Matcha, which originated in Japan hundreds of years ago, is a green tea that has taken the world by storm
Morning time is not just hurried but also full of stress and anxiety for most people as they prepare to combat the entire day. What you drink in the morning hours is important as not just an instant source of energy but also fuels your body. And so, while most people rely on coffee, matcha is also trending – mostly among youngsters.
And while there are many benefits of drinking coffee, it is also extremely addictive and can give you jitters as a consequence of energy dropouts. According to experts, the impact of continuous consumption of instant coffee is found to be harmful. But is matcha a perfect replacement?
What is matcha?
According to doctors, matcha – which originated in Japan hundreds of years ago, is a green tea that has taken the world by storm. Made from the same leaves as green and black tea, matcha involves grinding whole green tea leaves into a fine powder. Experts say matcha powder preserves more nutrients and flavour.
It is a bright green colour with a strong yet well-balanced and earthy flavour. Most matchas have a deep, grassy taste with a hint of nuttiness. It is often described as umami, making you want to come back for another sip every time. Matcha also contains caffeine like coffee, but in way less amounts. On average, a cup of matcha contains about 70mg of caffeine, in comparison to 100-140mg in a cup of coffee.
Matcha or coffee: Which is better?
As coffee gives you energy – matcha does the same job but with many additional benefits. According to experts, matcha has many properties that help fight cancer, increase your immune system, promote weight loss, and minimize the risk of heart disease.
A few reasons why matcha is healthier than coffee are:
Loaded with antioxidants
Matcha is full of powerful antioxidants known as polyphenols which help fight diseases and infections, reverse signs of premature ageing, reduce inflammation, and prevent some forms of cancer. There are more than ten times as many antioxidants in a cup of matcha as in green tea and coffee doesn’t contain any.
Calms your nerves
Matcha has the same amino acid that slows caffeine absorption and makes you feel calmer. The L-theanine found in matcha can help you get regulated, peaceful, and uninterrupted sleep, Some people also find that coffee can worsen feelings of anxiety. And so, drinking more than one cup a day can make you more likely to feel worried. Also, you may experience physical signs of anxiety, like heart palpitations or shaking.
Takes care of your oral health
Unlike coffee, matcha does not stain your teeth, but actually improves your oral health. According to experts, the superpowered antioxidants in matcha help fight bacteria that grow in your mouth and cause damage. At the same time, matcha reduces plaque build-up and relieves the symptoms of gum disease.
Helps in weight loss
Matcha improves metabolism and burns fat by tackling weight loss from both sides which will increase higher energy levels and put you into fat-burning mode safely, without raising your blood pressure or cortisol levels.
According to studies, matcha is particularly good at increasing fat loss when consumed before workouts.
How to prepare matcha?
To easily prepare matcha at home, you must:
- Measure out the desired amount of matcha powder – a teaspoon, and add it to a bowl
- Prepare the hot water in a cup and add the powder to it
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Whisk the powder and the water together until it becomes smooth with froth on top. The traditional way to do this is with a special bamboo whisk, known as chasen. However, if you do not have a Chasen, you can use a whisk or a handheld electric frother.
- Pour over hot milk to enjoy a warm drink, or ice and cold milk to make it a cold drink.
