A Guide To Matcha
If you’re looking to create healthier habits that manage stress and anxiety, then introducing a daily ritual of matcha into your routine can be a fantastic way to decompress from the day, take a deep breath and have 10 minutes to yourself.
WHAT IS MATCHA?
Matcha comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant (the same plant as green tea). The plant is purposely grown in the shade, which forces all of the nutrients and energy to the tops of the leaves. The leaves are then ground into an incredibly fine and vibrant green powder to create matcha tea.
WHAT DOES MATCHA TASTE LIKE?
At first, matcha has a slight earthy/grassy aroma but when it’s used with certain spices like cinnamon or other ingredients it quickly becomes buttery and aromatic with a slightly sweet aftertaste.
HOW TO USE MATCHA
In a dairy-free latte made with foamed nut milk (my personal favourite)
Added to a spinach + banana smoothie (matcha goes so well with banana!)
Matcha oats
Iced matcha lattes
Sprinkled into pancake batter to make the most instagrammable pancake stack ever!
Energy balls
HEALTH + NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF MATCHA
sustained energy and improved focus
provides a slow and steady release of energy
makes you feel clear, calm, focused
good source of antioxidants
neutralises harmful toxins and pollutants in the body which lead to brighter skin, better digestion, better mood, more energy
can reduce tension and mental stress
contains L-theanine, proven to help with relaxation
encourages productivity and gives a relaxed-alertness
Overall, if you’d like support with alertness, energy levels and support with detoxification then matcha might be beneficial to you.
WHEN SHOULD I HAVE MATCHA?
Personally, I try to use matcha mindfully and only have it if;
a) I want more focus (usually for a project or studying)
b) I really fancy the taste and want a calming 5 minutes to myself
c) I’m run down and need an antioxidant boost
Good quality matcha is expensive and the harvesting of matcha is a long, detailed and time-consuming process. For example, it can take 1 hour to grind the matcha for one small tin + growing and picking time. So, I treat it as a luxury item to enjoy only in certain situations.
Organic ceremonial graded matcha powder
DOES MATCHA CONTAIN CAFFEINE?
It does! But matcha acts differently in the body compared to coffee.
Unlike coffee, matcha contains an amino acid called L-Theanine which helps break down caffeine slowly and steadily, meaning there’s no sudden spike or crash.
Instead, matcha provides a gradual and sustained energy boost resulting in a calm yet alert feeling, rather than a jittery or anxious response.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO DRINKING MATCHA?
It’s worth being mindful that matcha is high in caffeine so too much could still lead to headaches, anxious feelings or poor sleep.
So what’s too much? Well this depends on you but I’ve found that any more than 1 teaspoon a day starts to make me feel a little tight chested and I’m unable to switch off as easily (although I am quite sensitive to caffeine).
The guidelines recommend having no more than 2 teaspoons a day, but as always listen to your body and you’ll be able to tell what’s right for you.
ARE THERE ARE ALTERNATIVES TO MATCHA?
The price point of matcha can be a big commitment, especially if you’re just starting out on your health journey. So, if you’re not quite ready to take the plunge, spirulina is an excellent (and cheaper) alternative to matcha.
It tastes very similar and is still packed with tones of nutrients. In fact, spirulina is one of the most nutrient dense foods in the world. Just be sure to buy from a certified and organic source. I use Naturya Organic Spirulina Powder.
IS THERE A CERTAIN MATCHA THAT I SHOULD BUY?
When it comes to matcha, quality is the most important thing to consider. If you’re not buying from a reputable source, then you’re likely to be spending money on a product with little nutritional benefit.
When buying matcha you want it to consider these 4 things;
Location- look for producers from Japan (it’s even better if a specific location is mentioned).
Ceremonial graded– this is the stamp of approval to say that the matcha is of a premium grade, grown in a high-quality environment and therefore has more nutritional qualities.
Organic– as with most foods, organic will provide a ‘cleaner’ product as the plant will have been grown without any harsh chemicals or pesticides.
Colour– this is harder to ‘try before you buy’ but once you’ve opened your matcha you should be greeted with a vibrant deep green colour, rather than a washed-out lime green.