Why we love Matcha

By now you've no doubt heard about Matcha - maybe you've even tried it - but you're still wondering if it can really be that good for you. Well, as a team of matcha enthusiasts, we are big advocates of the numerous rewards that can be reaped from drinking it daily. 

We've rounded up 4 great reasons why this fine green tea powder, made from ground green tea leaves, can be such a beneficial part of your daily routine for anyone looking to maintain or improve their overall health. 

If you need a little recap on what Matcha is, check out our 'Everything You Need to Know about Matcha' blog post before you read on. It is worth noting that all of the great benefits below are true of green tea too, but because Matcha is a ground format of those same green tea leaves, which you then consume them in its entirety, the benefits are exponentially greater - thus giving it its reputation as a veritable health powerhouse!

1. Helps strengthen the immune system

Matcha, and indeed all green teas, are widely-acknowledged to be packed full of antioxidants - the vital compounds that help fight against free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. These antioxidants, in particular Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), are believed to assist your body's production of T-cells, which in turn reduce inflammation and fight pathogens. Matcha also contains high levels of flavanoids, which alongside the antioxidants makes for a pretty powerful defence force! 

2. Improves mood and brain function 

Matcha is a rich source of L-theanine - a natural amino-acid that is known to improve energy levels, regulate mood, promote relaxation, and even improve memory and concentration by increasing serotonin, dopamine, and GABA production in the brain. 

These “feel good” hormones suppress cortisol levels and improve our overall mood, as the increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine can drive out negative thoughts, boost self-esteem and enhance overall brain function. 

3. Increases energy levels 

When it comes to boosting energy levels and increasing endurance, the key is in the magical combination of both the high levels of caffeine and L-theanine found in Matcha. The L-theanine slows down the release of the caffeine into the bloodstream, resulting in a feeling of 'calm alertness' that will last a lot longer than a coffee high. Check out our blog on Why Matcha is your New Running Partner. 

4. It's delicious! 

It can take a little trial and error to prepare it right, but that's why we're here to help you get the most out of your matcha. Beyond enjoying it traditional style and in lattes (hot or iced), we also love baking with matcha, adding a scoop to our smoothies or overnight oats and even getting creative with cocktails. Once you've perfected your favourite way with matcha, there's no going back.

Enjoy!