written by ERICA DICK . August 8th, 2020
I was inspired to write this post after my sister and I were on a walk and she started telling me all the things she “doesn’t believe in.” It went something like this: Coronavirus deniers, anyone who says they don’t like babies, matcha and-. I stopped her. What did she mean she didn’t believe in matcha? Her response was that it was green, looked funky, and seemed like a hoax influencers made up to look trendy. What even was it? Assuming she is not alone in this sentiment, I felt wholly responsible to share all the incredible benefits of matcha and why, although I hear the argument, anyone who doesn’t “believe” in matcha should think twice.
Matcha is a type of Japanese green tea leaf that, due to special growth techniques, is a larger, thinner, more nutrient-dense plant. Unlike other green teas, the whole leaf is then ground into a powder that people can mix with water rather than just soaking the leaves. These components make it a drink that is filled with different vitamins, minerals, and health benefits.
Board-certified, integrative medicine doctor, Andrew Weil, explains all of the benefits on his website: “In addition to providing trace minerals and vitamins (A, B-complex, C, E, and K), matcha tea is rich in catechin polyphenols – compounds with high antioxidant activity. These compounds offer protection against many kinds of cancer, help prevent cardiovascular disease, and slow the aging process. They also reduce harmful cholesterol in the blood, stabilize blood sugar levels, help reduce high blood pressure, and enhance the resistance of the body to many toxins. The most important polyphenol in matcha is EGCG (epigallo-catechin gallate), which is the subject of many medical studies. Matcha tea has a significant amount of dietary fiber and practically no calories.”
To paraphrase, matcha is the mother of all health benefits. And to further this point, it is a fantastic alternative to coffee. While matcha has the same amount of caffeine, if not more than a full cup of coffee, the effects are entirely different. Matcha is incredibly high in the amino acid L-theanine which promotes relaxation and improves brain function. So, while a 16oz iced latte will wake you up by making you anxious and jittery, that same sized matcha latte will stimulate your brain in a way that provides you with mental clarity and ease.
Maybe a biased opinion, but matcha is also unbelievably delicious with frothed almond milk and a few drops of stevia. That being said, it’s definitely an acquired taste. So even if you aren’t completely ready to swap matcha in for your morning cappuccino, find some ways to sneak it into a smoothie or even a dessert. Because let me tell you, matcha is not overrated.
whats-the-dish.com 