sources. If you suffer from anemia or low iron levels, avoid drinking it with your meals.
Liver Health
Just like anything, balance is key. Overconsumption of matcha (let’s say several cups per day) can put a strain on your liver due to the high levels of antioxidants.
Pregnant & Breastfeeding Women
While matcha is generally considered safe, its caffeine content should be considered if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. So it’s best to ask your doctor or midwife before starting to add it to your routine.
If you have any other health conditions or if you take medications, check with your doctor before adding matcha to your routine. Just to be safe!
Final Thoughts: Is Matcha Right for You?
Overall, matcha is an amazing addition to anyone’s health routine, especially with its long list of health benefits. And honestly, it just tastes good! It supports your body with detoxing, gives you a safe energy boost, helps you fight off viruses by supporting your immune system the list goes on and on.
But as I mentioned before, make sure you take into account any pre-existing health concerns you might have before starting to use matcha.
Try experimenting with the best way to add matcha to your diet. Try adding it to your soups, overnight oats or just having it in its original form as a tea. There are tons of different recipes and matcha inspirations that you can find online. So have a look around and see what tickles your fancy.
Be sure to invest in the high-quality matcha though. There will always be sellers who try to flog low-quality products just to be in on the trend and try to make profits. But beware that these may not even be legitimate matcha products! Be sure to do your due diligence.
