First of all, the title is meant to be said like a rhyme.
Second of all, I want to not-humbly boast that I’ve been drinking matcha for YEARS. Much longer than the recent resurgence in society would suggest. So at 31 years of age, I’m proud to declare I’m not just a ‘bandwagon guy’ when it comes to the magical green powder. (That’s another tragic sentence I thought I’d never write…)
But the reason I’m writing about this is because I feel that I’ve categorically benefitted from drinking matcha tea – physically, mentally, spiritually – and I hope others can too.
So it’s because of this that I feel as though Matcha is worth advocating for, and is worth talking and writing about – and if these cobbled-together words help with that, my job is done – as with everything discussed on The Wishing Wellness.
I’m THAT guy known for offering matcha around the office at work – to pretty much anyone who wants some – first-timers, regulars, one-off’ers, those who have never heard of it, those who hate it. To the point of me trying to convince people it’s very much in their best interests to accept the offer. I do this whilst shamefully declaring that it will make everyone ‘happier and healthier’ – and then, if anyone is STILL interested (unlikely), I reel off as many benefits that I can think of, in the hope that that person will realise why this offer really is worth the uptake.
I’m also yet to charge anyone in the office – although I’m definitely £££’s out of pocket by now due to my generosity (insistence). But what those who decline my invitation don’t realise, is that not only am I offering a FREE hot drink, I’m offering them a free hot drink that is FULL to the brim with goodness, and absolutely no badness. So after the usual polite decline, I usually start my counter-offer with “Are you sure? You don’t want to be happy and healthier?” – by which point any hope of that person being convinced has totally disappeared, probably due to the patronising nature of such counter-offer. This is all an exaggeration of course. Or is it? (Come to the office for a FREE matcha and find out!)
‘The matcha offer’ is usually met with a vast range of replies – on a scale of delighted to disgusted. For my fellow green-people*, the interested, or sceptics (or disgusted-but-interested), I might actually go on to talk about benefits, if asked. Otherwise, there might be the odd exhilarating occasion when I get to watch someone try it for the first time – where they actually think they’re on an equivalent to the eating trial in I’m A Celeb – that’s always cute (and pitiful) to watch. Whichever camp you fall into though, I’m going to try to prove in the next few lines that matcha WILL make you happier and healthier.
*not a thing
SPOILER: Matcha WILL make you happier and healthier.
But first…
What actually is matcha tea?
Well, matcha tea is simply green tea, that’s been shaded and harvested. In fact, both matcha and green tea come from the Camellis Sinensis plant – and so does black tea, white tea, oolong tea – it’s just that they’re all processed differently, which results in different outcomes. A lot of it is to do with antioxidants – so when tea is picked, it ferments (oxidises/combines with oxygen), and then according to how that process is done, it changes colour/blackens, which in turn affects the types of antioxidants in it.
If you’re thinking: you’ve lost me at antioxidants: they basically contribute A LOT to overall health, aging, disease prevention, killing off unhealthy cells, the list goes on… Your body produces some naturally but dietary choices are crucial. And green tea/matcha has a TONNE of them.
So, matcha comes from the same leaf as the green tea plant – but crucially it is grown in the shade. This increases the chlorophyll content – hence the dark green colour. Of course there are lots of different types of matcha – but generally speaking, the darker, richer colour of green, the better quality the matcha. Hints of yellow or brown, you’re at the other end of the spectrum.
Matcha is also graded in terms of quality: ceremonial (the best), premium, or culinary – but there are various other grades/categories depending on provider – I drink a ‘daily’ matcha for example. I’d advise picking the type based on how you intend to consume it – if you can’t stand the taste, but want to cook with it, go for the culinary/lower-quality option. If you want to start drinking matcha for the first time, I’d advise maybe starting with a ‘daily’ or ‘traditional’ option as it’s usually a good middle-ground, before spending all your pennies on the premium stuff.
The grading can also be determined by when the leaves are picked – so if it’s from the ‘first harvest’ for instance, it’ll be better quality.
Now, THE KEY DIFFERENCE between Matcha and ‘standard’ tea, like the breakfast tea the UK consumes in abundance (understatement of the year) – is that matcha is processed using the ENTIRE LEAF. This is a BIG factor in why it contains so much more ‘stuff’ that is good for you – and why it provides SO much more benefits than your average cup of Joe.
So let’s talk benefits…
The biggest headline is that matcha contains LOADS of antioxidants. Like loads. In science talk: “high levels”. Put it this way – a comparably large amount, compared to things deemed to have tonnes of antioxidants in, such as blueberries. Some sources say 15-29x the amount of blueberries, but I wouldn’t be so scientifically vague, so we’ll stick to “high levels”. To quote Ian Beale from Eastenders, blueberries really “have got nothing left” when it comes to battling it out for antioxidant count against matcha. (That’s another sentence I also thought I’d never write).
Antioxidants are really important. Our bodies need them to defend ourselves against free radicals. You’d be forgiven for immediately thinking they’re happy-go-lucky hippies, but what they actually are very unwelcome bodily guests, in the form of molecules or atoms missing an electron. So what they do is try to steal other electrons from healthy cells, which can ultimately do lots of damage to proteins, DNA, and cell membranes. Over time this can lead to nasty outcomes like faster aging, skin conditions, heart conditions, and even cancer. Not all free radicals are evil though, we just need to keep them at a healthy number – and the antioxidants that matcha provoides helps to do that.
Some of the antioxidants you get when you drink matcha come from one of the main compounds found in green tea – catechins – which help lower blood pressure, tackle “bad” cholesterol levels, and generally help your heart a lot – whether that’s helping to prevent heart failure, regulating blood pressure, help with hypertension, or reduce the risk of blood clots and heart attacks. Catechins also help with inflammation, and that leads me on to… polyphenols…
One of the main missions of The Wishing Wellness is to promote longevity, and key compounds that helps us to have longevity are polyphenols – and there are a lot of them in matcha. Polyphenols are naturally occurring plant compounds, which have antioxidants, but also have anti-aging AND anti-inflammatory properties. The latter of which concerns protection against cell damage and inflammation. And just to emphasise, inflammation is a BIG one when it comes to your overall health… a big old factor in the world of arthritis, asthma, atherosclerosis, blindness, cancer, diabetes and potentially even autism and forms of mental illness. I highly encourage you to read more on inflammation generally. Or just go ask Dr Peter Attia or someone like that.
Matcha also contains lots of amino acids, namely L-theanine, which has been proven to alleviate anxiety and stress, and help with sleep. It also has a high mineral count (of different varieties) – which have SO many health benefits – including: improved insulin sensitivity; improved concentration and alertness; better circulation; promotion of cancer-fighting cells; and generally a whole array of things to do with immunity. There has been some evidence to show green tea can help you lose weight too. So put down the Ozempic you absolute IDIOT and go an exercise (no, seriously, put it down, you IDIOT). Plus other evidence suggests matcha can help: support bone health, slow down cognitive decline and protect against neurodegenerative conditions; enhance memory.
I said matcha WILL make you happy… well, this 2023 study researched matcha tea consumption and it’s anti-depressant effects on mice – it’s conclusion: “we showed for the first time that Matcha tea powder exerts its antidepressant-like effect only in stress-vulnerable C57BL/6J mice and that the activation states of the PFC-NAc-VTA circuit contribute to such effects.”
So despite being a very small example, we have some concrete proof to show matcha really does provide antidepressant-like effects. Does this = happiness? Maybe not. Maybe. But I still find this remarkable.
And if we combine this with other matcha benefits, such as alleviating anxiety and stress, we’re well on our way to happiness.
And just to go back briefly to amino acids that matcha provides, such as L-theanine – these have been shown to increase the release of the ‘happy chemicals’ dopamine and serotonin in the brain, which leads to improvement in mood and positive thinking. Maybe now we’ve reached happiness?!
Now in order to get the benefits of matcha, it’s really important to sort yourself out with some proper matcha – don’t get it from a big high street brand as part of some sugary shite like an ‘Iced Lavender Matcha Latte’ – which contains about as much matcha as the screen you’re reading this off. Cynicism aside, the ‘matcha’ that most high street brands use is genuinely NOT matcha – more so a ‘green tea powder’ (sounds ominous right? It is.) mixed with sugar. And lots of other shit (not accurate). Just to put this into quality context, and validate my cynicism, there was a study done in recent years, that showed that there was 137x the amount of a certain antioxidant in one type of matcha tea, compared to a type of green tea Starbucks use that has the same antioxidant.
So don’t come flailing your completed loyalty card at me smiling as though you’re the personification of Matcha itself, because you’re not – you’ve been sold a lie. Get yourself some of the pure, proper stuff! This also goes for those drinking green tea from commercial green tea bags – that’s like saying you’re eating good chicken when eating chicken nuggets, which clocks in at around 45% actual chicken – I would guess green tea bags have even less proportions compared to whole-leaf matcha servings. So if you’re smashing in multiple green tea Twinings bags every day thinking you’re the shit, think again you loser. Sorry bit harsh, but you are a loser, because you’re losing out on all of that extra goodness you can have with the real thing. As with high street matcha.
But one of, if not arguably the biggest draw for me when it comes to drinking matcha tea – and other types of loose leaf tea – is the ceremony that comes with it. A tea ceremony is more than just dipping a bag in a cup for a few minutes and adding extras, whilst you distract yourself with some other activity. It’s a mindful moment, a focus on the preparation, serving and drinking tea – a ritual that is seen to promote mindfulness and wellbeing.
Matcha (and lots of types of loose leaf tea) originated in China, but it’s primarily known as a Japanese tea. There is an ancient saying in Japan: “Wabi-Sabi” – which means finding beauty in imperfection and simplicity. And a tea ceremony embodies exactly the latter. It really isn’t just about the health benefits that come with matcha, or what some describe as the glorious taste of ‘grass’ – it’s also about mindfulness, and the ritual of the ‘ceremony’. It’s a (daily) moment to connect with yourself, be at one, be present – both in the preparation and consumption. Matcha has a long history in Zen Buddhism – and the process of making and drinking matcha tea is seen as meditative process.
So, how can I get started with this bat-shit Buddhist bollocks? I hear you ask…
… excuse ME. What I think you mean is:
What do I need to get started with a matcha ceremony?
Cue 3 things typically used in a matcha/tea ceremony: ceremonial bowl, bamboo whisk and a wooden measuring ‘spoon’ (it’s not really a spoon, it’s more like a tiny wooden measurer).
Measure your matcha according to instructions, ensure the water is the correct tempature (approx. 80c), and whisk away. Some advice encourages you to whisk in your matcha using an ‘M’ motion – seems a little too poetic for me, although I must say it does work. No lumps in sight, ever.
I highly advise you to make your matcha this way. Have a ceremony. Take a moment for you, and take time to focus on preparing and drinking it. Whatever is going on in your life on that day, stresses, demands, responsibilities, take a moment to prioritise you and your matcha ceremony. You won’t regret it. Like the phrase I coined for a cold shower – Microcosm of Mindfulness – I think the same applies to a matcha ceremony. (For more on cold showers visit here).
Although I do understand that life is busy, it probably isn’t a priority for you to carve out that time right now – so if you’re on the go, or at work, and you don’t have time for a ceremony, here’s how you can prepare/consume matcha via ‘western brewing’:
– Fill a cup with 80% boiling water, 20% cold water.
– Get half a teaspoon of (proper) matcha
– Stir in
– Drink
It’s as simple as that.
Granted you may compromise some mental and spiritual benefits with this process, but you’ll still be consuming all of that goodness previously discussed.
Oh, and why 80/20 water? Because you don’t want to burn the leaves! You fool of a Took.
Lastly let’s talk caffeine and matcha: expect a gorgeous slow-release caffeine release that escorts you like an Uber LUXE to the afternoon. That’s pretty much it. Unlike coffee which is fast-release and essentially ramps your caffeine up intensely, and can make you feel light-headed or tingly, matcha is the opposite. There won’t be any jitters or shakes, instead it’s calming, tranquil. I genuinely feel revitalised when I drink it.
Basically, if you visualise a really shallow upside down U across the timespan – that’s what matcha’s caffeine release is like. With coffee it’s like a really steep and narrow upside U.
This means that with matcha, unlike coffee, you will not ‘crash’ and need more caffeine to sustain you. And although less harsh uptake, it lasts longer. It also means people who wake up NEEDING caffeine to feel normal, or those who NEED ANOTHER COFFEE after their last crash, won’t experience this feeling. Pretty great, right?
(If you do NEED caffeine, and can’t fathom the idea of not having any, you’re probably caffeine-dependent and should consider realigning your relationship with it. For more Wishing Wellness content on caffeine and how it affects your sleep, visit here).
A friend asked me recently does matcha cause dehydration? The answer is no – the only thing in matcha that can lead to dehydration (but generally doesn’t) is caffeine – of which there is much less than in coffee.
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That’s pretty much it for now, for this instalment of The Wishing Wellness on matcha. I hope you have been inspired to start or continue your matcha journey. Since matcha has been a constant in my life, I really believe it has helped me grow physically, mentally and spiritually – the health benefits speak for themselves, and I can categorically say I find great value in my daily matcha ceremony. When I drink matcha in the morning I don’t feel the need to keep making cups of tea each hour. I used to work in breakfast radio and get up at 4am every day, and I would consume anything between 3-6 double-bagged breakfast teas before 11am. Since consuming matcha I only need one AND I feel better for it. I don’t feel jittery whatsoever, and very much more calm in comparison. I do believe it’s had a hugely positive effect on my anxiety as a whole.
Let me admit, I don’t drink coffee. So I can’t compare a matcha ceremony to the coffee process. But I’m sure mentally/spiritually it may have a similar impact, if done like a ritual. Which is great.
What I am sure of though, is that if you start to swap your coffee for matcha, you won’t crash in the afternoon, and you certainly won’t be craving the next one.
Finally, it’s worth emphasising that matcha is green tea. And drinking non-matcha green tea will give you lots of the same benefits (providing it’s loose leaf and not the shitty types of teabag tea we discussed). So if you don’t like matcha at all, maybe start with that. Either way, be sure to start/continue your matcha journey with the PROPER STUFF – and if you’re in the habit of consuming some sugary high street rubbish that is disguising itself as PROPER matcha, get rid, and get ordering from a reputable source. Or get your tickets booked to visit a cultivar in Asia. One of the two.
…
PS. if you do start having matcha ceremonies and you think those are exciting… wait until you enter the world of Gong Fu brewing!
… What in the matcha is Gong Fu? Well, that’s for another day.
Written as part of The Wishing Wellness – visit here for more content on matcha.
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