To say that I'm a big fan of matcha green tea would be a fact. Almost anything green tea flavored usually appeals to me and there's also alot to like about the wonderful health benefits of matcha green tea. Matcha far exceeds the benefits of green tea since it is essentially the leaves of green tea ground into a powder so their goodness remains intact. It is a powerhouse of antioxidants with one cup providing over 5 times the antioxidants of any other food. It can supply a mild energy steady boost for 4 to 6 hours since it acts as both a relaxant and stimulant. The L-theanine in matcha produces seratonin and dopamine, chemicals that improve memory, enhance mood and increase focus. It also has detoxifying properties and has been shown to boost metabolism.
I recently swapped out my usual Japanese matcha green tea powder to try out Kiss Me Organics Certified Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder. This product is USDA certified organic and comes conveniently packaged in a resealable foil pouch. It is a good quality matcha that has a mild earthy green taste. In this form, matcha can be easily incorporated into a variety of recipes. I'm going to share two of mine today.
One way I have it is in my matcha green tea lattes. I'm not a coffee drinker but I do drink copious amounts of tea daily and this is a drink I like in the morning or early afternoon. Matcha is relatively low in caffeine but I avoid having it late just to be safe. Starbucks and Peets both have commercial versions of a green tea latte. Those drinks are not only expensive but they don't contain much actual matcha and have alot of sugar even if you get it unsweetened so it's not something I'd recommend especially when it's really easy to make on your own.
Another way I use matcha green tea powder is in a DIY brightening and exfoliating facial treatment mask with manuka honey and lemon juice. The polyphenols in matcha green tea have been shown to help protect the skin from harmful UV rays while improving blood flow and oxygen levels. Manuka honey is a medical grade honey known for it's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties so it heals and nourishes the skin. Lemon is rich in Vitamin C and citric acid making it a terrific natural skin brightener and exfoliant. This mask leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft, smooth and refreshed and I love that all the ingredients are natural and edible.
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