7 Reasons to Embrace Matcha for the Weekly Grind
An ode to Matcha: a beautiful vessel of daily caffeination. On a more serious note, this drink has revolutionized my daily work grind and added joy to my morning ritual. Two cups a day and I am SET!
This article is focused on the daily benefits of matcha. If you want to know more about matcha preparation and history, a great Times article can be found here.
Versatile Preparation
With some imagination, Matcha preparation is as versatile and flexible as coffee. Matcha can be enjoyed in a variety of ways: steep it hot, brew it cold, baked it in with your favorite muffins!
2. Matcha Flow
The matcha focus, or “flow" state” as I like to call it, is a game changer for any 9-5er. I am never jittery or stressed on Matcha; there is no cortisol or adrenaline release associated with coffee consumption (especially cold brew varieties with greater amounts of caffeine). As you tip back the cups of Matcha, the absorption into the bloodstream is paced and considerably slower than caffeine meaning no cortisol spike and no jitters. In its place, you will experience a steady mental flow as the L-Theanine and caffeine pair up to create a “relaxed alert” feeling. Headphones on, lo-fi hiphop stream, and a matcha at my side equals max productivity!
3. Stay Zen During Work
While L-theanine and it’s relaxing effects does contribute to the “Matcha flow”, the matcha zen needs to be outlined in its own section. Matcha provides certain nutrients known to create a relaxed disposition and chipper mood. I know I’m not the only one who experiences the occasional frustration with work related email correspondences and meetings (no face-to face interaction: thanks COVID). At least a hand full of times that 9-5 grind can get the best of us and matcha is truly a lifesaver in these situations. Coffee, a close contender, can keep up in the world of energy but matcha outpaces competitors due to it’s mood elevating benefits. With a bit of matcha, I am focused but cool as a cumber in the midst of utter chaos on any given work day. Thanks Matcha.
4. Oral Health
Unlike Coffee, Matcha does not stain teeth and is actually good for oral health acting as a breath freshener and antimicrobial. The EGCG in matcha has been found to fight bacterial growth, and consequently tooth decay, in the mouth. Studies have also correlated consumption of matcha and standard green tea with reduction in cases of gum disease, oral thrush, and some oral cancers.
5. Skin Health
Unlike coffee for many, matcha does not cause breakouts due to the way in which it is absorbed by the body. A daily dose of matcha also is shown to reduce inflammation. Additionally, aforementioned EGCG (an antioxidants in matcha) may reduce DNA damage caused by UV rays, helping to prevent skin cancer and melanoma, as well as other sun-sustained skin damage. Catechins and theaflavins in the tea can also reduce cancer risk according to some studies. Skin healthy vitamins such as B2 and E (which support college levels and cell repair) can also be found in matcha.
6. Matcha Has a Motley of Other Health Benefits
While Matcha is a relatively understudied compound relative to some other drink varieties, research indicates there may be a medley of additional benefits found in the natural remedy. Studies have shown a positive impact on weight loss, reduced risk of heart disease, potential cancer prevention due to antioxidant properties called catechins (specifically EGCG), and other health benefits. While the research is still in its preliminary stages, matcha has shown great potential. Still, do note that there are some wild unsubstantiated voodoo claims out there regarding any whole food so be cognizant of any seemingly excessive health claims.
7. Intermittent Fasting or Calorie Restriction
Matcha is fantastic for any intermittent fasting or calorie restriction diet. With the modern day sedentary lifestyle, most are looking to jettison some unwanted weight here or there. Intermittent fasting or calorie restricted diets are very much in vogue but hunger pangs are a timeless nuisance. Matcha does an excellent job in the morning filling that physical and psychological void when your body is screaming at you but you can’t eat yet. The caffeine and l-theanine blend as well as a bit of fiber in matcha does the trick every single time. After a cup or two, power through those early hours without any issues.
*Bonus* Things to Consider
With this being said, be sure to purchase properly sourced varieties of matcha with no additives such as sugar (which is common at chains like Starbucks) and radiation/lead testing as lead can be found in cheaper Chinese Matcha and radiation in poorly sourced Japanese matcha (supposedly). This may sound ridiculous but the soil in which Matcha is grown is especially important since we are consuming the entire leaf instead of standard green tea which only involves the steeping of leaves in water which is then consumed. Japanese matcha is generally going to be your best bet and you’ll want to do a fair share of research on the supplier prior to purchase. I exclusively drink Encha Matcha (latte or ceremonial grade).
Encha can be found here on Amazon and is quite frankly the best readily available matcha I’ve found for the price. It is organic, family owned, Japanese Matcha sourced from farms in Uji, Kyoto, Japan. I drink the “Latte” Grade straight which is meant to be mixed with milk but the quality is so top notch I have no issue with it.
