Who doesn’t like a nice morning boost! If you’re a coffee lover like me, then your day hasn’t started without your first cup of liquid fuel—or more like a pot in my case. No typos here, you read that right. I can easily drink a pot of coffee… or two. Not only do I love the taste, but I also have a chronic illness which means I’m tired nearly all the time! However, I recognize that I get a bit carried away and sometimes feel the need to cut back or mix it up. Enter Matcha Lattes! Not only are they delicious, but they also contain less caffeine than coffee and have a whole host of benefits. Want to try making one yourself? Here’s a simple recipe to get you started along with more information on the health benefits provided by matcha powder.
6 Benefits of Matcha in Your Diet and Lifestyle
1) Sustained Energy:
Matcha provides a more sustained energy boost compared to coffee. While coffee can result in a quick spike in energy followed by a crash, matcha contains caffeine along with L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and reduces the jittery side effects of caffeine. This combination may result in a smoother and longer-lasting energy boost without the crash.
2) Antioxidant-Rich:
Matcha is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins and EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), shown to have numerous health benefits, including protecting against chronic diseases and supporting overall wellness. Coffee also contains antioxidants, but matcha is often considered to have a higher antioxidant content.
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3) Gentle on Digestion:
Matcha is gentler on their digestive system compared to coffee, which can sometimes cause stomach discomfort, acid reflux, or digestive issues in some individuals. Matcha is alkaline-forming and may be easier to tolerate for those with sensitive stomachs.
4) No Acidity:
Matcha is less acidic than coffee, which can be beneficial for individuals with acid reflux, GERD, or sensitive stomachs. The lower acidity of matcha may also be gentler on tooth enamel and reduce the risk of acid-related dental issues compared to coffee.
5) Calming Effects:
Matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and mental clarity. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha may result in a state of calm alertness, helping to reduce stress and anxiety without the jittery side effects often associated with coffee.
6) Versatility
Matcha is great for various recipes beyond traditional tea, such as matcha lattes, smoothies, desserts, and baked goods. This versatility allows for creativity in culinary applications and provides an opportunity to enjoy the health benefits of matcha in different ways.
Foamy Matcha Latte for a Nice Energy Boost
Equipment
- Small Bowl
- sifter
- Bamboo whisk or Small Whisk
- Mug
- Spoon or Frother
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1 tablespoon hot water (not boiling)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, sift the matcha powder to remove any lumps.
- Add the hot water to the matcha powder and whisk until smooth and frothy using a bamboo whisk or a small whisk.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
- Pour the hot milk into a mug.
- Add the matcha mixture to the mug with the hot milk.
- If desired, sweeten the latte with your choice of sweetener, stirring until dissolved.
- Use a spoon or a frother to mix everything together until smooth and well combined.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or matcha strength as needed.
- Serve your matcha latte hot and enjoy!
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