Its Matcha Time
Matcha: The most well-known secret ingredient to eternal youth
Matcha is a type of green tea that has been gaining popularity in recent years for its numerous health benefits. But what sets matcha apart from regular green tea is that it is made from the entire leaf, rather than just the brewed leaves, resulting in a much higher concentration of nutrients and antioxidants.
One of the most impressive benefits of matcha is its ability to fight inflammation. Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to a host of health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. Matcha is rich in antioxidants, particularly a type called catechins, which have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body.
Matcha is also a great source of L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and reduces stress. L-theanine works by increasing the production of alpha waves in the brain, which results in a state of deep relaxation without drowsiness. This makes matcha a great alternative to coffee, which can leave you feeling jittery and anxious.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory and stress-reducing properties, matcha is also packed with vitamins and minerals that support overall health. It’s a great source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system, and it’s also a good source of potassium, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Matcha is incredibly versatile and easy to incorporate into your diet. You can enjoy it as a latte, smoothie, or even in baked goods. If you’re new to matcha, start with a small amount, such as half a teaspoon, and gradually increase as you become more accustomed to its unique flavor.
So, next time you’re looking for a healthy drink to help you relax and feel good, reach for matcha. The green powder is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with health benefits that will help you feel your best.
Here are a few easy to make ideas, but feel free to adjust ingredients, quantities and even infusing other flavors to your liking
Classic Matcha Latte:
In a small saucepan, heat up 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy) over medium heat.
In a separate bowl, whisk 1 tsp of matcha powder with 1 tbsp of hot water until smooth.
Once the milk is hot, add the matcha mixture to the saucepan and whisk until frothy.
Pour the latte into a mug and enjoy.
Iced Matcha Latte:
In a blender, combine 1 cup of cold milk (dairy or non-dairy), 1 tsp of matcha powder, 1 tbsp of sweetener (honey, sugar, agave nectar, etc.), and a handful of ice.
Blend until smooth and pour into a glass.
Matcha Smoothie:
In a blender, combine 1 cup of your choice of milk (dairy or non-dairy), 1 banana, 1 tsp of matcha powder, and 1 tbsp of sweetener (honey, sugar, agave nectar, etc.).
Add a handful of ice and blend until smooth.
Matcha Chai Latte:
In a small saucepan, heat up 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy) with 1 cinnamon stick, 1 tsp of ginger, 1 tsp of cardamom, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract over medium heat.
In a separate bowl, whisk 1 tsp of matcha powder with 1 tbsp of hot water until smooth.
Once the milk is hot, add the matcha mixture to the saucepan and whisk until frothy.
Pour the latte into a mug and enjoy.
Feel free to adjust the quantity of matcha powder or sweetener to taste.
