September 26, 2022
As a nation of devoted coffee drinkers, it probably doesn't surprise you to learn that caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world. Consuming moderate amounts of caffeine is generally considered ok for our health, but while the extra coffee (or two) might give you a quick pick-me-up, too much caffeine can be detrimental to our overall health.
Caffeine stimulates activity in the brain and nervous system and causes a spike in adrenaline and cortisol. That's all good in moderation, but in excess it can cause anxiousness, sleeplessness and increase blood sugar, leading to insulin resistance. This in turn can lead to weight gain, sleep problems and compromised immune response.
If you want to cut back without loosing the energy-boosting benefits of your morning brew, Matcha might just be your new best friend.
Matcha provides a sustained energy boost without the jittery effect and crash that many people experience from coffee, and has some truly outstanding health properties to boot.
Although it's derived from the same plant (Camellia sinensis), Matcha has 10 times the nutritional value of its cousin, Green Tea, due to the way it is grown and consumed. Matcha is grown in the shade for 30 days before harvest and as a result contains increased levels of chlorophyll and amino acids (which give it the vibrant green hue). The leaves are then milled to a fine powder. Unlike regular Green Tea where the leaves are brewed and then discarded, when you drink a Matcha the entire leaf is consumed, providing the full nutritional benefit of the plant.
Despite being much lower in caffeine, Matcha provides a longer energy boost than coffee. A high level of the amino acid L-theanine slows down caffeine absorption by the body for a long lasting, sustained release of energy (up to 6 hours!). L-theanine is also linked with mental alertness, cognition and relaxation. The result is a calm sense of alertness that contrasts to the spike and crash that may people experience from coffee.
Incredibly high in potent antioxidant catechins, flavonoids and polyphenols, Matcha is said to prevent cellular damage and oxidisation, and protect against disease. It is believed to promote cardiovascular health by regulating blood sugar, reducing blood pressure, improving circulation and reducing inflammation in the blood vessels.
In addition, Matcha has been linked to weight loss and fat loss by improving metabolism, and chlorophyll acts as a natural detoxifier, helping to eliminate heavy metals and harmful toxins from the body.
If you're ready to experience a more relaxed kind of energy and focus in your day, with a host of health benefits to boot, it's time to get acquainted.
For a limited time, drop in to our Claremont shop and pick up an Iced Matcha.
Premium, organic Matcha sourced from the world-renowned region of Uji, Japan and expertly brewed by Fox and Wren. Served with our house-made, 100% natural almond milk, poured over ice.
See you there!