Why You Should Introduce Matcha Into Your Daily Routine

Lets talk about Matcha

My homemade simple iced Matcha

Matcha is my favourite go-to iced & hot beverage no matter where i am. Not only is it pleasing to the eye, if made correctly using a high grade blend, matcha is incredibly pleasing to our health.

For those unfamiliar with the drink, matcha is a very popular type of green tea. Interestingly, it comes from the same plant -Camellia sinensis - as black, white, and oolong teas. The difference lies in how the leaves are processed. Unlike most teas, which are made by steeping and straining the leaves, matcha is made by grinding specially grown green tea leaves into a fine powder. This means you consume the entire leaf, resulting in a higher concentration of beneficial compounds and caffeine.

For my matcha lovers, have you ever tried a matcha cookie? I was lucky enough to try one of the amazing @matchamindedinburgh cookies while attending an event at the @the.yogashala . Matcha can be used in many different recipes! Drop your favourite matcha recipe in the comments below! (no gatekeeping here!)

Benefits

Whether you're sipping it straight or blending it into a smoothie, here’s a few reasons why matcha deserves a spot in your cup:

1. Supports Brain Health & Focus

Matcha may offer long-term cognitive benefits. Antioxidants like EGCG have neuroprotective properties, and studies suggest regular green tea consumption could be linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline as we age.

2. May Support Healthy Weight Management

Some studies suggest that green tea - and matcha in particular - can help boost metabolism and increase fat burning during exercise. In fact, research shows matcha can increase fat oxidation by up to 17% during moderate-intensity workouts.

And it’s not just about burning more calories - matcha may also help your body prefer fat as a fuel source, making it a supportive addition to your wellness routine.

3. Linked to Longevity

Tea drinkers, rejoice: Daily tea consumption has been associated with a lower risk of mortality from major causes like cardiovascular disease, stroke, and even certain cancers. People who drink at least two cups a day tend to have better long-term health outcomes, potentially extending lifespan.

4. Smooth, Sustained Energy (No Crash Required)

Unlike coffee’s jittery buzz and abrupt crash, matcha offers a calm, focused energy - thanks to a unique amino acid called L-theanine. Found almost exclusively in tea, L-theanine works alongside caffeine to promote alertness without the anxiety or overstimulation. This is especially perfect for those who suffer with anxiety like myself who cant drink a normal coffee.

It’s believed to cross the blood-brain barrier, influencing neurotransmitters that raise dopamine levels and increase alpha brain waves. The result? A relaxed yet alert state -perfect for staying productive without feeling wired.

5. Rich in Antioxidants That Fight Inflammation

Matcha is shade-grown, which boosts its levels of key antioxidants and phytochemicals. That means more good stuff in every sip compared to regular green tea.

Two standout antioxidants include:

• Catechins (especially EGCG): These help fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, and may lower the risk of chronic diseases.

• Flavonoids: Linked to heart health, improved circulation, and even bone strength.

6. Naturally Detoxifying

Matcha is rich in chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants that helps cleanse the body of heavy metals and toxins. Because matcha is made from whole, shade-grown tea leaves, it has a much higher chlorophyll content than regular green tea - giving it gentle, natural detox powers.

Final Thoughts:

Whether you whisk it traditionally, shake it over ice, or bake it into muffins, matcha is more than a feel-good ritual - it’s a small daily choice with big health benefits. So if you've been thinking about making the switch (or just drinking it more often), consider this your green light.