Matcha is a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves – and it’s this month’s superfood bringing a host of health benefits to every sip or bite.
Matcha is most commonly used to make a unique type of green tea steeped in centuries of Japanese tradition. Matcha tea is prepared by frothing the Matcha powder into hot water using a special bamboo whisk.
Matcha powder can also be added to a variety of recipes for an extra nutritional boost.
So what makes Matcha so different from other kinds of teas? Matcha is grown in the shade, which boosts the amount of chlorophyll and amino acids in the plants and, in turn, increases potential health benefits.
Matcha is the tea served in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, but it has recently exploded in popularity thanks to its antioxidants and caffeine content. You can find it in the grocery store, at your local coffee shop and in all kinds of fun desserts and recipes.
The Benefits of Matcha
Chlorophyll Your Cup
Chlorophyll is what gives green plants their color. The chlorophyll in matcha offers many of the same benefits as leafy green vegetables.
Some early research shows chlorophyll may reduce the occurrence of cancerous tumors and help protect the body from damage caused by exposure to carcinogens.
Chlorophyll is also an antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation and could help reduce joint pain.
Protect Your Brain Function
Matcha is rich in catechins, lutein and vitamin K. Studies have shown that matcha tea powder can protect your brain function from cognitive decline. It can also aid in memory retention and increase your ability to focus.
Boost Your Mood
Matcha tea powder can enhance your mood and have an antidepressant effect. That’s because Matcha contains L-theanine, which has been shown to increase the dopamine in your brain and give your mood a boost!
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Matcha tea powder has been shown to help the gut and liver work together more effectively, which can prevent obesity and other metabolic disorders. Matcha has also been shown to help stabilize blood sugar levels, which is especially important for people with Diabetes.
Less Caffeine That Lasts Longer
If coffee gives you jitters, it may be time to try matcha. Matcha does contain caffeine, but it is about half of the amount of caffeine in an average cup of coffee.
On average, a cup of Matcha contains about 70mg of caffeine compared to 100-140 mg in a cup of coffee. However, thanks to the antioxidants in matcha, the caffeine releases into your body at a much slower rate. This can prevent the anxious feelings and caffeine crashes that some people experience after drinking coffee.
It’s Easy Being Green: Ideas to Add Matcha to Your Day
Matcha has a strong flavor profile. Some drinkers enjoy its robust flavor and earthy notes, while others prefer to tone down the taste by adding some sweeteners or pairing it with other flavors.
Here are some fun ways to add Matcha to your day:
- Tea or latte: Whisk a high-quality matcha powder with hot water using a traditional bamboo tea whisk. You can also make it into a latte by adding milk and a sweetener of your choice. Pour your tea over ice for a refreshing afternoon treat!
- Add it to a smoothie: Instead of adding greens to your next smoothie, consider adding a scoop of matcha tea powder like this vanilla matcha smoothie.
- A flavorful food dye: Matcha can be a fun and healthy way to turn something green. Try making green matcha frosting or even green cookies for a fun twist!
So Matcha to Do This Month In Your Senior Star Community
Don’t miss out on opportunities to try this month’s superfood in your Senior Star Community!
In our virtual journey around the world, we are traveling to Japan this month. Look for Matcha at a special Mixology event and at our Hanami Afternoon Tea and Dessert Sushi tasting. These are just a couple of the exciting ways we are exploring Japanese culture and traditions in our communities this month! We hope you will join us!
Contact us to learn more.