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Matcha:
Antioxidant, Energy, Alertness, Calm, Cognitive Support, Metabolism, Detoxification
Of all the matcha puns and quotes that exist on the internet (and trust us, there are a plethora), our favorite might just be this: Matcha is a hug in a mug. Not only does it rhyme, but it’s an endearingly accurate description of this superfood.
Matcha is a high-grade, finely ground, concentrated green tea that is traditionally used in tea ceremonies in Japan. It’s become much more widely available today and commonly found in the comforting form of a frothy latte.
And it's one of the stars of JOYÀ's Focus Matcha Superblend.
(Photo by The First Mess)
Antioxidant Powerhouse
Matcha is a bonafide superfood because of its high catechin content. Catechins are a type of antioxidant that are found in foods like green tea and berries, however the densest concentration of catechins are found in matcha. This makes matcha exceptionally powerful in promoting antioxidant activity like reducing cell damage from free radicals.
One specific catechin compound found in matcha is known as EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate). Test-tube and animal studies on this antioxidant have shown positive results in combating cancer, including decreasing tumor size and killing prostate cancer cells. Another large study of 69,710 Chinese women found that drinkers of green tea (from which matcha is concentrated) were at a 57% lower risk of colon and rectal cancers.
(Photo by Heidi Richter)
Cognitive Support
One of the most popular health benefits of matcha is its brain-boosting capabilities. Matcha has been described as promoting an “alert calm.” It has a higher concentration of caffeine than green tea, with the added benefit of a compound called L-theanine (a relaxing amino acid). Matcha has also been shown to support cognition and leaning, including attention, reaction time, and speed and accuracy of performance when multitasking - all while reducing mental fatigue.
In other words, matcha has all the brain supporting powder you want in the morning, without the nerves and jitters. It’s a great alternative to coffee, hence all the cozy matcha lattes now available.
Learn more about matcha's many health benefits here.
(Photo by Live Local)
How to enjoy
You can reap the full benefits of matcha as a tea by simply whisking it in water. A battery-powered handheld whisk will do the trick, yet there’s something more alluring — and surprisingly more effective! — about a traditional matcha whisk (aka chasen). Or get creative and play around with it! Try blending matcha into elixirs, lattes and smoothies, making creamy popsicles or ice cream, or adding it to chia pudding, snacks, granola and other baked goods!