WHY MATCHA IS GOOD FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Most mornings, I like to start my day with a Matcha Gree Tea. It’s my go-to health tonic which simply combines Healthy Chef Matcha and hot water into an emerald green elixir that is full of antioxidants and makes me feel energised for the busy day ahead.
When I get to work, I’ll often make a hot pumpkin seed milk matcha latte or matcha infused protein-rich smoothie, which is so creamy and dessert-like it’s hard to believe it is for breakfast! This smoothie satisfies my cravings and keeps my blood sugars stable so I don’t crave anything sweet during the day.
Unlike regular green tea where you steep green tea leaves, Organic Ceremonial-Grade Matcha is a more potent and concentrated form of green tea. It is made from the leaves of a young green tea plant that are hand-picked, steamed, dried and ground into a fine green powder. When you make it, you mix the powder with hot water so, essentially, you are drinking the entire leaf.
Matcha has the ability to boost your immunity, control your stress and assist with weight loss all from one simple drink.
Matcha works as a fat blocker. A compound in matcha called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) has been shown to boost metabolism and stop the growth of fat cells. EGCG, the main catechin present in green tea, has been linked to variety of health benefits.
Matcha tea is my smart swap for coffee and milky lattes, which can often play with my blood sugar, leading to weight gain, especially during the winter months when I’m craving more warming drinks. A 2005 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that participants who drank catechin-rich green tea daily during the 12-week trial, dropped almost twice as much weight as participants who didn’t.
LONGER – LASTING ENERGY
Since matcha tea has both regular caffeine and also the amino acid theanine, it produces a relaxed but alert mental state, boosting alpha waves in the brain. These alpha waves provide a pleasant clarity, so your energy boost is sustained over time.
Unlike regular green tea where you steep green tea leaves, matcha is more potent and concentrated form of green tea. Matcha is made from the leaves of a young green tea plant that are hand-picked, steamed, dried and ground into a fine green powder.
To obtain all its benefits, choose Healthy Chef Ceremonial Grade Organic Matcha. Ceremonial Grade Organic Matcha is high in antioxidants and recognised as the highest quality matcha tea in the world as it uses the young leaves of the green tea plant.
THE TEA EVERY WOMAN SHOULD DRINK
In a randomised, double-blind trial, 115 women with central obesity were randomly assigned to either a high-dose green tea extract group or a placebo group. Those treated with a high dose of green tea extract for 12-weeks resulted in significant weight loss, reduced waist circumference, and decreased plasma levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein.
Consuming green tea increased thermogenesis, that is, the body’s rate of burning calories, from 8-10% to 35-43% of daily energy expenditure.
FAT-BURNING POTENTIAL
Another study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrated that green tea with caffeine significantly lowered body mass index (BMI), body weight and weight circumference compared to caffeine-free green tea. This is because the decaffeination process significantly reduces the amount of the flavanols and antioxidants that can assist with weight management.
THE REMARKABLE EGCG COMPOUND
Matcha is an excellent source of the polyphenol, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is a plant-based compound with powerful antioxidant properties. Matcha contains significantly higher levels of EGCG than regular green tea, increasing its metabolism boosting and thermogenic effects in the body.
In fact, according to a recent review published in Molecules, EGCG has been shown to have beneficial effects against obesity. This is because EGCG has been found to have the highest biological activity among green tea molecules.
Matcha is an excellent source of the polyphenol, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is a plant-based compound with powerful antioxidant properties. It’s my ultimate solution to shredding body fat and feeling energised all day.
Of course, matcha isn’t a replacement for an unhealthy diet, but it’s a natural way to raise your metabolism and gently support weight loss. Personally, I love a hot cup of Healthy Chef Matcha Green Tea to start my day – it’s such an energising drink that gets me going. I also love to enjoy a few cups during the day as it boosts my concentration and keeps me alert for when I’m on a hectic schedule.
HOW TO MAKE TRADITIONAL MATCHA TEA
To make matcha the traditional way, I like to heat filtered water to about 80°C – not quite boiling. Then combine 1 cup of the water with a small scoop of Matcha (about 1/2 teaspoon). Whisk the powder using a bamboo whisk in a ‘W’ shape until you have a bit of foam then sip slowly and enjoy.
Personally, I love a hot cup of Healthy Chef Matcha Green Tea to start my day – it’s such an energising drink that gets me going. I enjoy matcha about one to three cups a day (and if you’re sensitive to caffeine, I recommend to stop by 2 PM, so it won’t interfere with your sleep). Matcha has become a part of my life – a part of my daily wellness routine and I love how it makes me feel.