Why You Should be Drinking Matcha

Matcha is spread throughout restaurants, shops, and drink stands all over Japan. They have one of the lowest (if not THE lowest) cancer rates in the entire world, and this popular drink plays a huge part in that!

According to Google, 64% of Americans drink coffee every day. I am definitely part of that 64%. I am here to remind you that matcha is another outstanding way to harvest some energy, and I'd even say it's a much more sustainable one.

What exactly is matcha?

Matcha is essentially full green tea leaves ground into a powder. So you’re receiving a concentrated delivery of antioxidants, ten times more than regular green tea in fact!

Why it is so good for you:

The high amounts of catechins found in this delectable beverage delay cell damage. This not only delays the effects of aging and improves the overall look and feel of your skin (I have noticed that many Japanese women do have very nice skin), but also helps to fight diseases! Its anti-cancerous properties alone make it a good sell.

It's also a great metabolism booster, and burns more calories and fat throughout the day than you would otherwise. It has a lot of fiber, chlorophyll, and vitamins A and C. We all know that vitamin C gives your immune system a boost as well.

How it will give you energy:

If you’re not already sold, the L-Theanine (an amino acid) it contains promotes an alertness that is calm, unlike coffee that often increases anxiety and jitters.

Lastly, the caffeine in Matcha, which is approximately 68 mg if you use one tsp in your drink, is released slowly, over several hours. So instead of feeling that initial rush and then crash from drinking coffee, you feel good for a lot longer!

Where you can buy it:

You can buy organic matcha on Amazon for a decent price, or you can go into any number of matcha shops in Tokyo. They will have lattes, floats, blended drinks, and regular old matcha.

When making it at home, I recommend using one tsp of the matcha powder per 8 oz. of liquid, such as a plant based “milk” or organic whole milk. I sweeten mine with raw sugar or monk fruit sweetener, and sometimes add vanilla.

Yes, the bamboo whisks are really helpful too. They do an excellent job of ridding your cup of chunks.

So, if you're new to Japan and unsure of what matcha is all about, I highly recommend it. :D Your body will thank you.