8 Things You Didn't Know About Matcha
Bright-coloured lattes made from green tea might have become the latest craze in the Western world, but how many of us actually know what Matcha green tea powder is and how it can benefit us? Here's 8 things you probably didn't know about the mighty Matcha!
Matcha Powder is made from the whole tea leaf
Harvested, dried and then ground to form a fine powder, matcha powder is made from the whole tea leaf. So when you drink a cup of matcha, you’re getting ‘everything’. Meanwhile, green tea is made from seeping tea leaves in hot water.
Green Tea / Matcha leaves are grown in the shade
In the last few weeks of growth, the tea leaves are shaded from the sun to encourage an increase in chlorophyll – this gives matcha its awesome, intense green colour.
Matcha might help fight cancer
Matcha contains a group of antioxidants called catechins. These antioxidants have been linked to fighting cancer and various viruses.
Boosts Your Metabolism
According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, matcha has been shown to increase the body’s rate of burning calories. This is just one of the reasons matcha features in our Lean Protein and Lean Boost!
Matcha contains amino acids
It’s not just your protein powder that’s boosting your amino acids; matcha contains L-Theanine. Thought to reduce stress and enhance your mood, L-Theanine promotes relaxation and calm.
Matcha vs Coffee
Matcha powder has less caffeine than coffee, but is thought to give a more sustained period of energy. So try swapping out your flat white and see the difference!
Better Breath?
Thanks to being grown in the shade, matcha contains high levels of chlorophyll, which detoxifies the blood, liver and your digestive system. One of the benefits of a ‘clean’ gut can be better breath and body odour!
Full of Fibre
Matcha can help stabilise your blood sugar levels and help keep you *ahem* regular, thanks to the high level of dietary fibre in the powder. Because of its liquid form, its absorbed straight into the body too!