10 Reasons to Swap Your Coffee for Matcha
I made the switch from coffee to matcha about 6 months ago now, and I have never looked back! I remember the first week I tried matcha, I noticed such a boost in energy that I told just about everyone I knew about the stuff. Surprisingly, most people I spoke to hadn't even heard of it... so I write this article to spread the word!
I am also delighted to report that as a decaf coffee drinker, matcha is definitely safe for those who have an intolerance to real coffee. If you're like me and haven't felt the buzz of coffee for years, you're about to get a whole lot more energised!
1. ENERGY BOOST WITHOUT THE CRASH
My number one reason for making the switch has to be that matcha gives you that energy boost that most people look for in coffee, without the inevitable crash.
This is because, whilst matcha is actually lower in caffeine than coffee is, it contains a magical cocktail of caffeine and 'L-theanine'. This combination allows the caffeine to release slowly into your body, preventing a spike in energy followed by that dreaded crash that leaves you reaching for another cup.
2. NO MORE JITTERS + ANXIETY
Whilst coffee can become addictive and leave you feeling jittery after having drank a cup, or even after having gone without one, matcha is not addictive. In my experience, drinking matcha leaves you with a calm but alert feeling and can actually help with anxiety.
3. BETTER FOCUS + MEMORY
Matcha has been proven to improve cognitive performance, attention span and memory because of the natural mix of caffeine and 'L-theanine'.
I can attest to feeling much sharper and more focused after a cup of the good stuff. I enjoy a cup of matcha in the morning to set me up for a productive day, and particularly like to drink some before an interview or important event so that I'm on top form!
4. BURSTING WITH ANTIOXIDANTS
Matcha is high in antioxidants which are important in fighting harmful free radicals (the fancy name for unstable compounds in the body that can cause chronic disease).
In particular, these antioxidants are called 'catechins' which can help with cancer prevention and with boosting the immune system.
5. KEEPS YOU YOUNG
Due to its high 'chlorophyll' content, matcha can provide protection from sun damage, meaning less wrinkles.
In addition, the EGCG content of matcha provides powerful antibacterial properties, making it easier for our skin cells to rejuvenate, keeping our skin supple and glowing for longer.
6. WEIGHT LOSS PROMOTING
EGCG is also good for increasing metabolism and boosting thermogenic effects in the body. Simply put, thermogenesis is the production of heat in our body that causes us to lose weight.
Personally, I also get such an energy boost from matcha that I don't get as many food cravings. Although I don't know if there is any science behind this theory, it's just something I've noticed!
7. GOODBYE COFFEE BREATH
We've all experienced the dreaded coffee breath, wether it's the fear of having it yourself or the unpleasant work meeting with a colleague who's just polished off his morning coffee. Well, say goodbye to coffee breath and hello to matcha.
Remember that EGCG catechin that I've been raving about? Well, it has also been shown to reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth that leads to cavities. Start drinking matcha and your dentist will love you!
8. SAVE MONEY - NO MORE TAKEAWAY COFFEE
Now, you may think that matcha can be expensive and you'd be right. It can be a little pricey, but I'd definitely recommend making the investment in light of all of the benefits it can provide!
The reason I say that it can help you to save money is because matcha is actually not usually sold in your everyday coffeehouse, and therefore you'll probably need to get a flask and start making it at home. This can save you so much money if you are currently stopping by your local coffeehouse for your morning latte!
9. MATCHA COOKIES, ICE LOLLIES + CAKES!
Another great reason to have plenty of matcha powder at the ready is because the baking possibilities are endless! There are so many ways that you can use matcha and, now that you know all of the amazing health benefits, you'll want to incorporate it into your diet in as many ways as possible, right?
10. IT'S DELICIOUS
My final reason to switch out coffee for matcha has to be that it is simply delicious. It has a smooth, fresh and earthy taste that I really love.
I can drink matcha with just hot water and no sweeteners, but if it's a little too bitter for you then there are so many ways that you can spice it up. Try adding a splash of sweetener or syrup (I like to make a matcha latte with oat milk and a dash of sugar free vanilla syrup).
You can also get all sorts of different flavoured matcha online. I really like a mint matcha from 'Pure Chimp' - make sure to check it out! They also do rooibos, turmeric, lemongrass and cinnamon flavours. Let me know how you get on if you try any of these other flavours!