Over the last few years, matcha has become a popular beverage.
It's easy to see why it has become such a trend due to the vibrant green colour and great taste but is actually healthy? What makes matcha tea good for you?
What is matcha?
Firstly, for those of you who are unfamiliar with the gorgeous green drink, you may be wondering what is matcha?.
Well, matcha is a fine green powder made from the grinding of green tea leaves. The matcha powder is then whisked with hot water and can be consumed as an espresso or if you want to add milk you can create a rich creamy matcha latte.
Nespresso compatible matcha pods now make matcha lattes even easier to make as there is no need for whisking. Simply pop your matcha tea pod in the Nespresso machine and press the single shot button.
What happens if I drink Matcha every day?
If you're as obsessed with matcha as we are, then your probably drink it everyday. Drinking matcha every day can have many benefits.
Matcha contains a high concentration of a compound called L-theanine, this compound may help improve your energy and mental clarity, plus reduce the risk of a caffeine crash later in the day.
In fact, drinking at least 4 grams of the concentrated matcha tea powder has also been linked to improvements in cognitive function and memory, increased attention span, and enhanced alertness.
When should you drink Matcha tea?
When you should drink matcha tea is up to you. However, as matcha contains a lot of caffeine, it is best to drink it in the morning. This can give you a boost of energy to kickstart your day and help wake you up.
There are many different things you make using your nespresso matcha pods. For example you can use your matcha capsules to make a cool refreshing matcha martini, in which case you you'd be drinking your matcha later in the day.
For a quick how to video of a matcha martini click here.
What makes matcha tea good for you?
High Antioxidant Content
Antioxidants are plant compounds that protect your cells from oxidative damage by neutralising the free radical molecules. Adding matcha powder to your tea, coffee, or foods boosts your antioxidant intake and keeps the oxygen free radicals to a minimum.
Matcha is high in catechins, which is a form of antioxidant that belongs to the flavonoid family. One study confirmed that the catechin (antioxidant) content in matcha tea is 137 times higher than in other forms of green tea.
In particular, matcha is high in a flavonoid called rutin. This flavonoid has been shown to reduce inflammation and boost immunity, as well as reducing cellular oxidative damage.
Increased Weight Loss
Green tea extract is a common component of many weight loss products. This is due to its ability to stimulate metabolism and increase energy expenditure.
Having a faster metabolism can lead to increased fat burning and weight loss, especially when consumed alongside following a regular exercise regime.
Enhanced Brain Function
Matcha has been shown to boost brain function in a number of studies. Participants exhibited improvements in reaction time, memory, and attention span after consuming matcha compared to those who did not.
Since caffeine is a known mental stimulant, the cognitive boosting effects of matcha tea come as no surprise. Matcha has a higher caffeine concentration compared to other forms of green tea, with around two grams (75 mg) of caffeine per teaspoon of matcha powder.
Alongside its caffeine content, matcha also contains an amino acid called L-theanine that is commonly found in tea and mushrooms. L-theanine has been shown to boost mental clarity and increase focus when taken with caffeine.
L-theanine also has anxiolytic and stress-reducing effects. However, unlike with many anti-anxiety medications, L-theanine exhibits these effects without causing drowsiness.
Enhanced Heart Health
Drinking matcha Nespresso pods at home or heading out to a coffee shop for a matcha lattemay also boost your heart health.
Consuming matcha tea regularly can improve your cardiovascular and this is shown in a range of observational studies.
It enhances your heart health by reducing the number of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) in your bloodstream. LDLs are a form of triglycerides (fats) that contribute to the build-up of plaques in the artery walls, which is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis and heart disease.
By Alex Warmisham ANutr - Nutritionist at Rejuvenation Water
