What’s bright green, stronger than green tea, and full of antioxidants? You guessed it, matcha powder! Matcha powder is a highly concentrated form of green tea that has been used in East Asia for centuries. It was traditionally consumed during Japanese ceremonies and meditation. Unlike steeped green tea, matcha powder is made from finely grounded flavorful tea leaves. Since the powder is more concentrated, it includes higher amounts of the beneficial nutrients found in green tea.

Here are just a few of the common uses of this healthy and flavorful powder:

Alternative to Coffee

You’ve probably heard much more about matcha tea lately than you have ever before. It’s beginning to make a presence in many more coffee shops, health food stores, and markets around the world. This spark in popularity began as matcha tea was offered as a healthy alternative to coffee. Matcha tea has three times as much caffeine and antioxidants than green tea, but still less caffeine than coffee. For those who need a little energy boost without the jitters, matcha tea might be a great option for your morning brew.

Weight Management

Green tea has been long believed to assist with metabolism and weight management. Studies have found green tea to help increase metabolism, boost energy expenditure, and burn fat. One study published by the American Society for Clinical Nutrition even found that “average fat oxidation rates were 17% higher” after ingesting green tea. As a higher concentration of green tea, matcha powder provides these weight health benefits in generous quantities.

Exercise Energy  

Due to the caffeine content in matcha tea, it can help improve workout performance and endurance. Studies show that caffeine can increase overall exercise performance by a little over 11 percent. The caffeine in matcha powder sends out neurotransmitters that signal your heart to beat faster and pump more blood during your workout. This can help you challenge yourself and reach your exercise goals without fatiguing too early in the workout.

Immune System Booster

Antioxidants are the star of the show for matcha powder. Antioxidants are beneficial for almost every part of the body. They protect the body from harmful free radicals and can benefit your skin, heart, eyes, and immune system. Catechins, one of the antioxidants found in matcha powder, are also powerful disease fighters. Studies have found catechins to be beneficial for preventing cardiovascular problems, reducing obesity, and reducing the risk of coronary disease.

Healthy Flavor

Matcha powder is commonly consumed as a hot drink, but it can be incorporated into a variety of delicious and healthy recipes. You can add matcha to smoothies for an energy boost, plus many healthier desserts, yogurts, and even baked good for a little superfood flavor. If you enjoy the taste of green tea, try adding some matcha powder to some of your favorite sweet recipes. 

Skin Care

The same catechins that benefit the rest of your body can also help keep your skin healthy and glowing. One of these catechins, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), can help reduce inflammation, protect the skin, and even your skin tone. The beauty benefits of matcha powder can be applied directly to the skin with a simple face mask recipe.

Mix about a teaspoon of matcha powder with a teaspoon of honey until it forms into a paste. Then apply to the face in an even layer and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes. If you don’t have honey, you can also mix matcha powder with a few drops of water. 

With so many nutrients and benefits, matcha powder is becoming a bright and flavorful option for those looking to fill their cups with superfood goodness. With less caffeine than coffee, matcha tea can help you feel alert and energized, without the same jitters and headaches commonly associated with coffee. Studies are giving matcha a promising future as a way to improve our immunity, weight, workouts, and focus. Additionally, the antioxidants in matcha tea could be the key to helping prevent free radical damage, heart disease, and even cancer. 

Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10584049

http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/87/3/778.long

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10584049

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea#section4

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15640470

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2855614/ 

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