The American Drink of Choice
For centuries, tea has always been the most widely consumed beverage in the world. In America, however, that all changed beginning in 1773. Patriots who called themselves The Sons of Liberty viewed tea – taxed without representation – as containing “the seeds of slavery”.
In a principled protest, The Sons of Liberty disguised as American Indians, emptied three hundred and forty-two chests of tea into the sea. Following what has become famously called The Boston Tea Party, many Americans now considered drinking tea to be unpatriotic. Since then, coffee became the drink of choice in our American culture.
Coffee has grown into such an integral part of many American’s daily routine, there are some who honestly believe they can’t function in the morning without having a cup. This is where Matcha, a beautiful bright green powdered tea risen to the forefront of the American stage as a healthier alternative. Matcha provides caffeine – but at a slower rate – without the anxiety, irritability or fatigue people sometimes experience from caffeinated coffee.
Medicinal Matcha
With Matcha, former coffee lovers can continue the lovely ritual of sitting down and enjoying the comforting warmth of brewed energy because the caffeine in Matcha is different. Coffee’s caffeine has an acidic reaction. Too much acidic caffeine can, over time, harm the arteries and stomach lining, agitate and disrupt the body’s overall functionality placing an imposition upon the organs. Matcha releases alkaline caffeine into the bloodstream gradually, still giving an immediate boost – but without the extreme rush – while gently aiding in digesting and cleansing.
Sipping Matcha is not a new trend – it is ancient – first prized for its medicinal properties. Medicinal, that is, unless you are turning this beneficial-beverage into a “Molotov cocktail” by adding loads of cream and sweetening. Many cafés use steamed milk and sugars to appeal to the American palate, which hasn’t acquired a taste for Matcha’s bitter, malty flavor. To receive the complete medicinal benefits of Matcha, you need to experience the full flavor of Matcha with zero sugar or added milk.
Is Matcha Technically a Tea?
Traditionally tea is a hot drink made by infusing dried fruit, flowers, seeds, or leaves, into boiling water. The hot water is only able to extract a portion of the tea’s beneficial nutrients. The majority of the nutrition remains in the unused portion of leaves, seeds, flowers or fruit. Matcha, on the other hand, is not steeped. It is “eaten”; you are consuming the entire leaf. The hot water is poured over the powder and whisked into a froth to enjoy.
Matcha has an element, a catechin, called polyphenol epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate (a.k.a. EGCg), not found in in other food, only green tea. This unique element delivers a mega dose of amino acids and cancer-fighting antioxidants with the ability to ability to suppress tumor production and builds the immune system. EGCg boosts metabolism, protects the skin, increases energy, and help people to live longer. While other green teas carry an armload of antioxidants – comparatively speaking – Matcha delivers a jetliner full of immune strengtheners.
Marvelous Matcha
- Happy You
Happiness is one of the side effects of Matcha. L-Theanine, found in Matcha, produces dopamine and serotonin, two chemicals known to boost concentration, improve memory and promote a happy mood.
- Detoxifying
Chlorophyll is what gives plants their green color and is a powerful detoxifier. Matcha with its vibrant bright green chartreuse color is rich in chlorophyll and can help to detox and eliminate heavy metals from the body.
- Healthy Weight Balance
The main antioxidant in green tea, EGCg boosts metabolism when exercising and over time can help burn calories and maintain a healthy weight.
- Not Just a Supplement
Matcha is more than a drink. You can season food with it, sprinkled over vegetables or stir-fries, mixed with yogurt or in a smoothie, baked into cupcakes or pastries, and much more. Matcha has more antioxidants than broccoli, spinach, blueberries, goji berries, pomegranates, or açaí berries.
- Strengthens Immunity
Matcha assists the production of T-Cells in the body, reducing inflammation and enabling it to fight pathogens.
Can I give a Matcha Drink to a Child?
Medical professionals say caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that artificially boosts the heart rate and releases adrenaline. This single negative effect of Matcha counteracts any benefits you can offer a child.
Is Matcha Right for You?
Morning or afternoon, are normally the best times for Matcha intake due to its caffeine content. No food or beverage, no matter how beneficial the science shows it to be, is right for everyone at all times. Some people are sensitive to caffeine but for some, the benefits of quality organic Matcha is a powerhouse to supplement the immune system that may be worth the try.