WHAT IS MATCHA?
Matcha is a Japanese green tea that is special because to make it they use the youngest, full leaves of Camellia sinensis (tea) – steamed and ground to a fine powder – as opposed to plain green tea. Tea plants grow in the same way, but about 20-30 days before harvest, the tea plants are covered from direct sunlight. Hence they begin to produce crazy amount of chlorophyll, L-theanine and other amazing nutrients. Thanks to this, it contains heaps of antioxidants and vitamins, as well as it has the most beautiful green color.
HOW DOES IT MAKE YOUR SKIN LOOK BEAUTIFUL?
Although traditional green tea is very healthy, research has found that matcha contains 10 times more nutrients and 137 times more antioxidants. Also catechins, which are among the most effective, healthiest antioxidants. The most prominent is EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is present in the matcha in greater amounts than in any other plants on Earth. As a result, it combats oxidation, ie aging, wrinkling processes (eg sunlight, smog, stress, high levels of sugars and fats, lack of exercise, etc.) and protects collagen fibers from damage. It also supports oxygen delivery to skin cells, making your skin softer, more supple and firmer.
Because of its chlorophyll content, it is super cleansing, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory, so it also helps with skin problems such as acne, rosacea, hypersensitivity and other inflammatory symptoms. Matcha also contains vitamin A, B, C, E and K, plus fiber as well.
In addition to your beauty, it also has a fantastic effect on your health as it is a powerful anticancer plant that strengthens the immune system, stabilizes blood glucose and cholesterol levels, reduces stress, makes you more alert (in a better way than coffee), and boosts metabolism.
HOW DO YOU USE MATCHA POWDER?
Its powder texture makes it very versatile: you can mix it into porridge, smoothies, cream soups, sauces, and even guacamole, ice cream or cakes. Experiment with it!
Extra tip: A spoonful of matcha powder mixed with a few drops of water can be used to target acne as a DIY spot treatment. Very effective, quickly suppresses inflammation. But you can make a detoxifying mask with it as well. Just mix half a teaspoon of matcha powder with 1-2 teaspoons of yogurt or kefir. You can also add a tiny bit of honey for an extra antibacterial effect. Apply it to your face with a brush, leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. You will immediately see the brightening and soothing effect.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IT’S GOOD QUALITY?
Primarily, if you check the origin on the box and it says it is from Japan and not from Korea or China. It is also a good sign if it has a vibrant green color, a fresh vegetable scent and a very fine powdery texture. A very bitter aftertaste is a sign of poor quality. Cheapness is also not a good feature, unfortunately. Only choose one that is 100% matcha and does not contain sugar or milk powder and other additives.
MY FAVE MATCHA LATTE RECIPE
Ingredients:
1 tsp matcha powder
1 dl hot (80 degrees) water
1 tsp honey
2 dl almond milk (or other foamable vegetable milk)
pinch of vanilla extract
pinch of cinnamon
Preparation:
Heat the water in a small saucepan, but be careful not to get it too hot as boiling will deactivate the antioxidants in your matcha. (You can boil it, but then cool it down after). Add the matcha powder and vanilla.
If you have a mixer made of bamboo, then use that, if you don’t, blend your tea with a small spoon. Stir in the honey and mix thoroughly again.
Then heat the almond milk. If you have frother, great, use it, then pour the frothed milk on your matcha and finally sprinkle it with a little cinnamon. Yumm, I think you’ll love it! 😉 I’ve been replacing my afternoon coffee with it lately, and my skin is much nicer, I have less breakouts or if I have one it just heals faster, so I’ll keep this good habit for 2020! 🙂
Extra fast version: If you have a blender, you can prepare it by pouring and mixing the warm milk, water and all the ingredients in it. This will make your foam slightly smaller, but it is also a good way to make a matcha latte after all. If I make it like that, I do put a little spinach in it (a little vegetable can’t hurt!), and in the summer, I just use cold water and milk with a few ice cubes. 🙂
HOW MUCH CAN YOU DRINK A DAY?
As with everything, you should not drink too much of matcha either. Stop at 1-2 cups daily. If you are sensitive to caffeine and you are afraid that you will not be able to sleep, have your matcha by 2 pm the latest. A serving, by the way, contains 35 mg of caffeine, which is equivalent to a very light coffee. It never happened to me that I couldn’t sleep after drinking matcha, but we’re not the same.
MY FAVORITE MATCHAS
Foodtherapy Market Teatox Matcha
Have you tried any of these? Have you ever tasted matcha latte? 🙂
Cheers to your healthy and beautiful skin! 😉
Much love,
Peonilla xx
Photos: Unsplash
