You know those days when you just need a little bit of a boost to get up and at ’em? Maybe it’s some huge work project, an all-day cram session, or just an extra-early morning. For most of us, the go-to is coffee. And I’m not saying anything against coffee, here. It gives that quick burst of energy. But sometimes that kick of energy has an elephant in the room: the shakes. You feel it, that jittery, trembly energy that has you wired instead of razor-sharp.
What if there were some other ways to get that energy kick? A way to be sharp and on it, but calm and clear-headed? It’s only that it is a little too good to be true, but that is precisely what so many others discover in matcha powder in India. There is no trade secret behind it either. Buddhist monks have been drinking matcha for centuries to stay calm and alert after long hours of meditation. They weren’t doing it because they enjoyed it. They were using it as a technique.
The Science Behind the Calm Alertness
So what sets this brilliant green powder apart from the others? It’s all about some ratio of two gigantic entities: caffeine and an amino acid, which just so happens to be L-theanine. It’s this substance that really separates matcha from your average cup of coffee.
Let’s start with the caffeine issue. Matcha does contain caffeine. A typical cup of matcha has less caffeine than a cup of coffee, but sufficient to leave you with an edge. The best part is how your body metabolizes it. Unlike when you drink coffee, the caffeine is absorbed more slowly throughout the duration with matcha. That’s one humongous reason why you experience a prolonged energy kick that doesn’t come and go suddenly.
And the miracle ingredient: L-theanine. And here we’re getting into some pretty interesting stuff now. L-theanine is an amino acid that is present in only tea and a few varieties of mushrooms. It’s famous for inducing a condition of hydranencephalies alert relaxation. Here’s why: L-theanine acts synergistically with caffeine. The caffeine gets you going, and the L-theanine takes away the edge. It also stifles the jitteriness and anxiety that caffeine sometimes causes.
It’s been scientifically tested, as a matter of fact. There was a study a few years back in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience where they discovered how L-theanine and caffeine worked together. They learned that they worked synergistically to improve attention and reaction time. There has been other research that proves L-theanine does indeed increase alpha brain waves, the same brain waves that you’re experiencing when you’re meditating or when you’re relaxed but concentrated.
Your mind is then in this perfect state to do things without going crazy. That’s also the same reason why other individuals love matcha, not only gives them energy but also concentration. You’ll be more focused and productive without that jittery brain or shaking hands. It is a pure energy that fuels you throughout your day with a clear mind.
More Than the Jitters: A Whole-Body High
In addition to the calming energy, there is another even greater reason you should switch to matcha. Because you’re consuming the entire tea leaf as opposed to a brew, you’re getting all of its nutrients. It is highly antioxidant. One of the most powerful is known as EGCG, or epigallocatechin gallate. EGCG has been studied a lot for the ways in which it can benefit everything from heart health to brain health. Even a recent study published in the Journal of Functional Foods found that EGCG, found in green tea, can cross the blood-brain barrier and even form new connections in the brain.
It’s a complete package for your mind and your body. It’s not a matter of a solution. It’s a matter of long-term, consistent energy that also takes care of your overall well-being. It’s what people are talking about when they say they feel better once they’ve switched from coffee to matcha. It’s a new kind of feeling, a deeper and more balanced one.
People all around the globe, like the matcha powder fad in India, are experiencing this. They desire to boost their moods naturally and give their best. If you are a student preparing for an examination or an executive with a busy life, matcha can become your great companion that assists you to do your best. It is a small change that makes a big difference on how you feel during the day.
Matcha in Action: Powder to Performance
Alright, you’re convinced. You want to try matcha. So, how do you start? It’s simpler than you might think. The traditional method is the use of a ceremonial bowl and whisk, but all you really need to get started doesn’t require. A standard whisk or even a frother will work.
Start by sifting some of the matcha powder into a bowl to descale. Add a bit of not-too-hot water. Whisk so that you have a smooth frothy paste. You can then add more of the hot water to make a normal tea, or you can pour in the steamed milk to make a delicious latte.
Matcha is also very versatile. You don’t necessarily need to drink it like you would with a normal cup of tea. You can blend it in with your milk and have a latte, blend it up for a morning smoothie, or bake with it. You can do anything and do absolutely everything that you’re doing with it; you’re benefiting from the gain of all those great things. It’s not a habit that is easy to form because it tastes so great and because it feels so amazing. read more
Finding Your Matcha Match
When you’re ready to buy matcha, you’ll be able to find a variety of different grades. Of these, two are most found: culinary grade and ceremonial grade.
- Ceremonial grade is the top of the line. It’s made with the youngest leaves of the plant and is processed to be whisked into hot water and served by itself. It’s sublime, silky texture and delicate flavor.
- Culinary grade is a bit stronger and great to have on hand to blend in smoothies, lattes, or use in cooking. It’s usually less costly but still full of all the good stuff.
Either of these, to begin with, will be great. Just make sure you’re buying pure matcha and not lots of fillers and extra sugar. Good matcha should be pale green in appearance and possess a bright, grassy scent.
The Modern Revival of an Ancient Ritual
It’s great to see something so old-fashioned get so trendy again. The healthier individuals get, the more they’re looking for natural replacements for what they used to use. Coffee has its moment and time, but for most people, the continuous hype and then the crash isn’t going to occur.
Matcha offers another, more balanced something. It’s a way of tapping into your energy and getting things done without letting go of your grip on reality. Introducing matcha in the world today informs us of how much individuals are seeking this sort of calm energy.
Coffee houses everywhere now offer matcha. Health food stores stock several brands and varieties. People are taking pictures of their matcha lattes on Instagram and sharing photos of the bright green hue. It is not a trend; it is a shift toward more mindful consumption. It’s about getting your body and mind energized with something that will really make you feel alive.
A Final Thought on Your Daytime Habit
Think of your morning or afternoon ritual.
Is it one that gets you a bit wired up? Or primes you for success? Swapping morning coffee with a cup of matcha might be a subtle difference, but one whose effects can resonate throughout the rest of your day. From enhanced focus on the task at hand to a calmer evening, the benefits are there.
So, the next time you find yourself slouching, grab a cup of matcha. It might just redefine your idea of energy. It’s a humble, ancient tradition giving us the answer to the modern conundrum. It’s time to find out about the energy of serenity, green energy for you.
Leave a Reply