Matcha Myth: Does It Give You Energy?

Do you ever feel like there’s just not enough caffeine in the world to get you going? Well, fear not my tired friend because the matcha myth claims that this green powder will give you all the energy you need. But is it true or just a load of bunk? Let’s dive into the science (and maybe some folklore) to find out.

What Is Matcha Anyway?

Before we can determine if matcha gives us energy, we have to know what it is. Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that originated in Japan. The process for making matcha involves covering tea plants with shade cloths before harvesting which enhances their flavor and chlorophyll content. After they’re picked, they’re steamed and dried before being ground into fine powder.

How To Make A Hot Cup Of Delicious Matcha

If learning about how matchas made has gotten your taste buds tingling, here’s how to make yourself a cup:

  1. Boil water.
  2. Sift 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a bowl.
  3. Add hot water (not quite boiling) to bowl.
  4. Whisk vigorously until frothy.
  5. Enjoy!

You can also add sweeteners, milk or cream if that tickles your fancy.

The Science Behind Caffeine And L-Theanine

To understand why people believe that matcha provides energy, we first have to examine the two main components at play; caffeine and L-theanine.

Caffeine naturally occurs in many types of teas including green tea like our beloved matcha but did you know it’s also found in cocoa beans and coffee beans? (#funfact). So does caffeine provide an instant surge of energy when consumed? Not really – its effects take time due involvement Adenosine receptors (blah blah boring!) More importantly carrying on from our previous sentence ‘ L-theanine’ can have an impact.

L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid that is found in tea leaves including matcha. Studies suggest that consuming L-theanine at the same time as caffeine may temper its effects and increase cognitive performance (don’t we all need this?) It’s important to remember however, that while L-theanine can mitigate some of the negative side effects of caffeine such as anxiety and stress in some people, everybody has different reactions so it’s not simply a cure for coffee jitters (sorry!)

Does Matcha Really Give You Energy?

So you’re telling me both components don’t act alone but work together? ‘fraid so folks! While caffeine provides stimulation, l-Theanine acts as an aid for concentration – making drinking matcha theoretically more beneficial than just drinking coffee with all the frills (urgh…extra syrup means extra sugars …or sometimes missing out on real yummy stuff like cocoa!!) Since Matcha powder contains higher levels of antioxidants due to whole leaf consumption, this combination could possibly help give you sustained energy throughout your day without sudden crashes.

The Green Gold Rush

So why do people think matcha gives us energy if scientifically speaking it relies on two components present in most teas? Honestly, there seems to be no agreed-upon answer or explanation behind this belief besides maybe placebo effect or general misinterpretation of benefits.(eyes roll) Let’s move onto other aspects which matter less…but are still hilarious!

The Legend Of Matcha

We love good old folklore here (Uh hummm…..)! And surprisingly enough there happens to be a Japanese legend regarding how match was born. As per tale , sentient beings who would catch when waves crashed against shores needed lightened up their nights since sun sets quickly right after rain These so-called supernatural creatures began rubbing green tree leaves against themselves before disappearing unto sea level..

Soon after, humans started using the same process to make tea while at a local inn. In order to preserve and amp up flavors in a drink- they brought leaves back with them for consumption thus giving way ti production of ‘Matcha’ (cool eh?)

Matcha Making Methodology

If you thought the legend was interesting, wait until we delve into minutes detailing its making process:

  1. Shade growing: Growing matcha means shading the tea A few weeks preceding picking-eyelids prepare green tea bushes’ side hindering photosynthesis This fosters more significant amounts of amino acids (THE L-THEANINE!), flavanols & other important compounds within leaves which gives characteristic sweet taste perceived by most.
  2. Kneading Process: Cuttings are picked altogether for their young age before being steamed swiftly which stops fermentation .. This then takes form of dried husks remaining strands sent towards refining machines It is here where spinning sharp blades wade through rubbing/powdering till Matchas signature texture achieved.Voila!

How Much Matcha Is Safe?

So now that we know all about this mystical energy-providing substance let’s ask ourselves how much of it can we have without reaching worry levels of caffeine!? While consuming one or two cups per day wouldn’t do any harm ( as per some studies) too much always translates into side effects such as anxiety, digestive distress and headaches. So maybe skip out on those ten-shot Starbucks Iced Matchas – yep they exist
(
have never tried them though)

Benefits Of Drinking Matcha

Even if match doesn’t offer an explosion level filled burstiof caffeine boost it’s still got several benefits at play

Antioxidant Powerhouse!

As previously stated ,Matchas high concentration antioxidant is true highlight Oxidative stress results when theres presence free radicals from environment inside living organism not being neutralized by antioxidants –our body’s own best friends!. Studies have linked antioxidants to many good things like decreased risk of cancer, heart disease and other diseases

Lower Levels Of LDL Or Bad Cholesterol

There seems to be evidence indicating that regular green tea drinkers have significantly lower levels of bad cholesterol than those who don’t drink any. Since Matcha is a super-concentrated version with optimal plant components extracted it might indeed offer greater benefits(than plain old tea)

Conclusion: Caffeine Plus L-Theanine Equals Sustained Energy!

In summary folks, matcha does not give you instant energy like some people believe ,but may provide sustained alertness throughout your day without causing the crash or jitters associated with coffee consumption . While everyone has different experiences when drinking caffeinated beverages- It’s important to remember how sensitive each person can be toward a reactive ingredient.Oh if we forget Matcha happens o deliver several added wonders so there’s no harm in trying…let’s end on this positive note – gives us another excuse to slurp away doesn’t it?

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