Is Matcha Keto? Yes, and It May Support Weight Loss

Before we delve into the keto aspect, let's understand what matcha is. Matcha is a special type of powdered green tea that makes a frothy, foamy beverage and is perfect for making lattes or adding to various recipes.

Unlike traditional green tea, where you steep the leaves and discard them, with matcha, you're consuming the entire leaf. Also unlike regular green tea, matcha is shade grown in specific conditions in order to boost its chlorophyll and amino acid profile. So, it offers a moderate caffeine boost, plus an ultra-concentrated dose of all the good stuff found in green tea, including antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

How Does Matcha Boost Ketosis? 

Now that we've established that matcha won't kick you out of ketosis let's explore how it might actually support your keto journey.

1. Boosts Metabolism

Matcha is known for its high concentration of catechins, a type of antioxidant. These catechins, particularly one called EGCG, have 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.

2. Enhances Fat Oxidation

In ketosis, your body becomes efficient at burning fat for fuel. Matcha can complement this process by increasing the rate of fat oxidation. This means that when you consume matcha, your body may become even better at using fat stores for energy.

3. Provides Clean Energy

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

4. Curbs Appetite

Another struggle for many dieters, keto or not, is managing hunger. Matcha has been linked to reduced appetite, which can be beneficial when you're trying to stick to your calorie or carb counting goals.

Now that you're convinced about the keto-friendliness and potential benefits of matcha, you're probably wondering how to incorporate it into your daily routine. Here are some simple ideas:

• Matcha Latte: Mix matcha powder with hot water and a splash of unsweetened almond milk for a creamy, keto-friendly matcha latte.
• Smoothie Boost: Add a teaspoon of matcha to your keto smoothie for an extra antioxidant punch.
• Matcha Fat Bombs: Get creative by incorporating matcha into homemade keto fat bombs. It's a delicious way to get your matcha fix and increase your healthy fat intake.
• Iced Matcha: On a hot day, blend matcha with ice and your choice of keto sweetener for a refreshing iced matcha drink.

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.

In conclusion, matcha is indeed keto-friendly and can be a valuable addition to your ketogenic journey. Its low carb content, coupled with its potential to boost metabolism, enhance fat oxidation, provide clean energy, and curb appetite, make it a fantastic choice for those on the keto diet.

Remember that while matcha can be a helpful tool, it's not a magic solution. A successful keto diet requires careful planning, monitoring your macronutrient intake, and staying consistent. So go ahead, savor that soothing cup of matcha, and let it support you on your path to keto success.

Want to take it one step further? Consider our Nootropic + Mushroom Matcha powder. Our ceremonial grade matcha is boosted with all sorts of brain-boosting nootropics and medicinal mushrooms that may help you reach your weight loss and wellness goals. Lucid Matcha powder contains the following active compounds (and more):

• Cordyceps: Known as the "athletes mushroom," enhances physical performance and endurance, promoting more calorie burn during workouts. It also supports healthy lung function, improving oxygen intake during exercise.
• Lion's Mane: Sometimes referred to as the "mind mushroom," lion's mane may enhance cognitive function and mood, helping you stay motivated for exercise and mindful eating.
• Alpha-GPC: A precursor to choline that's known to improve focus and mental clarity. Some sources suggest that alpha GPC enhances the mind-muscle connection, potentially leading to more effective workouts.
• BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids): Promote muscle preservation during calorie restriction, helping to maintain a higher metabolic rate. May also help to reduce muscle soreness after workouts, encouraging more frequent exercise.
• L-Theanine: Enhances relaxation and reduces stress, potentially reducing cortisol levels linked to weight gain.

You may want to read "Why We Chose Our Ingredients" to learn more about the Lucid Mushroom + Nootropic Stack. Or, check out one of our three flavor varieties: