What is Matcha and why is it so popular?
Matcha is more than just a trendy drink you see on Instagram: it’s a nutrient-rich green tea powder from Japan. Unlike traditional green tea, matcha is made by finely grinding the entire leaf of Camellia sinensis plants grown in the shade. This process preserves its vibrant green color and maximizes the nutrients you get with every sip.
When choosing a matcha powder, look for the ceremonial grade for the highest quality. It is also essential to check if the product has been tested for heavy metals, as this ensures safety and purity. While matcha is traditionally from Japan, regions like Uji are known for producing some of the best varieties. Did you know that matcha is one of the ingredients in HUM’s Daily Cleanse supplement? Below we break down its nutritional power. And now that you understand the origins of matcha and how to choose the best one for you, let’s dive into all the benefits of matcha tea!
Matcha tea benefits: a nutritional powerhouse
The growing popularity of Matcha is not only due to its unique flavor; It is also a nutritional powerhouse. One of the benefits of matcha tea and its main advantages over coffee is that it contains less caffeine (about ⅓ -½ than coffee, depending on the type and amount of matcha), which provides a gentle boost of energy without the jitters. This makes it perfect for those who want to reduce caffeine consumption while staying energized throughout the day.
But the real magic of matcha lies in its nutrient profile. Rich in antioxidants such as catechins (specifically EGCG), matcha protects the body from free radicals, generally promoting skin health and skin luminosity. Matcha also contains polyphenols, which can help in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and improving skin moisture and elasticity/firmness.
Matcha nutrients that promote skin health
When it comes to skin health, matcha stands out for its ability to nourish from within.
These are the key nutrients found in matcha and how they benefit your skin:
- Antioxidants: Matcha is one of the richest sources of antioxidantsspecifically EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate)which can help neutralize free radicals that can cause skin aging and inflammation. This protective action promotes a younger and more radiant complexion.
- Chlorophyll: Matcha’s vibrant green color comes from chlorophyll and can help detoxify the body naturally by helping to eliminate impurities, which can help clear the skin.
- vitamin c: Known for increase collagen productionThe vitamin C in matcha helps maintain skin elasticity, giving you firmer, more youthful skin.
- L-theanine: This amino acid promotes relaxation and stress reductionwhich can indirectly benefit your skin. From Stress is a common trigger for skin problems.The calming effects of L-theanine can promote happy, healthy skin.
How to incorporate Matcha into your daily routine
Getting all the benefits of matcha tea doesn’t have to be complicated or taste “too healthy.” Although I will say that matcha wasn’t my favorite flavor at first, now I crave it daily. The key is to add a touch of sweetness or pair it with foods with a sweeter profile. There are many easy and delicious ways to add it to your routine:
1. Matcha Latte (hot or iced)
Start your morning or drink it in the afternoon with a warm or iced matcha latte. Simply whisk ceremonial grade matcha with water and top with milk of your choice. Add a touch of honey, maple syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon for a flavor you’ll start to crave.
2. Add Matcha to Smoothies
Add matcha to your smoothies for an extra nutritional boost. Its earthy flavor pairs perfectly with blueberries, almond butter, and vanilla protein powder.
3. Mix with overnight oats
Looking for a quick, nutrient-packed breakfast? Add matcha to overnight oats, along with chia seeds and a dash of maple syrup. In fact, Erewhon has an overnight oatmeal and chia seed pudding that is very good and something I treated myself to this morning.
4. Bake with Matcha
Matcha’s versatility isn’t limited to drinks: it can be used in baked goods too! Add it to muffins, cookies, or energy balls for a delicious treat that provides long-lasting energy. I love matcha with a blueberry or raspberry muffin and a little white chocolate.
5. As a complement: daily HUM cleaning
If you’re looking for a convenient way to incorporate matcha into your skincare routine, try taking HUM’s Daily Cleanse. Not only does it contain matcha, but it also includes other beneficial nutrients for the skin such as chlorella and spirulina, which promote detoxification and help eliminate impurities from the skin.
Conclusion on the benefits of Matcha tea for the skin and beyond
Incorporating matcha into your diet offers a number of benefits, especially when it comes to skin health. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids, matcha can help protect against skin damage, reduce inflammation, and promote collagen production, making it a must-have in any beauty routine.
Whether you’re enjoying a matcha latte or adding it to your favorite recipes, you’ll give your skin the support it needs to glow from within. For an even easier way to harness the goodness of matcha, consider the HUM Daily Cleanse to harness the skin-cleansing benefits of matcha along with other powerful nutrients.
