What is Matcha?
Matcha tea comes from Japan and is a very common drink among Asian cultures. In fact, it is the tea of choice during traditional ceremonies. What makes matcha, a brightly colored green tea (thanks to chlorophyll), unique is that the entire leaf is ground into a fine powder to make the tea; with other forms of tea, you steep the leaves, discard, and drink the remaining water. However, with matcha, because you’re consuming the entire leaf, you’ll consume more nutrients that deliver health benefits such as:
Disease-Fighting Antioxidants
One of the biggest perks of matcha tea is a catechin known as EGCG, which acts like an antioxidant that may help prevent cancer and heart disease. Matcha has three times more antioxidants than other forms of green tea.
Energy-Boosting Caffeine
The caffeine content of matcha will vary depending on the type and the amount that is used in each cup. A suggested half to 1 teaspoon of powder per serving will provide with somewhere between 34-70 milligrams of caffeine. That means that matcha has half the amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. The powder also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which has a relaxing effect on the mind. Furthermore, research suggests that L-theanine paired with caffeine may also have mood-boosting properties.
Matcha Preparation Tips
To make a cup of matcha, you will need just a bowl, tea (bamboo) whisk, and a teaspoon. Measure out your desired amount of matcha powder, and add it to the bowl. Heat up either water or milk, and add a small amount of the hot liquid to the bowl. Whisk until a thick paste forms and no clumps remain. Pour this paste into the pot you used to heat the liquid, and continue to whisk until you reach a smooth, frothy consistency. Pour into your mug and enjoy.
Don’t feel limited to just tea as you can incorporate matcha powder in a lot of things, like smoothies, cakes, cookies, and ice cream. Here are a few creative ways to use this powder:
• Make homemade matcha ice cream. Combine reduced-fat plain yogurt (don’t use nonfat as the fat helps prevent ice/water crystals from forming) with some honey or syrup in a bowl. Whisk in some matcha and sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon. Mix well, and pour the mixture into a bread pan, cover, and place in the freezer overnight.
• Jazz up your breakfast by making matcha oatmeal. Simply add one teaspoon of matcha to half a cup of oats and prepare as usual with milk or water. Finish it off with the topping of your choice, like chopped almonds or pecans, berries, or shredded unsweetened coconut.
Source: verywell
Images: depositphotos
Wow! Who Knew Pineapples Were THIS Good For You?
Pineapples really are one of Mother Nature's superfoods. Here are 10 great health benefits of this amazing fruit.
This Is What Your Brain Looks Like on Both Beer & Coffee
Find out all about how beer and coffee can both help and hinder our mental capacities with this awesome video.
Don't Be Fooled! These Meals Aren't Healthy At All!
Trying to diet or maintain a healthy lifestyle isn't always a walk in the park, especially when supposedly healthy foods are actually pretty bad for you.
Learn Why Black Tea Is So Beneficial For Weight Loss
Struggling to lose weight? Read this article and find out why you should be drinking more black tea!
These 5 Tips Will Help You Build a Healthy Vegetarian Diet
In this video, you'll find 5 ways that'll ensure your vegetarian eating plan is as balanced and nutritious as possible.
These Healthy Vegetables Are Very Easy to Grow In a Pot
If you grow your own vegetables at home, you can both eat healthier and save money. These 10 vegetables don't even need a garden to grow perfectly well.
How to Beat Knee Pain While Going Up and Down the Stairs
Knee hurts while climbing stairs? These tips might just help.
Vodka Has Many More Uses Than You Ever Imagined!
Vodka is not just for use when you need a drink. Here are 16 uses for the Russian beverage that you've undoubtedly never thought of.
This Ice Cube Hack Will Keep Your Burger Juicy
Check out these essential tips to ensure a juicy burger.
Salt Has Many More Uses & Benefits Than You Ever Imagined
Salt has been in use for thousands of years, and also happens to have thousands of uses. Here's a selection of them that you probably weren't aware of before.
7 Streaming Services You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Looking for an alternative to Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+? Try these underrated streaming services.
How Observant Are You? Can You Spot What's Wrong Here?
So how's your observational skills and eye for detail? Can you identify what's wrong with this picture? See if you can spot all 21 mistakes.
Body Language Guide: 17 Mistakes We All Make
We give ourselves away all the time. Learn the common body language mistakes we all do so you can protect your inner thoughts.
Everything You Wanted to Know About Coffee...
Is coffee healthy? Is it addictive? Is there any way to reuse coffee grounds? Find the answer these question in this coffee themed collection
7 Kinds of Food Known to Cause Adult Acne
There is a significant link between adult acne and diet. These 7 food types are known to cause acne in adults
10 Terrific Life Hacks For the Winter Days Ahead
This video will show you some fantastic, yet simple, tips and tricks for this winter.
7 Great Apple Cider Vinegar Uses for Your Dog!
Not many people are aware that you can use apple cider vinegar for their dog. Here's how!
Freeze Your Food Quickly and Efficiently with These Tips
Which foods can you freeze for later use?
These Tricks Have Helped Me Become Smart About Cleaning
12 tips and tricks to clean your house and maintain your furniture and appliances with ease
These Guides Are Chock-a-Block With Helpful Info
Take our advice – keep these useful guides at hand for they might come in use someday.
The Best Peeling and Cutting Advice From Expert Chefs
Learn to peel and cut your food in new and beautiful ways.
You MUST Pay Attention to These Numbers When Buying Fruit
The numbers you see on fruit have much more significance than you think. You can learn everything you need to know about the fruit you're buying from them.
If Food Has Ever Stuck To Your Pan, You Need This Tip
This video gives you 4 tips that ensure no food will ever stick to any of your pans.
Can One Determine Personality Traits Off Fingerprint Types?
Dermatoglyphics, the study of fingerprints, is so precise that someone's personality type can be determined simply by looking at their fingerprint patterns!
How to De-Ice Your Freezer and 11 Other Practical Tips!
How to find something you lost, how to find pipes under your floor and more handy shortcuts everyone should know.
How to Polish 12 Old Items So They Look as Good as New
If you want to clean and restore the luster to objects, furniture, and items throughout your home, just follow these 12 simple tips...
10 Great Survival Tips That We All Need to Know!
If you find yourself in a life or death situation it's important you know what to do. These 10 tips could save your life!
Here’s How Men Can Preserve Their Muscle Mass As They Age
Don't feel powerless against the loss of muscle mass that comes with aging - there are steps you can take to counteract it.
The Secret to REALLY Cleaning Your Microwave in 3 Minutes
There is a simple trick to cleaning your microwave in just a couple of minutes, and all it requires is a bowl of water and two slices of lemon.
These 6 Secrets Will Ensure You Look Divine in any Photo
This fantastic guide will reveal some basic errors that people make in photographs and how to improve them, ensuring you look great every time!
Bacteria Time Bomb! 10 Household Items That Need Changing
You wouldn't believe the amount of harmful bacteria these common household items store, and what what a short lifespan they actually have!
If You Have Gum on Your Clothes, Here's How to Remove It!
It's extremely annoying when you get a piece of chewing gum stuck to your clothes. Thankfully, there are many ways to remove it easily!
Now is The Last Chance for This Outdoor Winterizing Task
Learn how to seal cracks and potholes in your driveway, and how to winterize your driveway before the first snow.
10 Popular Beauty Products That Are a Waste of Money
Some beauty and self-care products are just a waste of your money, and all 10 of these popular items are better off in the trash...
What Are the Healthiest Cooking Oils? Find Out Here!
With so many oils available in shops nowadays, it's tricky to know which one to buy. This article gives you 9 of the healthiest oils on the market today,
12 Things Car Thieves Don't Want You to Know...
Every 43 seconds, a car is being stolen in the United States, which is close to one million vehicles a year. These tips could prevent you becoming a victim.
Is Your Dryer Getting Slow? These Tips May Help!
There are a number of common reasons why a dryer might stop working efficiently. Here are 5 of them!
DIY: Make Your Own Chemical Free Gel Air Freshener
Gel air fresheners smell wonderful, but they're often filled with chemicals. Make your own chemical-free air freshener with this DIY.
Your Ultimate Guide to Wearing that Suit!
A beginner's guide to wearing a suit the right way.
8 Best 'Cheesy' Tips For Your Home Cheese!
Cheese is a must in any kitchen, but did you know these eight cheese life hacks?
These 2 Solutions Will Help You Say Goodbye to Plaque!
If you have some plaque on your teeth that you need to get rid of, we recommend that you try out this brilliant home remedy!
13 Things to Do Immediately if Your Home Has Been Burgled
Has your house been broken into recently? This guide will help.
20 Unexpected Things You Can Plant in February
You’d be surprised at just how many plants you can get planted in February!
4000 Years of History in One Glorious Map
In one incredible map we see thousands of years of history.
26 Handy Tips That'll Fit Any Kitchen
These tips will make you a master of the kitchen, full of little secrets and shortcuts...
Did You Know? Your Pillow Might Be Ruining Your Sleep
Your pillow could affecting your sleep. This article will give advice on when to change your pillow, the best sized pillow and tips for buying a new pillow.
11 Genius Peanut Butter Life Hacks You Need To Know
Did you know you can use peanut butter as a leather cleaner?