Matcha Mood: My Top Choices

My affair with matcha began back in 2010 when I purchased a matcha latte from EAT. It certainly wasn’t a hype back then; I had no idea what magic this creamy, earthy, bitter herb held.

Fast forward to 2024, and alhamdulilah, matcha is now at our finger tips. I’m no matcha expert, but you can easily identify what makes matcha powder a good quality one, just by looking at the colour, texture, and origin.

Always opt for organic and ceremonial grade matcha where possible. Here are some options at different price points:

On a budget:

• Pukka Organic Supreme Matcha Green Tea Bags

• Clearspring Organic Japanese Matcha Green Tea Powder (Premium Grade)

• Perfectted Matcha Powder

Treat yourself:

• OMGTEA Organic Matcha Range

• Chamberlain Coffee Matcha Green Tea

Luxury matcha experience:

• Anima Mundi MATCHA Organic + Ceremonial Grade

Why matcha?

Aside from the taste of course, the health and wellness benefits of matcha are endless.

• Antioxidants: matcha is packed with antioxidants (molecules that protect from cell damage by free radicals), primarily catechins, which have been clinically shown to have several therapeutic aids. EGCG is the most abundant and active catechin.

• Its high ‘polyphenol content has a greater capacity for scavenging free radicals than vitamin C on its own.’ PMID: 33375458

• It is an excellent source of ruin, which is demonstrated to have anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties.

• The chlorophyll in matcha, responsible for its vivid, gorgeous green shade, exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.

• Theanine, an amino acid found in matcha, stimulates the production of alpha waves in the brain. Alpha waves provide us with an incredible ability to focus and concentrate while maintaining a calm alertness. L-theanine can pass through the blood brain barrier and starts to exert its effects on the brain within 30 minutes. Rodent studies show l-theanine blocks the binding of l-glutamic acid to glutamate receptors. It reduces the heart rate, acts as a neurotransmitter, lowers blood pressure, and induces relaxation. It stimulates generation of alpha brainwaves which is indicative of relaxation. Frontal region alpha brainwaves are stimulated during non-REM sleep and meditation. People with higher anxiety emitted stronger alpha brainwaves than people with less anxiety, so if you do have a tendency to be more anxious than the average person, you may benefit from this affect more. L-theanine has a direct effect on the brain and relaxing the mind without inducing drowsiness.