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If you are into health or have access to social media, you have probably heard about Matcha, or at least seen photos of the bright green drink. Matcha tea, Matcha lattes, Matcha cupcakes…it seems like everyone is drinking or eating Matcha these days. What exactly is Matcha, and what are its health benefits? Should everyone be swapping their cold brews for a cup of powdered green tea?
Our favorite matcha is Shayna Taylor’s Morning Ritual Ground Matcha. It is ceremonial Grade A, with the highest quality hand-picked young leaves. It’s Stone Ground, traditionally prepared fine green tea powder. Single Origin, farmed in the hills of Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.
It can be found HERE.
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a powdered form of green tea with almost ten times the nutritional value of seeped green tea, taking the health benefits of tea to an entirely new level. This form of green tea dates back almost 1,000 years and was very popular among Chinese Buddhist Monks, and later adopted by the Japanese culture.
The process of Matcha begins right before the leaves are even harvested. The green tea plants are moved into a shaded area to promote more chlorophyll growth, which is where Matcha gets it’s bright green color from. Once the plants are ready to be harvested, the are steamed and dried before they are ground into a very fine powder substance.
What are the health benefits of Matcha?
Matcha is high in antioxidants and rich in vitamins like chlorophyll and vitamin c. Antioxidants are nutritional enzymes found in healthy foods that help the slowing and/or the prevention of cell damage. They are found in foods like blueberries, dark chocolate, acai, and many more superfoods.
High in Caffeine
Matcha is very high in caffeine, but unlike coffee, it will not cause jitters or caffeine crashes because the caffeine is released slowly.
Boosts metabolism and encourages weight loss
Matcha tea has zero calories or added sugar, which means that regularly drinking matcha can actually increase the rate at which the body burns calories.
Detoxes the body naturally
Matcha Tea is specifically grown for its high levels of Chlorophyll, which in turn helps the body get rid of toxins naturally.
Calms the mind, but also relaxes the body
Matcha is rich in Amino Acids such as L-theanine, which is known to promote powerful focus while also reducing stress.
Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar
Matcha contains an antioxidant known as Catechins, which is said to help lower cholesterol and blood sugar.
Click HERE for more benefits of drinking Matcha written by Shayna Taylor!
How do you prepare Matcha?
Traditional Matcha is very easy to prepare. First, sift 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into a cup and add ⅓ cup of water. Whisk or froth it all together until the mixture becomes frothy and no clumps remain. We prefer using Shaynas hand held Matcha frother, found HERE. Stir in honey to taste. Add 3/4 cup of hot or cold water, milk, or dairy free alternative of your choice.
Matcha Latte Ingredients
1/2 teaspoons of Shayna’s Kitchen Matcha Powder (For purchase above).
1 tablespoon of Hot Water.
1-2 teaspoons of Honey or Agave to taste.
¾ cup of hot or cold water, milk, or dairy free alternative of your choice.
