Why you need to add matcha green tea to your daily routine…
We, Californians, often have our finger on the pulse when it comes to new food and drink crazes. But guys, I think we found one trend that is here to stay: matcha green tea. There has been a lot of buzz around this finely ground, bright green superfood and its many health benefits. But what is it actually, and why do people say it is so good for you? And what the heck is the difference between drinking a cup of green tea and a glass of matcha green tea? Well, I’m here to fill you in!
In literal terms matcha means “powdered tea.” Green tea leaves have been harvested by hand, briefly steamed to lock in the nutrients, and then are finely ground into a solution that produces a powder. It is a natural and organic green tea, and according to matchasource.com, “one serving of matcha tea is the nutritional equivalent of 10 cups of regularly brewed green tea.”
There are a slew of health benefits from drinking this healthy tea. These include improved mental alertness and focus, a heightened immune defense and detoxification. “Polyphenols and catechin-rich matcha promotes relaxation and contributes beneficially in prevention and treatment of various medical conditions including bacterial, fungal and viral infections, cancer and type-2 diabetes. It also assists in maintaining cardiovascular health, gastrointestinal health and works as a superb energy booster,” claims organicfacts.com.
The tea leaves are a source of nutrients including various antioxidants, polyphenols, EGCG, and L-theanine. These nutrients contribute in strengthening the immune system and assists in providing protection against various antigens.
It is rich in antioxidants that have been tied to protection against heart disease and cancer, better blood pressure regulation and blood pressure reduction.
It contains caffeine; the type that gives you an alert calm that relaxes you without making you drowsy afterwards!
Matcha can be eaten (think cookies, cakes, chocolates, and candies) or drank so I ventured out to try some spots in the LA area that serve this wondrous superfood!
My first stop was Shuhari Matcha Café in Venice Beach. I ordered a matcha latte and spent that Sunday afternoon chillin’ on their back patio.
On the way back from Palm Springs this weekend, I ventured into Mr. Matcha in Garden Grove for some organic matcha soft serve. IT WAS SO GOOD. Order it. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.
Don’t live in LA? Don’t fret! You don’t need to visit LA for your green-powdered fix — Starbucks green tea latte is served with matcha powder!
My weekend spent testing this health-giving green tea was also spent working in my new pair of Spins Booties from the Fall 2017 collection. They were super comfy all weekend and because LA is still pretty warm, I paired them with a romper. You can purchase the Spins Booties from retailers this Fall, including at Amazon.