Let’s get something out of the way: coffee isn’t bad for you. While it is always smart to consume caffeine in moderation, your morning beverage can be one of your biggest sources of antioxidants.
If you’re looking to switch it up – maybe you’re not a coffee drinker or perhaps your espresso has just been making you a little too jittery as of late – let’s talk about matcha.
Matcha’s history dates back to 8th century China and gained popularity in the 12th century because monks found that it improved their meditation practice. We know now, the reason is L-Theanine, an amino acid that modulates brain function in humans. It relaxes the mind without inducing drowsiness and this better equips the body to deal with stress and anxiety, improves mental focus and cognitive function, and it helps you sleep.
L- Theanine has a few more benefits that are pretty amazing. It can help you lose or maintain weight by aiding your appetite control. It’s great for your immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce blood pressure and even supports certain drugs that treat cancer.
If this piques your interest, here’s a quick method we use to prepare our matcha. But if you can’t imagine a morning without coffee, try taking Blu Calm, an L-theanine supplement with your cup of joe.
Simple Morning Matcha
Hot Water
Matcha, we like Pique Tea (our favorite)
Honey, coconut sugar, or pure maple syrup (optional)
Add one sachet of Pique tea to a cup and pour in about three tablespoons of hot water. Mix until the matcha dissolves. If you’d like to add honey or a sweetener, add that now as well. The hot temperature will help the sweetener become more soluble.
Add your milk, filling the glass. Add cold milk for an iced matcha or steamed milk for a hot matcha. Stir it and enjoy.
