When it comes to your morning beverage, you really can’t beat the health benefits of matcha. It lowers stress and blood pressure, improves cognitive function, and helps support immunity in the body, to name a few!

One serving of matcha green tea is the nutritional equivalent of 10 cups of regularly brewed green tea!

Yep, you heard that right! Time to kick coffee to the curb, once and for all.

I don’t know about you, but I love when I can get some serious nutrient bang for my buck, which is reason 101 why I love matcha!

So, what exactly is Matcha?

Matcha is finely ground young tea leaves. The plants used to create matcha are shade-grown, which increases their chlorophyll levels — hence its bright green color.

So, what makes it so much more powerful than standard green tea aside from the fact that hipsters love it? The difference is all in the preparation!

TELL ME MORE

Matcha powder is mixed into water, which means you’re consuming the entire leaf (nutrient powerhouse)! Green tea is infused in water, leaving out some vital nutrients. Huge difference!

It is kind of like a juice versus a smoothie. Both are great options!

However, when you make a smoothie, you get not only all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, but also fiber which contains added benefits.

Whereas with juicing, you lack the goodies you get from a smoothie!

Maybe you’re already crazy about matcha! (I’m raising my hand over here too!)

If you haven’t experienced the magic of matcha (#newbie), I know for certain that you are going to want to get more of it in your life after learning about some of the health benefits and especially after it hits your lips!

Be prepared to get addicted! Check out the health benefits below!

GIVE ME MATCHA HEALTH BENEFITS

Let’s chat antioxidants!

Antioxidants play a role in neutralizing excess free radicals as well as protecting your cells against their toxic effects. They also contribute to disease prevention. (Did I mention that matcha is a powerhouse?)

What easier way to get more antioxidants in your diet than with a beautiful (and delicious) cup of matcha green tea! #easypeasy

GIVE ME ‘MATCHA’ MORE FOCUS, PLEASE

It’s no secret that our modern lifestyle pulls us in multiple directions. You’re probably juggling jobs, family, and side hustles, among other things.

Focus can be hard to come by. I don’t know about you, but I can use a little extra help when it comes to focus!

Matcha can help us stay more focused thanks to the combo of caffeine and l-theanine, which aids in concentration.

What is l-theanine you ask? It helps to boost the production of alpha waves in the brain which encourages relaxation and mental clarity.

DRINK YOUR TOXIN BLOCKERS

We are bombarded by toxins every single day!

Reducing our toxic load and finding ways to naturally detox is critical to health and wellness.

While you cannot “detox” overnight, you can aid your body in supporting its natural detox pathways. A daily matcha nut milk latte is an easy way to do this!

The high chlorophyll levels in matcha can help to improve the function of the liver which aids in flushing the body of toxins. Chlorophyll can also help with eliminating heavy metals and other chemicals from the body. (Yes, please!)

SINFULLY DELICIOUS MATCHA LATTE RECIPE (DAIRY-FREE)

(serves 1)

INGREDIENTS

• 1 t matcha powder (latte grade)
• 6-8 oz nut milk (cashew, almond, hazelnut)
• ½ t vanilla extract
• ¼ t sea salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine matcha powder and nut milk into a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk well until matcha powder has dissolved.
3. Add vanilla extract and sea salt.
4. Continue whisking until frothy. Pour into your favorite mug, and enjoy!

4 WAYS TO GET MORE MATCHA IN YOUR LIFE

1. Add it to EVERYTHING! I seriously mean everything! Given matcha’s powdered form, it is so easy to add to things such as baked goods, pancakes, waffles, sauces, stir-fries, spice blends, nut milk lattes, smoothies, and chia pudding.
2. If swapping your morning coffee for matcha is a no go, consider adding matcha to your coffee or latte instead!
3. Freeze it! Add it to popsicles, make ice cubes or even matcha ice cream!
4. Rock your guac with a spoonful of matcha! You won’t even know it’s in there, and you will take your standard guacamole up a notch. Trust me!

TIME TO GET SOME MATCHA IN YOUR LIFE

Now that you know more about matcha, all the fantastic benefits, and how to incorporate it into your day, are you ready to get more matcha into your life?

Tell us how you like to enjoy your matcha in the comments below!

For more on Katie, head here!

Hungry for more? Check out these 7 Awesome Meals To Food Prep This Week!