The Power of Matcha

Discover why you should ditch your morning coffee for a cup of matcha.

Tired of the caffeine jitters and midday crashes? News flash: coffee is out, matcha is in. This green tea powder is more than just a trendy latte option. It’s a centuries-old superfood packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and natural sources of caffeine that offers sustained energy without the crash. Ready to switch things up and discover how matcha can benefit you? Let’s take a deep dive into why this beverage might turn into your new favorite drink.

What is Matcha?

If you are unfamiliar with matcha, it’s a green powder made by grinding whole green tea leaves into a fine powder. Unlike regular green tea where leaves are steeped and then thrown out, matcha lets you consume the entire leaf to get all the nutrients it offers. The process of growing and preparing matcha is unique; the tea plants are shade-grown for several weeks before harvest which boosts their chlorophyll levels, leaving it with its signature bright green color.

1. High in Nutrients

Matcha contains high levels of catechins, which is a type of antioxidant that fights free radicals in the body. In fact, matcha is believed to have 137 times more catechins than regular green tea! Matcha is also full of polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that gives green tea its bitter taste. These antioxidants can help reduce inflammation, lower the risk of chronic diseases, aid in weight loss, and improve skin health.

Key nutrients in matcha:

• Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, C, E, K- aids vision, immune health, brain function, and bone health

• Potassium- aids heart health, fluid balance, and muscle function

• Zinc- aids immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis

• Magnesium- aids muscle relaxation, bone health, and nerve function

• Chlorophyll- detoxifies and helps heal skin

• L-theanine- reduces stress, promotes relaxation, and improves focus

2. Boosts Energy without the Crash

Unlike coffee, which can cause jitters and a sudden crash, matcha contains caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness. The result? A calm, focused, and energized state of mind that can last for hours.

How it works:

• Caffeine provides alertness and energy

• L-theanine promotes relaxation and enhances focus by increasing alpha brain wave activity

3. Supports Weight Loss

The catechins in matcha help to increase thermogenesis (the body’s rate of burning calories) making it a popular choice for those looking to shed a few pounds. Moreover, it can help regulate blood sugar levels, reducing cravings and keeping hunger at bay.

How It Helps:

• Enhances fat oxidation during exercise.

• May improve insulin sensitivity.

5. Improves Mood and Mental Clarity

The L-theanine in matcha not only enhances focus but also stimulates the production of dopamine and serotonin. These are known as “feel-good” hormones that help improve mood, memory, and concentration. This combination makes matcha a great choice for reducing stress and enhancing mental clarity.

6. Promotes Healthy Skin

Since matcha is filled with an abundance of antioxidants, it's a powerful tool to improve skin-health from the inside out. Matcha helps reduce inflammation and fight off the free radicals that cause aging, resulting in clearer, brighter, and more youthful skin. Also, matcha has the ability to help regulate sebum production because it contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a type of catechin known to help balance sebum levels, reducing the likelihood of breakouts.

How to Incorporate Matcha into Your Diet

Matcha is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways beyond the classic cup of tea. Here are some creative and tasty ideas to explore:

• Matcha Lattes: swap your morning coffee with a creamy matcha latte with any plant milk for a sustained energy boost.

• Protein Shakes: Add a teaspoon of matcha powder to your protein shake. Truvani makes a great matcha-flavored protein powder so you don’t have to buy both! 

• Overnight Oats/Chia Pudding: Mix matcha powder into your oatmeal or chia pudding for a fresh flavor to start your morning.

The power of matcha lies in its unique combination of nutrients that benefit both the body and mind. From boosting energy and supporting healthy skin to enhancing mental clarity, matcha is more than just a trendy drink—it’s a lifestyle choice. By incorporating matcha into your daily routine, you’re taking a step toward sustained health, greater mindfulness, and ultimately, Something Better.