The Madness Behind Matcha

Matcha is becoming the new health craze among young generations. It is the only type of green tea where the entire leaf is consumed, making it an antioxidant powerhouse. Centuries ago, in ancient civilizations, tea was founded as medicine and, while it is currently still used as one, it also turned into a casual beverage that many enjoy today. Originally part of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, it is now the latest food trend in America. 

Matcha is made in two forms: usucha and koicha. Usucha is thin tea and is generally what restaurants and cafes serve. Koicha is thick tea and is made with twice the amount of matcha powder and half the amount of water as usucha. Koicha is mainly prepared during traditional tea ceremonies and is made from the highest quality of matcha powder, whereas usucha is made from the second-highest grade of matcha powder. The matcha powders used to make usucha and koicha can’t be substituted.

It has many health benefits, such as boosting your metabolism and energy levels, detoxifying your body, improving your concentration and strengthening your immune system. It’s rich in protein, fiber, chlorophyll and many other vitamins meant to keep your body healthy. Matcha contains the most powerful antioxidant called catechin, which helps fight cancer. Adding matcha to your daily diet can help increase your antioxidant intake. In the long run, it could prevent cell damage and lower your risk of getting chronic diseases.

Matcha is connected with the term “zenergy,” which is the feeling of being simultaneously calm and energized. It comes from the mixture of caffeine and theanine, an amino acid found in certain types of teas. In matcha, theanine levels are much higher than others because matcha green tea plants are purposely shaded from direct sunlight for three weeks. In this process, the plant grows more theanine before they harvest. It stays in our body for a longer span of time than coffee does. It gives people long-lasting energy without worrying about crashing. It aids in reducing stress and helping individuals relax and stay focused. If you have trouble sleeping, theanine can give you a more restful sleep cycle.

Not only does it look aesthetically pleasing on social media, but matcha is also versatile enough to make it into food or drinks. Anyone could put their own special twist on it and create something that shows off their taste. For breakfast, you can make matcha energy bites, oats, pancakes or waffles. For dessert, you can bake matcha brownies, cookies, ice cream, key lime pie, muffins or truffles. Tea isn’t the only drink matcha is used for. You can make matcha lemonade, smoothies or white hot chocolate, and still get the same benefits. If there’s a recipe you really like, chances are matcha can be incorporated into it. 

If you’re debating switching from coffee or regular tea to matcha, then choose matcha. It’s a healthier replacement for your typical morning coffee and it tastes a lot better than you think. The bright green look mixed with the number of antioxidants you would be consuming is a good reason to try matcha if you haven’t already!

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