Matcha Tea...what it is, how I make it and why I drink it!
Let’s talk about Matcha!
I use Leigh Linton's Matcha and I cannot more highly recommend it. I was skeptical beforehand, but attended one of her bootcamps and absolutely everybody was raving about it. We got to taste it and try it and had it twice a day, in the morning and lunchtime. I thought I’d give it a whirl and I don’t regret it!
If the sight of that bowl of yoghurt and granola is making your mouth water, do check out my How To Make Granola post!
Are you ready for this list of Matcha benefits?! Packed with antioxidants, Matcha supports the immune system, improves energy levels, benefits skin and nails, helps thicken your hair, aids relaxation, mood, and concentration.
It has also been shown to slow and halt cancer cells - which is incredible.
It also helps manage cortisol - produced when you are stressed, anxious or worried. When you're scared about something and are producing cortisol quite consistently, your blood sugar increases in your body and causes belly fat. It also plays havoc with metabolism and hormones.
Therefore, it is really good for tackling water retention and belly fat.
My energy levels have massively changed since taking it. For the first week I actually couldn't sleep! I'd had no caffeine for 7 years so it took a little getting used to. But Matcha isn’t like normal caffeine, it’s slow release so you don’t get peaks and troughs throughout the day, just a consistent level of energy.
Matcha is made from the little baby leaves of the green tea plant crushed into a very fine powder. As for the brand I use, I can really, really rate Leigh Linton - I have actually done a taste test to compare Leigh's to the supermarket versions and they taste particularly disgusting I’m afraid, really different to hers!
That said, the taste did take a little while to get used to. But those health benefits are enough to make me want to knock it back every day!
Leigh Linton's powders come in handy little sachets or a pot. The sachets are perfect for when you’re out and about, as all you need to do is pop one into a bottle of water and give it a good shake. The benefits of the powder do lessen the longer they are in water, so this is great to ensure you get a good fresh serving wherever you are.
How I make my Matcha:
If at home: Pop half a heaped teaspoon into a glass of water and give it a good stir. If you get any lumps, just push them up against the side of the glass! You can buy special whisks, but this works just fine.
If out and about/about to workout: Put half a heaped teaspoon into a workout bottle, give a good shake to mix.
Remember that if you decide you’d prefer to drink it hot, to first mix the powder with a little cold water to make a paste - unfortunately boiling water can take the goodness out of it so this is a slightly gentler way to prepare.
Do you take Matcha daily? Have you found it’s helped you too?!
Love,