Is Matcha good for me?

Is Matcha good for me?

I chatted to TVNZ Breakfast hosts Jenny-May Clarkson and Chris Chang about matcha, which seems to be trending at the moment - despite having been around for a very long time. So, what’s all the fuss about, and should you be trying it?

Matcha is a vivid green powder made from finely ground green tea leaves and is exceptionally high in antioxidants. While both coffee and matcha have their own health benefits, matcha is generally better for you and has fewer potential side effects.

If you’re sensitive to caffeine in coffee - perhaps it makes you jittery or increases anxiety - you might like to give matcha a try. It could help improve your alertness without the unpleasant side effects you may experience with your traditional espresso or latte. Or, if you’re trying to cut back on your daily coffee or energy drink intake, matcha could be a great alternative.

Keep in mind that matcha does contain caffeine, so try to avoid having it too close to bedtime or in excessive amounts. Plus, like coffee and other natural foods, it’s best enjoyed in its purest form, without too many added sweeteners or extras.

That said, matcha isn’t a magic solution for achieving optimal health! See my ‘Wheel of Wellbeing’ for tips on managing your health holistically.

Try this: a refreshing way to enjoy matcha is over ice with water, cold milk (soy is a good option if you prefer plant based), a dash of honey, a drop of vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon. If you’re making it at home and don’t have a matcha whisk, you can use a milk frother, blender, or shaker.

Related: Caffeine - how much is too much? Check out my guide, which includes a free downloadable PDF to see how much caffeine is in your drink.

Enjoy!