Energy Boosting Matcha Latte

Matcha has become super popular, popping up in every form from supplements at health stores and tea lattes at coffee shops. One of the most common questions I receive is about the health differences between Green Tea and Matcha. To put it simply, matcha is made from finely grinding entire tea leaves from a Camellia Sinensis plant to create a powder, which is then mixed with hot water. Using and consuming whole tea leaves means you’re receiving more nutrients! Green tea is made by seeping the loose leaves in water, then removing the leaves and drinking the tea; meaning you’re not receiving as many nutrition benefits. Below I’m breaking down the health benefits of Matcha for you!

What is Matcha?⁣
-Similar to green tea, matcha is made from the Camellia Sinensis plant, however, it is grown & produced completely differently⁣
-Matcha is harvested by farmers, who grow the tea plants and cover them from direct sunlight for 20–30 days before harvest. Keeping the plant out of direct sunlight increases chlorophyll production and boosts the amino acid content, making these leaves chock full of nutrients!⁣
-After the tea leaves are harvested, the stems and veins are separated, and entire leaves are finely ground up to create the matcha powder Because matcha powder is made using the whole leaf, it’s more nutrient dense than traditional green tea⁣

Nutrition Benefits:

  • Natural source of caffeine: higher concentrated caffeine content than green tea. Many people prefer matcha because it doesn’t cause a spike in insulin and glucose levels, which is what makes you feel like you ‘crash’ after drinking too much coffee. ⁣
  • Antioxidant Rich: antioxidants help to prevent cell damage caused by free radicals ⁣
  • Matcha is rich in a catechin called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), known for its metabolism boosting properties, cancer-fighting effects and ability to prevent disease⁣
  • Oral Health: Fights off bacteria that causes plaque, it’s gentle on the tooth’s enamel and doesn’t stain teeth like coffee does, and you avoid coffee breath! 

How’s that for health benefits!?

RECIPE

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup unsweetened milk of choice (coconut, almond or oat milk work really well with this recipe!)
  • 1 and 1/4 teaspoon matcha powder
  • 1 Tbsp hot water
  • Organic Manuka Honey

Directions:

  • Bring 3/4 cup unsweetened milk of choice to a simmer
  • Bring 1/4 cup water to a boil
  • Place the matcha powder in a heatproof cup and slowly stir in 1/4 cup boiling water, and whisk together until the matcha is completely dissolved
  • Next slowly pour in the milk, tipping cup slightly to help create more foam
  • Sweeten with Manuka Honey to taste!
  • If you’d like to enjoy it cold, allow tea to cool for a few minutes and pour over ice for an iced matcha latte!