A Nutritionist’s Matcha Recipe & the Benefits You’ll Reap
Matcha in Mexico, bought it with me!
If you follow me on Instagram, @jordanbruce.nutrition, you already know my obsession with matcha. I love matcha because of the taste, but there are tons of health benefits as well. I switched off daily morning coffee years ago to support my nervous system and adrenal glands (HPA axis). If I was in fight or flight all day for work, why would I want to consume a beverage that pushes me further into the sympathetic nervous system. I now drink matcha, feeling calmer and more grounded.
Not sure if you’re being impacted by stress? See this blog post, I’ve included a checklist for you!
THE BENEFITS
Very high in antioxidant EGCG (catechins) which contains cancer fighting compounds. Catechins are known to fight the effects of free radicals from pollution, UV rays, radiation, and chemicals, which can lead to cell and DNA damage.
There is some literature that matcha is liver protective. I love supporting the liver as it has over 500 functions and impacts every area of the body. When we improve and support our detoxification pathways we rid the body of toxins and waste. Of course, this is just one item to include in your day of healthy eating.
L-Theanine is in matcha and this leads to alpha brain wave activity which leaves us feeling relaxed and less stressed. We stay alert, but also avoid any caffeine crashes. Basically, the opposite of how coffee makes most people feel; anxious and jittery. This is also beneficial for our blood sugar levels, energy and weight.
There is some research to suggest matcha helps lower LDL, the cholesterol level we often monitor in relation to HDL. A perfect drink to support a healthy heart!
It also can be anti-pathogenic helping with dysbiosis and H. pylori.
It’s very important you use good quality matcha as it impacts the taste and likely the health benefits. I use organic matcha and I always order from here (I just got you a code - Jordan for 20% off!).
Jordan’s matcha
THE INGREDIENTS FOR JORDAN'S GO TO MATCHA
1 tsp quality organic matcha.
The matcha grade is up to you. I use ceremonial
1 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk
If using store bought, I like Eden Organic Soy (12 grams of protein per cup) or Silk unsweetened soy (8 grams of protein per cup). You can choose if you prefer to get calcium fortified milk or not, it’s beneficial with younger kids at home or those avoiding dairy. I also love the occasional homemade cashew milk because it’s so easy to whip up and you don’t have to strain it
1/2 cup hot water added to latte
If you are not adding milk, please ensure your water is not above 195-200 degrees as you’ll burn the matcha and it will taste bitter
1/4 tsp organic true cinnamon or chai powder
Optional: any adaptogens, medicinal mushrooms or tinctures you use
see my medicinal mushroom guide here
Directions
heat kettle to 185-200, I don’t recommend going higher as it will burn the matcha and taste bitter
froth soy milk or milk of choice in frother
pour a small amount of water into a small bowl with 1 tsp of matcha and whisk in a Z shape (or use a frother wand)
add to your favourite mug and top with warm milk and more hot water if you’d like
option to add sweetener such as maple syrup or honey, but I don’t most days
add true cinnamon
I recently bought the Breville hot chocolate maker and it makes life so much easier. I simply choose the kettle temperature I want (195 or lower) to avoid burning. I have the option of adding my matcha directly to the hot chocolate machine. This is awesome because I don’t have to worry about milk boiling over in a pot and I can save my blender for smoothies. Heating up hot water or soup in a plastic blender isn’t ideal as it’s not meant for hot liquids and it becomes an endocrine disrupter negatively impacting your hormone health.
You could also just use any milk frother and top your non boiling water and whisked matcha with non dairy milk. You have options!
THE MATCHA I USE DAILY
Also, be sure to check out my medicinal mushrooms guide. The perfect addition to a matcha for immunity, gut health and mental focus.
Jordan
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