From weight loss to hangover cures, energy boosts to relaxation
Matcha tea, matcha latte (iced or otherwise), matcha lemonade — this glut of leaf-green drinks probably won’t have passed you by, but what ISmatcha? Aside from a hangover wonder and the reason for those dinky little bamboo whisks (called a chasen, btw). Matcha is a type of green tea, made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, originally from Japan, and now a commonplace ingredient in coffee shops and cupboards the world over — even flavouring (and colouring) muffins and ice-cream.
The characteristically grassy, umami taste can take a bit of getting used to, but what it lacks in yum points, it makes up for in everything else. Grown in the shade, meaning more chlorophyll (hence the zingy green colour) in the leaves, it is made from the youngest, freshest part of the plant, which is dried and powdered using a stone grinder. Matcha packs a stronger nutritional punch than the humble green tea, with more amino acids and cell-protecting, free radical-fighting antioxidants — a major 137 times more, particularly rich in catechins, a polyphenol, making it a superior natural detoxifier.
Prized for its health-giving properties, we take a look at the science-backed benefits of matcha
1. Weight management
First up, let’s debunk the myth — is matcha good for weight loss? Though no one thing should be relied upon to lose weight, a 2018 study found those who drunk matcha experienced enhanced fat oxidation during a brisk 30-minute walk and greater overall weight loss.
2. Heart health
Research has suggested matcha, like green tea, may be beneficial for staving off heart disease and related issues, such as heart attack and stroke, potentially due to its positive impact on cholesterol.
3. Brain function
Studies have shown enhanced brain performance after consuming matcha, reporting improved memory, attention and reaction time. A study on older people with cognitive disfunction saw improvements with a daily dose of 2g over three months. With nearly double the caffeine of green tea, it benefits from the same energy boost and alertness — but with the added bonus of L-theanine, an amino acid which helps avoid the dreaded crash post-double shot flat white.
4. Liver health (and #1 hangover cure)
As well as having protective properties for the liver, preventing liver damage and decreasing the risk of liver disease, matcha is quite possibly the best hangover cure ever. Mix one teaspoon with coconut water and a pinch of salt to be your best self in no time. Caffeine, antioxidants and chlorophyll, ticking the hydration and electrolyte balance boxes too. Win-win-win.
5. Calming effect
If mention of L-theanine is ringing a bell, it may be because you’ve read it on the side of one of the zeitgeisty botanical bevs, alongside adaptogenic mushrooms and the likes. Prized for increasing levels of the relaxing neurotransmitter GABA, as well as serotonin and dopamine, it helps calm the mind.
6. May inhibit cancer growth
Though more research needs to be done, as with many antioxidant superfoods, matcha has been associated with cancer prevention — particularly due to its hefty dose of powerful catechin epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).
7. Bone health
The high levels of polyphenols aka plant compounds in matcha (we’re talking antioxidants galore), such as EGCG, have seen it linked to stronger bone mineral density, leading to fewer fractures and slowed bone weakening, particularly in postmenopausal women.
8. Blood sugar management
Thanks to the natural sugars, polysaccharides, matcha has been associated with increased insulin (blood sugar hormone) sensitivity, protecting against spikes and making it beneficial for controlling blood sugar. In some parts of the world, it’s even used as a treatment for diabetes.
9. It’s easy to consume (and make)
Riding its popularity wave, matcha is popping up in all manner of desserts, from muffins to ice-cream. But tea is the OG way to consume.
How to make matcha tea? It’s a ritual, so take your time and prepare mindfully — here’s a quick step-by-step for one cup:
1. Add half a teaspoon of matcha powder to a mug or bowl, sifting to avoid lumps.
2. Pour in a tablespoon of hot (but not boiling) water, stirring — ideally with a whisk — until it’s combined fully with a foamy layer on the top.
3. Fill the rest of the vessel with hot water or milk (dairy or alternative) and stir again until foamy.
4. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup, if desired.
5. Take a picture for your Instagram, optional.
Avoid drinking more than three cups per day — all good things in moderation, as they say.
Adapted from: WHM
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