Matcha can help reduce anxiety and stress, but it also increases focus and attention.
Photo: -ROMAN ODINTSOV / Pexels
Coffee is a well-known stimulant drink that can increase alertness, energy, and ability to concentrate, but it’s not the only healthy option that can stimulate you and boost brain function – matcha tea can do that too.
Matcha tea is a drink loaded with antioxidants that can boost your energy. Matcha is a traditional Japanese drink made by grinding green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis).
Green tea leaves are full of chlorophyll and polyphenols; especially a polefinol called epigallocatechin gallate-3 (EGCG). Polyphenols, or flavonoids are chemical compounds that act as antioxidants that control the damaging effects of free radicals in the body.
Matcha tea is more potent (more antioxidants and five times more chlorophyll) than green tea since powdered Camellia leaves are mixed with hot water, while to make traditional green tea the leaves are infused into hot water and then are discarded.
Relaxed effect and unique alertness
Matcha can increase your alertness thanks to the fact that it provides caffeine, although in less quantity than coffee. An 8-ounce cup of coffee typically has 96 mg of caffeine, while a cup of matcha has 70 mg.
“Matcha creates a unique alert and relaxed effect, as it contains L-theanine,” says cardiologist Alejandro Junger via Mind Body Green. Junger notes that research suggests that L-theanine It can help reduce anxiety and stress, but it also increases focus and attention.
Caffeine and matcha L-theanine and EGCG can improve mood, attention, memory, and reaction times. Nutritionist Ariane Lang points out on Healthline that L-theanine relaxes the mind without causing drowsiness.
Additional benefit. Dietitian and nutritionist Anne Danahy explains that EGCG polyphenols in matcha tea can reduce inflammation, symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel diseases and other chronic conditions caused by inflammation.
How to enjoy matcha
A standard cup of matcha tea is prepared by mixing 1 teaspoon (about 2 grams) of the powder with 2 ounces (60 ml) of hot water. Traditionally it is beaten with a bamboo brush until it foams, but you can use a mini electric mixer. You can also add matcha powder to a refreshing smoothie.
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