Superfood Spotlight: Matcha

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Matcha 101:

We’ve all heard green tea is good for us, but did you know a single serving of matcha is equivalent to drinking ten cups of green tea, or 137x the antioxidants per cup, talk about a superfood! Originating in Japan, matcha has been around for hundreds of years and utilized for all of its powerful healing properties. 

 

With Traditional green tea, leaves are infused into hot water and then discarded. With matcha, the whole leaf is utilized where the leaves are ground into a fine powder. Matcha is a type of green tea, but what makes it special is its preparation. Tea plants are covered with shade coverings weeks before they are harvested, receiving 90% less sunlight. The lack of sunlight turns the leaves a dark green color and triggers an increased production of chlorophyll and amino acids resulting in an elevated nutritional value. Once the leaves are harvested, they undergo a thorough drying process and are then stone-ground into a fine powder. This process produces what is known as Ceremonial matcha,or tencha tea, the highest quality of matcha, holding all the nutritional benefits! 

 

Matcha is known for its rich source of antioxidants, specifically polyphenols and a unique source of antioxidants known as catechins. These antioxidants provide potent anti-cancer properties, fight free radical damage, and promote overall well being. It is common knowledge that fruits are a powerful source of antioxidants, but when compared with blueberries and pomegranates, two fruits well known for their antioxidant levels, matcha contains more than 20x the antioxidants! 

 

What else is this superfood known for? Its metabolism boosting benefits! The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming matcha green tea can increase thermogenesis from the average 8%-10% of daily energy expenditure, to 35% to 43% of daily energy expenditure, showing an 4-fold increase. This superfood is really just that, a superfood. Improve your health with just one cup! 

 

Health Benefits of Matcha

  • Powerful source of polyphenols 
  • Contains unique antioxidant catechins, specifically EGC’s
  • Rich in fiber, chlorophyll, and Vitamin C
  • Rich in minerals selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium 
  • Naturally sustained increase in energy 
  • Increases Metabolism 
  • Boosts Immunity 
  • Detoxifies the body 
  • Contains amino acid L-Theanine which improves concentration, calms the mind, promotes relaxation and enhances clarity
  • Enhances mood
  • Decreases inflammation and oxidation
  • Anti-aging properties
  • Anti-cancer properties

 

Tips When Buying Matcha

Ensure you’re buying high-quality ceremonial matcha to get the full nutrient benefits, otherwise you’re just buying expensive green tea powder! We love Four Sigmatic’s Matcha Latte blend! Use our code: LIVKRAFT for a discount on your Four Sigmatic order!

 

Matcha Latte 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup non-dairy milk of choice (we love coconut or oat milk)
  • 1 packet of Four Sigmatic Matcha Latte (or 1 tsp matcha powder of choice!)
  • ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
  • 1-2 tsp sweetener of choice (we love a drizzle of honey, date syrup or ½ a medjool date, or maple syrup)

Instructions:

  1.  In a small saucepan, heat the non-dairy milk until starts to come to a slight boil
  2. Remove from heat
  3. For maximum froth, pour into a high-speed blender and blend with remaining ingredients 
  4. Otherwise, pour heated milk into a mug and whisk in remaining ingredients, stirring until slightly frothy and well combined
  5. Enjoy!

Superfoods are just one excellent way to improve your health. Looking for others? At Livkraft, we offer a wide selection of specially designed services to help you hit your wellness goals. Book an appointment today to learn the healing benefits of our treatments.

*This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions shared are our own!. If you purchase an item, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you!


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