Matcha, Matcha Read All About It!
Matcha! My favorite caffeine beverage, not only do I enjoy it because it provides me with a morning caffeine boost, but because it supports my healthy lifestyle, doesn’t give me the coffee jitters, and provides a moment of mindfulness in the morning while crafting my matcha latte (see below for recipe), promotes calmness and focus, and simply because it’s healthy AF!
Matcha is a green tea (Camellia senesis) that’s grown and cultivated in a special way. Matcha is shaded during the last few months growing process to increase the L-Theanine and caffeine content. With its history dating back 1000+ years ago as a part of Chinese culture, however, it’s now seen more so in Japanese culture. The transition started in the 9th century when Japanese Buddhist Monks went to China to study Buddhism. Not only did they grow their knowledge of Buddhism, they learned about the Green Goddess, Matcha. I’ve read that the monks appreciate the increased alertness and concentration that matcha provided them during their meditation. Matcha seeds were then taken back to Japan and bam, matcha become more so associated with Japanese culture.
In Japan, they often have Tea Ceremonies where matcha is consumed, as it helps to connect to and appreciate the beauty of nature, and enjoy good company.
Although matcha may not contain as much caffeine as coffee (avg 34mg vs 100-140, respectively), matcha contains L-theanine and when combined with caffeine you’re provided with, sustained energy, alertness, calmness, no jitters, and no anxiety. This is because caffeine provides the wakefulness and alertness we all desire when consuming such beverage however, L-theanine prevents the neurons in the brain from reuptaking (reabsorbing) glutamate, which is responsible for the jittery, hyper, anxious feeling that caffeine provides alone. L-theanine also helps the brain to boost GABA, a neuropeptide that provides anti-anxiety, calmness, and relaxation.
My favorite quote about matcha goes as such, “Matcha is not just a cup of tea; It’s a mindful moment, a vibrant green elixir that rejuvenates the body and calms the soul.” That’s exactly how I feel about matcha. I start every day by making a matcha latte, during this time it allows me to have a moment to myself, practice my gratitude, and check in with my physical, mental, and emotional health. I enjoy every sip of matcha thankful as if it’s my last.
My health journey started in late 2019 before COVID and my goal was to become more centered, more aware of my mental, physical, and emotional health, eat healthier and educate myself more on holistic health. Matcha is a daily reminder of that. If that’s something you seek, I recommend a cup of matcha to start the day.
Another added benefit of matcha is the nutrients it possesses. Matcha is jammed packed with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Matcha is composed of the following powerful nutrients: catechin (Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epicatechin), vitamins A, C, E, carotene, potassium, calcium, phenolic acids, caffeine, quercetin, fiber, chlorophyll, theanine, and many more.
I want to highlight the power of epigallocatechin, a powerful antioxidant found in high amounts in matcha. EGCG is stated to “neutralize free radicals and boost the detoxification activity of enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione reductase”. Given the environments we live in, we are inundated with oxidizing agents that age us prematurely, overload our detoxification pathways, and decrease cellular integrity.
If you don’t know by now, Matcha is a powerful elixir that everyone should consume daily.
OK, now the part you were waiting for, my morning Matcha Latte Recipe, 5 easy steps:
Ingredients
1.5 tsp matcha powder
1 oz/30 ml water
6 oz/170 ml milk
1 tsp powdered brown sugar (or an alternative such as Agave, stevia, or honey)
NO erythritol or artificial sweeteners, please
Directions:
1. Measure out 1 oz/30ml of room temperature water and 1.5 tsp of matcha powder.
- sometimes use boiling water, because study shows that boiling water helps release more nutrients.
2. Add the water and matcha into a bowl and mix or whisk it up.
3. Pour the concentrated matcha shot into your cup. Use a spoon to get all the matcha out. Add 1 tsp of powdered brown sugar (or equivalent if using other preferred sweeteners). Mix it very well. Speak greatness to yourself while mixing
4. Heat 6 oz/170 ml of milk to a temperature of about 150F (65C). Use an automatic frothing machine if you have one.
5. Pour the milk over the matcha mixture and stir well. Enjoy your classic matcha latte!
TLDR:
Matcha is powerful, it’s not just green tea, is a caffeine-healthy alternative to coffee that’s packed with nutrients and offer wonderful, powerful benefits to the body.
Listen to the podcast episode: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wellnessaaron/episodes/Matcha-The-PowerfulCaffinator-e24v0k0/a-a9u2gjm
Papers:
More about L-Theanine:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169117308420
L-Theanine MOA:
https://nootropicology.com/l-theanine-mechanism-of-action/
Caffeine and L-Theanine:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-70037-7
Composition of Matcha:
