Matcha Benefits + a Lavender Matcha Latte
Reap the benefits of matcha with a delicious and health-promoting beverage — my Lavender Matcha Latte. It’s simultaneously stimulating and relaxing!
You’ve probably seen this outrageously green powder before — it’s quickly become a popular ingredient in everything from beverages to baked goods thanks to its vibrant color.
Maybe you’re ahead of the curve and already incorporating matcha into your morning routine?
If not, it’s time you jump on the bandwagon as matcha is so much more than just a trendy beverage — it’s an antioxidant powerhouse with incredible health benefits!
Health Benefits of Matcha
Matcha has been used as a ceremonial tea in Japan for centuries. It’s made by growing green tea leaves in shade, which decreases their growth rates and increases the production of certain nutrients.
Traditional green tea has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and overall mortality, and matcha is much higher in polyphenol phytochemicals known as “catechins” which are believed to exert many of these health benefits.
Matcha has 137 times the amount of the catechin “epigallocatechin gallate,” aka “EGCG,” compared to some brands of regular green tea.
EGCG possesses anti-tumor activity and promotes apoptosis, aka programmed cell death, in cancer cells.
Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, EGCG has been shown to increase the efficacy of traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation and to reduce treatment side effects.
In vitro studies have also shown that EGCG prevents neuronal damage and therefore may be protective against neurodegenerative disorders.
In addition to the effects of EGCG, matcha also has a high concentration of caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine, which may offer additional benefits.
Studies have shown that while caffeine can help to improve alertness and performance on cognitive tasks, L-theanine has a calming effect. Together the two chemicals provide sustained attention, memory, and suppression of distraction with L-theanine potentially preventing overstimulation from the caffeine.
So have I convinced you to give this pretty pick-me-up a try?
I personally like to make matcha lattes at home, and when I’m feeling particularly fancy, a Lavender Matcha Latte!
MY LAVENDER MATCHA LATTE
Lavender is another herb known to possess a calming effect and it adds a lovely taste to a traditional matcha latte.
Watch this one-minute video for the super easy step-by-step directions!
While it may be fun for matcha-connoisseurs to buy elaborate ceremonial tea setups, you don’t need fancy equipment to make this drink or a simple matcha latte.
Use a fork or whisk to stir the matcha, and simply heat the milk in the microwave if you don’t have a frother.
Fyi — you can find edible dried lavender at some health food stores, or buy it online (this is the kind I use). Most grocery stores carry tins of matcha, or try handy to-go packets.
Now because I spoke a lot about the health benefits of single nutrients in matcha, I want to make sure to leave you with an important note — I don’t recommend taking green tea supplements.
More isn’t always better. Studies have shown adverse reactions to pharmaceutical doses of green tea extracts including a risk of liver damage.
As I always say, it’s all about synergy! The compounds in green tea/matcha all work together to confer health benefits, and you wouldn’t want to miss out on any of them by taking a supplement that could be lacking in some of them.
Just drink the tea.
Cheers!
PIN the recipe:
Weigh In: Do you drink green tea or matcha? Have you tried making a matcha latte?
Ellen says:
I don’t drink it every day but I do like matcha quite a lot! The one issue for me is it is rather expensive…unless maybe I’m looking in the wrong places?
Whitney @ To Live & Diet in L.A. says:
Yeah, it can be a bit pricey! It’s usually about $15-$20 for a tin at most stores. But think of it this way – that tin can make about 20 drinks so really it’s only $1 a drink – much less than a Starbucks drink!
Melissa says:
Do you have a favorite brand you recommend? I’d love to try it but don’t know where to start!
Whitney @ To Live & Diet in L.A. says:
Hi Melissa! I have tried a few that I like: DoMatcha and Republic of Tea are both great.
You can buy them on Amazon:
http://amzn.to/2gPdnoM
http://amzn.to/2gPIOPW
Hope that helps. Let me know if you try it!
Kelli @ Hungry Hobby says:
I make matcha green tea smoothies but I Love the addition of lavender in this!