How (and Why) to Include Matcha in Your Anti-Aging Regimen
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By Laura Kraber, NTP for Eleven Eleven Wellness Center. Edited and adapted for Charlottesbook.com
Despite its numerous and much publicized benefits, green tea was not a habit I readily adopted. I never liked the grassy taste, and I preferred the tangible buzz that black tea provides—but my whole attitude towards green tea turned around when I tried a matcha latte.
Frothy and delicious with a powerful kick of energy, one cup of matcha made me a green tea convert. As opposed to steeping your tea leaves, Matcha is made from blending the finely ground tea leaves into hot water to make a beautiful, vibrantly green, chlorophyll-rich beverage. And yes, there are lots of reasons (besides the latte) to add matcha into your beverage rotation. My top five, here:
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My Five Top Reasons You Should Include Matcha In Your Beverage Rotation:
1. Energy Enhancer
Because the caffeine content is so low, a cup of green tea is rarely a realistic substitute for that morning cup of joe, nor does it function as any kind of reliable pick-me-up. Matcha, however does offer a significant dose of caffeine — 40 to 70mg depending upon type and amount used. A cup of Matcha provides a jolt of energy that lasts longer than the typical coffee buzz. Without the jitteriness or irritability that coffee can impart, Matcha’s sustainable energy is smooth and consistent.
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2. Mood Improver
With generous amounts of the amino acid L-Theanine, matcha can put you in a good mood. Because it is grown in the shade, matcha contains up to 5 times more of the calming neurotransmitter L-Theanine than regular green tea. L-Theanine activates the brain’s alpha waves, resulting in a feeling of calmness; combined with matcha’s caffeine content, the drink offers sustained calm alertness.
3. Antioxidant Powerhouse
Rich in the EGCG antioxidant, which helps to prevent cell degeneration andpremature aging, one cup of matcha has the antioxidant equivalent of 10 cups of regular green tea.
4. Boosts Metabolism
Boosting your body’s ability to burn fat, consuming matcha regularly improves the body’s ability to utilize energy, according to a study by the American Society of Clinical Nutrition; the research showed that the daily energy expenditure rate of adults increases 35-45% with regular consumption of matcha.
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5. Offers Cancer Protection
Catechins are powerful antioxidant compounds found in green tea; a specific type of catechin, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) comprises 60% of the catechins in Matcha. EGCG is recognized for its cancer-fighting properties as they have been found to offer beneficial protection against some types of cancer growth, including breast cancer.
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3 Fantastic Matcha Recipes
1. Green Tea Avocado Popsicles
Dana James, MS, CNS, CDN, is a nutritional therapist, food coach, and Charlotte’s Book Premiere Provider. Her take on matcha? Eat it frozen, with a dose of avocado, coconut milk, and vanilla bean.
2. The Dr. Frank Lipman-Style Matcha Latte
There’s a beautiful Japanese matcha tea ritual which involves special bowls and bamboo whisks, but I do just fine making my matcha in a cup with my trusty battery-powered milk-frother. To source quality matcha, you can visit your local tea shop or order our favorite high-quality matcha from Breakaway Matcha.
Heat ½ cup water to just under boiling
Pour hot water over 1 teaspoon of matcha in a large bowl or cup and whisk to dissolve the powder
Heat ½ cup whole milk or almond or cashew milk and froth with a milk frother (adjust the milk-to-water proportions to suit your tastes)
Pour the matcha into the steamed milk
Add 1 teaspoon of honey or a small amount of stevia, to taste
3. Iced Matcha Latte With Almond Milk
This delicious recipe is a Charlotte’s Book team fave. Our motto: summer’s not over (yet)!
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