Have you noticed more people drinking what looks like a green latte? A new name on the coffee menu called "matcha"? This trendy green drink is winning more people's hearts worldwide, even dedicated coffee lovers!

Because of the contents that make matcha, you may get three times as much caffeine as a cup of steeped tea; this is equivalent to a cup of brewed coffee.

What is Matcha?

The word matcha means "powdered tea." Unlike green tea, after the leaves have been infused into hot water and discarded, matcha leaves are made into a fine powder and consumed.

When making matcha, there is a lengthy process involved. The tea plants are covered with shade cloths before they are harvested, which triggers the growth of leaves with better flavor and texture.

Once they are ready to be harvested, they are briefly steamed to stop the fermentation, then dried and aged in cold storage (this continues to deepen the flavor). Once ready, the leaves are grounded into a fine powder.

Health Benefits of Matcha

Because matcha is made from high-quality leafy greens and the whole leaves are ingested, it has become a more potent source of nutrients than its companion green tea.

Unlike green tea, matcha is rich in antioxidants known as polyphenols. These antioxidants have been known to aid in the protection against heart disease and cancer (by slowing down or halting the growth of these cancer cells), regulate blood sugar, reduce blood pressure, reduce the effects of aging, and boost metabolism.

Protection Against Disease and Your Environment

One of the essential antioxidants in matcha is called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate); this is known to be the world's most potent antioxidant.

It reduces inflammation, protects the heart and brain from disease, slows down the growth of cancer cells, and protects your body against the damaging effects of your environment, such as air pollution, harmful UV radiation, and chemicals used daily.

Reduces Cholesterol

The components that makeup matcha naturally lower cholesterol levels.

Reduces Stress Levels

Matcha contains a high concentration of amino acid L-theanine that reduces stress and promotes a sense of peacefulness. It DOES NOT make you tired, but instead clears your mind and promotes alertness.

Aids in Weight Loss

MATCHA HAS ZERO CALORIES! Yes, it's true! Drinking matcha once a day, due to its concentrated vitamins and minerals that create the enzymes needed to burn fat, increases the rate at that calories are scorched by boosting your metabolism.

High levels of chlorophyll are also factored in the regulation of your metabolism and rid the body of harmful toxins. This, too, aids in weight loss.

When consumed before exercise, it increases blood flow to muscles, protects the heart, increases glycogen availability, reduces exercise-induced stressors that make the body recover slower, and promotes extended energy without the jitters or crashing.

Contributes to Healthy Skin and Teeth

Matcha possesses antibacterial properties that help to cleanse the gums and teeth of harmful bacteria that causes cavities and gingivitis. It also protects the skin from free radicals.

Boosts Fertility

It's simple! A healthy body means healthier cell production, including those involved in reproduction.

Wild Foods Matcha Recipes

Matcha Chai Latte

One teaspoon of chai spices: cinnamon, clove, allspice, ginger, and cardamom (blend one teaspoon of each in another dish)

One teaspoon of Wild Matcha

1 cup almond or soy milk

1. Chai, in this context, is a mood, a dusting of flavor to warm up your soul and palate. Warm milk in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Add chai spices and occasionally stir until flavors are expressed.
3. Prepare matcha as tea with water.
4. Strain the milk into a cup and combine it with the matcha. You may add your choice of sweetener at any point. Another option is to add matcha powder directly to the milk.

Iced Matcha Tea Recipe

Two teaspoons of Wild Matcha

Fresh filtered water

Ice cubes

Try adding ginger or lime for a tart finish

Add brewed stevia, agave nectar, or honey for sweetness.

1. Scoop two almond-shaped tea scoops into a martini shaker.
2. Fill with ice and fresh filtered water. Add slices of lime (optional).
3. Pour over ice into a chilled glass and enjoy immediately.

Matcha Berry Bowl

1/2 cup greek yogurt

Two teaspoons of Wild Matcha

1/4 cup organic blueberries

A sprinkle of flax and chia seeds

A drizzle of local honey

1. Sift matcha powder over yogurt and blend well.
2. Add berries and seeds and drizzle honey over the top. I always recommend organic berries when possible. This is a simple breakfast rich in antioxidants and nutrients.

What do you think of this trendy green drink that is winning more people's hearts worldwide, even dedicated coffee lovers? Are you joining in on the matcha craze? With so many great benefits, why not? Try out the recipes above to get started!

Commonly Asked Questions

Does matcha make you poop?

Consuming caffeine, and thus matcha, can indeed make you poop. But likewise, another reason for matcha's impact on digestion is its high amount of antioxidants.

Can matcha make you sick?

Too much green tea (or matcha!) could lead to liver damage. You've kicked your coffee habit by turning to a few green teas daily, a smart move, considering what drinking green tea can do for you. But despite all the health perks that come with that cup, downing too many in a day can make some people sick.

Are there side effects from TOO MUCH matcha?

Loose stools or diarrhea.

Sleeping disorders.

Cardiac arrhythmia.

Irritable bowel syndrome.

How much matcha tea to drink daily?

Most people consume 1-2 servings of matcha daily, equivalent to around 10-20 cups of regular green tea. Many studies on the effects of green tea are based on pretty high levels of the stuff – from about 5 to 10 cups daily.

Further Reading

https://www.health.com/nutrition/what-is-matcha

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/astragalus

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/monk-fruit-sweetener

https://matcha.com/pages/matcha-health-benefits