Matcha isn’t Liz’s favorite morning pick-me-up for nothing! Besides being a lean, green, fat-burning machine, this powerhouse powder contains up to 137 times the antioxidants and up to ten times the nutritional content of regular green tea. Antioxidants can help boost the immune system (hello, cold season) and fight free radicals in the body that can contribute to inflammation, tissue damage and aging. “A compound in matcha called EGCG has been shown to boost metabolism and stop the growth of fat cells,” says Cynthia Pasquella, a Los Angeles nutritionist who has worked with Charlize Theron and Sandra Bullock. EGCG is an antioxidant in the class catechin and is abundant in green tea. “Matcha has played an important role for a number of my clients,” Pasquella confirms.
What is matcha?
Matcha is made from tea leaves that grow in the shade, meaning no direct sunlight finds them pre-harvest. This stage is very important, because it is when the leaves produce their rich green color (from the extra chlorophyll, a natural detoxifying agent — is this giving anyone else biology class flashbacks?). Also during this time, the leaves are producing amino acids, like L-theanine, which you only find in tea! This is the amino acid that stimulates alpha wave production in the brain to create relaxation and concentration simultaneously. This means you’ll be alert without the shakes and jitters of coffee. It helps provide a sustained energy release over hours, hence why it’s necessary for on-the-go women with families, careers and a love for fitness like us!
So, how does it differ from our traditional green tea?
The tea leaves are ground into fine powder to make matcha. When you drink matcha, you are drinking the entire leaf and all its nutrients; while in green tea, you are only drinking what you steep from the leaves.
Bottom Line
As much as you might love your daily cup of joe, it’s time to rethink your morning routine! Incorporating matcha tea into your day will give you long-lasting energy without the crash, burn fat, increase your focus, boost your mood AND pack in the powerful natural antioxidants, keeping your body and brain healthy as you age. The best part? It’s 100% natural! Scoop up the morning essential here!
