Matcha tea is on the way to help you boost your energy the healthy way!

The holiday season is in full swing in the US. Christmas carols are humming, mall parking lots are bustling and traveling to see family is at the top of many December to-do’s. The city is moving and preparing for another new year.

These final months of the year tend to be very busy and demanding on our bodies and our energy levels. Too many of us push ourselves to extremes and are burned out by the time January 1st rolls around. Sugar and coffee do have enough stimulation to help us keep up, though these energy vehicles are temporary and encourage inflammation, leading to lower natural energy levels and general discomfort.

What if we could drink something that would help reduce inflammation, boost energy levels and support our overall wellness?

Well, if you are not acquainted, let me introduce you to Matcha Green Tea!

Matcha is a whole leaf green tea that has been grown and prepared for over 800 years in both China and Japan. Matcha is produced from the Camellia sinensis tea plant, just like black, white and green tea. Green tea can be fermented like Green Rooibos or unfermented like matcha.

Japanese style matcha tea actually has a totally different production process than any other tea. When the plant is young and fresh, the leaves are covered and grown in the dark for 3 weeks. This in turn stimulates the plant to create an overabundance of chlorophyll, creating its bright green color and signature flavor. The leaves are then steamed, dried, deveined and ground into a fine powder, known as tencha (Chinese matcha is totally different and we will discuss it in another blog soon, though today we are talking about Japanese matcha). (New Tastes in Green Tea Mutsuko Tokunga 2004)

This powdered green tea is super nutrient dense due to its growing conditions as well as the remainder of the processing. Steaming the leaves helps them stay bright green and keep most of the potent and healing phytochemicals, antioxidants and chlorophyll active and available for use. Stemming after drying is better for the plant as well. When plant matter is broken, it begins to oxidize instantly. Keeping the leaves intact makes for a healthier plant to use. All of these steps are what makes matcha so special. It is grown and created through love and close attention. The tradition is founded in patience and observation of growing patterns. Many call it the zen lifestyle; calmly energized with inner power, control and wisdom. Matcha tea is a part of this mindset. It reminds us that with care and time, things can become more nourishing and well.

Matcha for energy

Another nutrient that is concentrated during the shading process is theanine, an amino acid that is responsible for the sweet flavor of matcha as well as the special ability matcha has to boost energy levels. Theanine works helps make the caffeine in tea more effective. We are able to use the energy source for a longer amount of time and the crash from coffee is eliminated.

Matcha produces a calm, grounded energy boost that helps keep the entire body in alignment and functioning at a high level. Caffeine has been labeled as a bad thing though when used correctly, it can be a gift to a busy lifestyle. Adding matcha green tea to your morning routine will not only help keep your energy levels high for most of the day, you will also be consuming a plant that is supporting so many other things. Matcha is also known to help with digestion, lower blood pressure and cholesterol and is rich in zinc, a micro nutrient needed for proper development in embryos and overall human health.

Matcha can be consumed in a few ways though the easiest is to whisk the matcha into room temperature to warm water until dissolved. Then add additional water and whisk it together until frothy. The whole leaf is substantial in the drink and will produce a thicker tea than other green teas.

One of our favorite ways to use matcha is in our matcha lemongrass smoothie!

Let’s make a green smoothie!

Matcha green tea lemongrass smoothie

1 cup coconut milk

3 medjool dates, pitted

3 cups spinach, or other greens if using a high powered blender

1 frozen banana

1 cup frozen, ripened honey dew melon

1 drop therapeutic grade lemongrass essential oil

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Enjoy topped with coconut whipped cream!

This is a great start for any morning. The honey dew really brings together the flavors. During the summer months, buy extra melons and let them ripen then cut them up and freeze them! Cantaloupe is great for this too! They are great additions to smoothies and juices all year long!

For the holidays we recommend using matcha tea for your energy needs! Pick up your can of pure matcha tea from Matcha Tea Girl here!