Matcha Matcha Matcha

October 4, 2013

Spending your time with new people means gaining new knowledge. Last weekend consisted of hosting a girls night dinner party, saturday night martini’s in oldtown, scottsdale, a sunday morning hike and endless conversations about hair, skin, and the products we use and can’t live without. I’m a sucker for products or the next new health craze. I’ll try anything.
My friend Ashley gushed about this homemade latte she makes daily with matcha powder. That it is really good for you and tastes amazing both hot and cold.
Well twist my arm, of course I’ll try it.
I rushed to my nearest asian market the following day to pick up a few packets of the matcha powder, combined the few ingredients and wala! absolutely delicious! The first time around I think I added a little too much matcha and not enough sweetener to balance it out. The taste is rather bitter. But round two took me home! I am in love and make this daily.

So, what is matcha you ask?

“Matcha is premium green tea powder from Japan used for drinking as tea or as an ingredient in recipes. While other green teas are grown throughout the world, matcha is unique to Japan. It is the heart of the Japanese way of tea and has been celebrated in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony for hundreds of years. “

The health benefits of matcha….
  • Is packed with antioxidantsincluding the powerful EGCg
  • Boosts metabolism and burns calories
  • Detoxifies effectively and naturally
  • Calms and relaxes
  • Enhances mood and aids in concentration
  • Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium
  • Fights against viruses and bacteria
  • Is rich in fiber
  • Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar
  • Does not raise insulin levels

One of the most unexpected benefits matcha drinkers experience is a boost of energy through the day. In one study, researchers had thought that this was from the caffeine in matcha, but they found that it was actually the combination of matchas natural properties. Another recent study in particular found that matcha even improved physical endurance by 24%. Even if you arent facing a grueling workout, matcha can help you through the everyday marathon, whether its that project due the next day or getting the kids from school to soccer practice.

Already nearly calorie free, matcha is a great addition to a weight loss program by tackling the problem from both sides. It boosts metabolism and burns fat. One recent study even suggested that matcha may help burn calories by four times. At the same time, matcha does not put any stress on the body. It doesnt raise blood pressure or heart rate, making it a safe alternative to questionable quick fixes or pharmaceuticals ridden with side effects.

Green is truly the color of health. Matcha helps to safely cleanse and purge the body of harmful elements. Chlorophyll the element that gives green tea and other plants their signature verdant color is also a powerful detoxifier, helping to eliminate both chemicals and heavy metals from the body. And because matcha is carefully shade-grown, it is substantially richer in chlorophyll than other green teas, making it a superior daily detox.

Do I have you convinced?

Ingredients
1 tablespoon matcha powder (can find at your local asian market)
1 teaspoon agave nectar
8 oz almond milk
 
Directions
Combine the three ingredients over ice and shake (I use a martini shaker) well. If you would like it heated up, add to the microwave or oven until you reach your desired temperature. Or enjoy it cold. Play around with the amount of agave depending on your sweet preference.

It’s that simple!

 
 
xo!

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