Health benefits of matcha tea + 2 matcha drinks

Matcha tea – one of the most trendy and healthy drinks right now. There seem to be endless of health benefits associated with this green drink and it’s definitely something that you should include in your diet.

Matcha tea means powdered green tea and that’s also what it is. It is said that a monk from China brought the matcha tea to Japan, where it became really important to the Zen buddhists. Zen is a school of Buddhism, where you learn, mostly through mediation, to be present, pay attention and live in the moment. The matcha tea stimulates presence of the mind and at the same time it works to calm the mind and relax your body. It was indeed a perfect drink for the monks.

The health effects of matcha tea have been studied and acknowledged by scientists and we know that the matcha tea is very rich in antioxidants (100 times more than traditional green tea), including EGCG. It is also rich in clorophyll, vitamins and minerals lika vitamin C, selenium, chromium, magnesium and zinc. And just like the monks believed, matcha tea also stimulates the brain, while simultaneously calming it and helps stimulate a meditative state of mind.

Matcha Tea

1 serving

2 tsp matcha tea
1/2 dl | 2 oz hot water
1 3/4 | 6 oz hot water

Directions

1. Bring the water to a boil.

2. Add the matcha tea to a cup and add 1/2 dl (2 oz) of the hot water.

3. Use a whisk and whisk vigorously until smooth and frothy.

4. Add the rest of the water and enjoy your matcha tea!

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Matcha latte

1 serving 

2 1/2 dl plant milk (oat, almond, soy)
1 tsp matcha tea
Pinch of ground cardamom
1/2 tsp Maple syrup (optional)

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, add plant milk and maple syrup and heat it carefully (to around 80 degrees).

2. Add the matcha powder and cardamom, and stir until completely dissolved.

3. Serve your latte in a large cup and enjoy.