While weight loss drugs are all the rage right now, many people doubt their safety. Others are simply looking for a more natural route to help shed weight and keep it off for good. One such method that has gained significant popularity in recent years is the use of matcha for weight loss.
Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that has been consumed for centuries in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Not only does matcha offer a unique and vibrant flavor, but it also provides numerous health benefits, including its potential to aid in weight loss.
Want to learn more about how matcha can be a valuable addition to your weight loss journey? Let's jump in:
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Key Takeaways
Because it's made from whole, ground tea leaves, matcha contains more beneficial compounds than steeped, strained tea.
Matcha may help to boost energy, promote fat burn, and curb appetite.
Thanks to amino acids and other beneficial compounds, matcha's energy boost doesn't come with a crash.
What is Matcha?
Matcha is made from shade-grown green tea leaves, which are carefully ground into a fine powder. Unlike regular green tea, where leaves are steeped and discarded, the whole matcha leaf is ground into a powder and mixed into water to create tea.
In other words, matcha leaves are consumed whole, allowing you to receive the full benefits of the tea leaves. The vibrant green color of matcha is a result of the high chlorophyll content in the leaves, but they also contain a number of other compounds that may be beneficial for weight loss.
The Role of Catechins in Weight Loss
Matcha is rich in a type of antioxidant called catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Catechins are known for their numerous health benefits, including their potential to aid in weight loss.
EGCG has been found to boost metabolism and increase fat oxidation, leading to a higher calorie burn. By incorporating matcha into your weight loss routine, you can potentially enhance your body's ability to burn calories and shed unwanted pounds.
Matcha's Effect on Energy Levels
When it comes to weight loss, maintaining energy levels is crucial for staying active and burning calories. Matcha contains caffeine, although it does have slightly less caffeine than coffee. Unlike other caffeinated beverages, though, matcha provides a unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine. L-theanine is an amino acid that promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness, while caffeine provides an energy boost.
This combination of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha can result in a sustained and focused energy release, without the jitters or crashes often associated with coffee consumption. This combination is considered to have nootropic benefits, meaning it may also promote focus and have overall benefits for cognition.
By incorporating matcha into your daily routine, you can experience a steady increase in energy levels and your ability to focus, which may help you stay motivated and engaged in your weight loss activities.
How to Incorporate Matcha into Your Weight Loss Routine
Now that you understand the potential benefits of matcha for weight loss, you may be wondering how to incorporate it into your daily routine. Here are some simple ways to enjoy matcha and maximize its effects:
Tea
The most common and authentic way to consume matcha is by preparing it as a traditional tea. To make matcha tea the traditional way, you'll need a bamboo whisk, a bowl, and high-quality matcha powder.
Measure about 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into the bowl, add hot water (about 175°F or 80°C), and whisk vigorously in a "W" motion until the mixture becomes frothy. Many people enjoy adding cream and natural sweeteners to their matcha. Enjoy the tea immediately for maximum freshness and flavor.
Smoothies
Another delicious way to incorporate matcha into your weight loss routine is by adding it to your favorite smoothie recipe. Simply blend a teaspoon of matcha powder with your choice of fruits, vegetables, and a liquid base like almond milk or coconut water. This adds a vibrant green color and a subtle earthy flavor to your smoothie while providing the potential weight loss benefits of matcha.
Lattes
If you prefer a warm and comforting drink, try making a matcha latte. Heat your choice of milk (dairy or plant-based) and whisk in a teaspoon of matcha powder until it becomes frothy. You can also add a natural sweetener like honey or stevia for added taste. Matcha lattes are a great alternative to coffee-based lattes, providing a boost of energy without the crash.
Snacks
Matcha can be used in various snacks to create an edible dose of your daily energy and weight loss support. Just keep in mind that cookies and other sweets may not help you meet your weight loss goals. Instead, opt for high protein, filling snacks that stay within the parameters of your diet.
For a quick and nutritious snack, consider making matcha energy balls. Mix matcha powder with almond butter, rolled oats, honey, and other desired ingredients such as nuts or dried fruits. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls and refrigerate for a few hours until firm. These energy balls provide a convenient way to enjoy matcha on the go while giving you a natural energy boost.
Best Kind of Matcha for Weight Loss
When trying to reap the weight loss benefits of matcha, the quality of the matcha powder you choose does matter. Here’s what to look for:
- Single origin: Just like with coffee, single origin matcha powder is usually higher quality. Single origin production allows manufacturers to have greater control over the quality testing process and therefore produces higher quality products.
- Vibrant color: High quality matcha that has been milled and stored appropriately will have a bright green color. This color comes from chlorophyll, which is one of the plant’s most beneficial nutritional compounds, so make sure your matcha isn’t faded or brown in color
- Smooth texture: Matcha should be silky smooth, which usually means it’s stone ground. This simply makes the tea better, but is also just a signifier of well made matcha.
- Strong smell: You can smell fresh matcha–it’s grassy and potent with sweet undertones. This bitter, sweet mix is a combination of antioxidants and amino acids, so make sure you can smell them!
- Well packaged: Only buy matcha that is in an air-tight, resealable package. You don’t want your matcha to dry out after only a few uses.
Consider Matcha + Nootropics for Weight Loss
Our Lucid Matcha formula brings all of the benefits of fresh matcha, plus the added benefits of nootropics and medicinal mushrooms. Lucid is designed to help provide sustainable energy and optimal focus, without the crash of traditional “energy drinks.”
When you compare it to other blends on the market, there’s no other matcha like it. In addition to high-quality, ceremonial grade Japanese matcha Lucid contains:
- Lion’s Mane (Cognition)
- Cordyceps (Endurance)
- Maitake (Immunity)
- Tremella (Anti-Aging)
- Alpha-GPC (Memory)
- Ginkgo (Cognition)
- BCAAs (Muscular Energy)
- L-Tyrosine (Mood)
- L-Theanine (Stress)
Check out all of our three flavor varieties: