Drinking matcha daily can have positive benefits on your overall health and energy levels. Unlike coffee, matcha provides a less jittery pick-me-up. This is because of matcha’s high concentration of L-theanine and flavonoids, which increases the brain’s alpha frequency band. while also produces relaxing effects by raising GABA, serotonin, and dopamine levels.
Research suggests that L-theanine is very helpful for high levels of anxiety and stress, thereby increasing relaxation without causing drowsiness. These effects are even found at doses given in a cup of tea. Also, L-theanine does some wonderful things when paired with caffeine, à la matcha, which is the amino acid can help increase focus, alertness and improve cognitive function.
Therefore, sipping matcha is great before a busy work day, or when you are studying for a test.
Matcha Benefits:
- promotes relaxation
- positive effects on mood
- can help with maintaining a healthy weight
- provides sustained energy
Matcha is loaded in the antioxidant catechins, whichi is a plant compound present in tea. In fact, matcha contains one of the highest amounts of antioxidants among superfoods, as per the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity) test.
This makes matcha perfect for fighting free radicals, protecting the heart, and preventing cancer.
Matcha Tea Recipe:
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon Matcha powder
6 oz. Hot water
1 teaspoon Maple syrup, agave, or honey, optional
Milk, optional
Directions:
- Mix 1 hot water with matcha to form a thick paste. Through the use of a bamboo whisk, whisk the matcha using a zig-zag pattern until frothy.
- Add more water into the matcha, while whisking vigorously to avoid lumping.
- Add warm milk to the latte or you can sweeten using sweetener of choice, if desired.
Try it: You can enjoy matcha tea iced or hot and customize it to your own tastes by lightly sweetening using honey, maple syrup or adding fruit, or blending it into a smoothie.
How to Consume:
Consume 1 teaspoon in tea, and you will feel the effects within 30 minutes, and can last for a few hours.
Side Effects of Matcha:
Matcha does not appear to cause significant side effects when consumed in moderation, but, in high doses providing that large amount of caffeine may cause diarrhea, headaches, irritability and insomni. Pregnant women are advise to use caution.
Check with your doctor before adding any food to your daily routine to know what’s best for you and your individual health.
Matcha tea is generally safe to consume, but, drinking too much in a day could be harmful.
Related Articles:
- Matcha Tea – For Fighting Cancer and Improving Heart Health
- When is the Best Time to Drink Green Tea for Maximum Benefits?
- How To Use Green Tea for Treating Acne
Sources:
Healthline
Food Revolution
photo credit: pixabay