Is Matcha Really Worth The Hype?
- Gabriella Naguib
- Mar 23, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: May 12, 2024
In recent years, matcha 🍵 has exploded onto the health and wellness scene, touted as a superfood with a long list of benefits. For some reason, I insisted on not hopping onto the matcha-hype-bandwagon for years before even giving it a try, simply because of how annoying the internet and social media had gotten with it. Fast forward to about a year and half ago, I tried my first matcha latte, and—not to be extremely dramatic—but my life was forever changed, I was in love 💚. We all know it boasts powerful antioxidants, but is that enough to warrant the still ongoing hype?
Despite the buzz, let's take a step back and evaluate whether matcha truly lives up to its lofty reputation.
What Exactly is Matcha?
Originating from Japan 🇯🇵, matcha is a finely ground powder made from shade-grown green tea leaves called Camellia sinensis var—it's giving royalty vibes, right? Unlike traditional green tea, where leaves are steeped and discarded, matcha involves steaming, drying, deveining, and de-stemming to create 'tencha'. Tencha is then ground into a fine powder using traditional stone mills, resulting in matcha powder, which is full of nutrients and antioxidants ✨.
What are the Benefits of Matcha?
In addition to antioxidants, matcha is also full of a variety of vitamins, and minerals. One of its primary benefits is its high concentration of catechins, a group of antioxidants known for their potent health-promoting properties. Catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), have been linked to various health benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved heart health🫀, and enhanced brain function 🧠.
Additionally, matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and mental clarity. When combined with caffeine, also found in matcha but in smaller amounts than coffee, L-theanine can provide a sustained energy boost throughout your day, minus the jitters or crash you can sometimes get with coffee ☕️.
Are There Any Downfalls to Matcha?
While matcha offers many benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone. Some individuals may experience sensitivity to caffeine or have adverse reactions to certain compounds in green tea. If you've tried matcha and had a poor reaction to it, keep reading. Matcha sourced from contaminated or low-quality sources may contain harmful substances such as heavy metals or pesticides, posing potential health risks.
Moreover, excessive consumption of matcha can lead to unintended consequences like digestive issues or sleep disruption. Like with everything else, moderation is key 🔑, and listening to your body is always important.
Why Sourcing Top-Notch Matcha is Essential
One crucial factor to consider when evaluating matcha is the quality of the product. Not all matcha is created equal, and sourcing high-quality, organic matcha from reputable suppliers is paramount to reaping its full benefits. Look for matcha that is vibrant green in color, finely ground, and most importantly: free from additives or contaminants 🙅🏻♀️.
Lately, I've been sipping on Cymbiotika's Organic Ceremonial Matcha at home, which is sourced from multi-generational small family farms in Uji and Kagoshima, Japan and carefully crafted to deliver top quality matcha in every bag. I like to prepare it as a latte and personally love it with skimmed milk and no added sugar. Pique's Sun Goddess Matcha is another well known branded, sourced from Kagoshima Japan, at the furthest distance from environmental toxins, it guarantees complete purity. You can't go wrong with either of these!
So, Is Matcha Worth the Hype?
So, is matcha worth the hype? While matcha many potential benefits like antioxidant support, sustained energy, and mental clarity, it's essential use a critical eye when shopping for matcha, and to prioritize quality above all.
So go ahead, sip that high quality matcha and let your body reap the benefits. 🍵✨
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