Why I Drink Matcha Instead Of Coffee

I've never been a coffee person. The taste doesn't appeal to me and thankfully I've actually cultivated a sleep routine that doesn't require caffeine to wake up. I am, however, a fan of drinks with benefits and one of my favorites is matcha. Matcha is a powdered form of green tea that has been used for centuries in Asian countries. It is made from the finely ground leaves of the camellia sinensis plant, which are grown in the shade to increase their chlorophyll and amino acid content. Matcha tea has a vibrant green color and a rich, earthy flavor but more importantly, it has many health benefits that make it a superfood that is superior to coffee in terms of nutrition, energy, and taste. 

Matcha Contains Less Caffeine But More Energy

Coffee contains a lot of caffeine, which can provide a quick boost of energy and alertness, but also cause jitteriness, anxiety, and a crash later on. Matcha, on the other hand, has less caffeine per serving, but it also contains a unique amino acid called L-theanine, which has a mood enhancing and calming effect on the brain. L-theanine also helps to slow down the release of caffeine into the bloodstream, resulting in a more steady and sustained energy levels throughout the day. So matcha can boost brain function by helping you feel more focused, relaxed, and productive without the negative side effects of coffee.

Matcha Is High In Antioxidants
Simply put, antioxidants are molecules that protect your cells from harmful free radical damage that can contribute to aging, inflammation, and chronic diseases. Matcha is one of the best sources of antioxidants, especially catechins, a type of polyphenol that may help prevent cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. The most potent catechin is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which has been shown to inhibit the growth of tumor cells, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and improve insulin sensitivity. Matcha has up to 137 times more EGCG than regular green tea, making it a powerful ally for your health.

Matcha Promotes Heart Health
Matcha can help lower the risk of developing cardiovascular problems by improving your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. The catechins in matcha tea may prevent the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol, which can cause plaque buildup in the arteries. They may also reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are linked to heart disease. A large study found that people who drank green tea had a 31% lower risk of heart disease compared to those who did not. 

Matcha Has A Smooth And Pleasant Taste

Coffee has a bitter and acidic taste that can be unpleasant for some people, especially if they have a sensitive stomach. Coffee can also stain the teeth and cause bad breath. Matcha, on the other hand, has a smooth and creamy texture that dissolves easily in water or milk. It's sweet and grassy flavor can be adjusted by adding sweeteners, spices, or other ingredients. Matcha can be enjoyed hot or cold, as a latte, a smoothie, or even a dessert. Matcha can even be incorporated into savory food recipes making it a versatile and delicious ingredient that can satisfy your taste as well as your health goals.

I include matcha in my morning routine a few times a week on days when I'm not intermittent fasting. I like it best in the form of a matcha latte. I'm currently using DōMatcha Organic Summer Harvest Matcha. Summer Harvest Organic is harvested in summer instead of spring, resulting in a matcha that is higher in catechins and renders an earthier, slightly more astringent flavor. It is smooth and creamy, blends well and most importantly, has a delicious and refreshing taste. Some types of matcha can be bitter or too grassy. Summer Harvest Matcha has a clean, green flavor that is pleasant and mellow. I've become a big fan of Summer Harvest and it will be my go to matcha powder going forward. High quality matcha is definitely worth it as it blends and tastes better. And it often offers more health benefits as well. Here is my collagen matcha recipe:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 teaspoons DōMatcha Organic Summer Harvest Matcha Powder

2 scoops Great Lakes Quick Dissolve Collagen Peptides

1/3 cup hot but not boiling water (ideally 80°C/175°F)

8 ounces almond milk (I like Orgain Organic Protein Almond Milk)

2 ounces half and half (I like Organic Valley Grassmilk Half & Half)

Instructions:

Whisk match green tea powder and water in a small bowl until the tea is dissolved and the top foams lightly. Add collagen powder and whisk again to dissolve. Add the milk. If you a have a milk frother, froth the milk first before pouring in. I use an Aerolatte and it's the best. The collagen is optional. I like it for the extra nutritional and protein benefit. And it's not something I do but you can also add a sweetener of your choice if you'd like. 

Matcha is easy to make and a healthier alternative to coffee that offers many benefits for your body and mind. Matcha can help you start your day with a positive and productive mood and keep you going throughout the day without crashing.  It is loaded with antioxidants yet contains has less caffeine but more energy . If you want to experience the benefits of matcha for yourself, I highly recommend  DōMatcha Organic Summer Harvest Matcha.  If you're interested in learning more about matcha and get some recipes, do check out their very informative blog. 

Are you a matcha fan?

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