You’ve probably heard of matcha green tea and may be wondering what all the fuss is. Is this a diet trend or fad? Is it healthful? Can I replace my coffee addiction with matcha and will I like it? Can I add it to a GAPS, Whole 30, Paleo or another special diet? What does matcha green tea do? Well, never fear, I’m here to answer all your questions and review the package that I got from Healing Butterfly. Let’s go!
What Is Matcha Green Tea?
Matcha powder, the root of matcha green tea, is derived from green tea leaves that have been “deveined, destemmed, dried, and stone-ground into a very fine powder,” which allows you to get the full nutritional benefit of green tea. You then mix this powder with water or milk and viola! You now have a new morning drink that is far more healthy than most varieties of coffee or tea.
What Are The Health Benefits of Matcha Green Tea?
I’m so glad you asked! The health benefits of matcha tea are varied and many of them are scientifically proven. First of all, it’s loaded with polyphenols, a healthy compound that the National Cancer Institute claims may aid in preventing cancer. Matcha green tea is rich in these antioxidants, which may also help burn fat, according to at least one study.
According to another study from Harvard Health, a large study from Japan showed that “participants who drank more than five cups of green tea a day had a 26% lower risk of death from heart attack or stroke and a 16% lower risk of death from all causes than people who drank less than one cup of green tea a day.” Several other studies also support the potential heart health benefits of green tea.
What Does Matcha Green Tea Do?
Dr. Z at Natural Living Family writes that matcha green tea also helps activate enzymes that detox the body which can help combat free radicals that damage cells. Free radicals are some of the culprits behind unhealthy aging and certain diseases.
It’s also a great source of energy. That’s one reason you might want to consider replacing your current morning cup of coffee or tea with matcha green tea. It can give you sharper focus. Matcha tea contains L-Theanine, an amino acid that has been shown to produce calm and alertness, as well as reduce stress and anxiety. It may also help improve memory and concentration. I know I can use that, what about you?
Does Matcha Green Tea Give You Energy?
Yes! Matcha not only boosts brain function, but it also increases energy levels and endurance. It does contain caffeine but remember that amino acid we talked about earlier, L-Theanine? It helps produce relaxation while inhibiting the brain waves that cause the “jitters” you get with too much caffeine. You may also want to consider trying a matcha tea smoothie instead of your usual protein drink before the gym.
Can You Drink Matcha Green Tea Every Day?
From the research I’ve seen, the answer is yes, especially if you are seeking to break a daily coffee habit. That said, like everything I recommend on this blog, not all sources are equal. BottomLineInc.com reports that tea grown in China was found to have high lead concentrations and recommends you stick to matcha tea sourced only from Japan. And, as always, I suggest you stick to certified organic products as much as possible, to reduce insult from pesticides and such.
Additionally, as mentioned, it does contain caffeine so if you are reactive to this for reasons other than the jitters, you want to be careful with your intake.
Introducing Healing Butterfly
Healing Butterfly is a company born of a personal story. CEO Jackie Hirsch struggled with fertility, miscarriages and emergency surgeries for many years. She and her husband have one daughter but the setbacks on the road to parenthood were challenging. Jackie writes,
…Grief had left me emotionally and physically depleted. Despite my circumstances, I was determined to be the best wife and mom I could, but I needed a lift of energy to become that woman again.
At just the right time, I discovered matcha tea. I loved that it didn’t need brewing — I could just stir a spoonful right into water. It gave me calm, focused energy and lifted my mood. I started laughing and feeling like myself again.
Her daughter came up with the name, Healing Butterfly, and to Jackie, it speaks of the love, health, and hope they have for the future. They want to share their blessings with others and hope that this tea can be an alternative to coffee and energy drinks or just for those wishing to embrace better health.
Healing Butterfly’s matcha products are harvested from an organic family farm in Japan. Many are suitable for Keto and Paleo diets, and are 100% kosher and vegan as well as Non-GMO. Their products are free of pesticides, artificial chemicals, maltodextrin, hexane, emulsifiers, and preservatives.
Healing Butterfly carries 7 varieties of Matcha Green Tea: Chocolate, Vanilla, Pumpkin Spice, Ginger, Mint, Earl Grey, and, of course, plain Matcha. They also carry Turmeric Golden Milk (Chocolate and Hibiscus varieties). Learn more about the benefits of turmeric.
What I Liked Best About Healing Butterfly’s Products
I thought chocolate would be my favorite but I fell in love with the vanilla! These teas are safe and trustworthy, and delicious to boot! They are incredibly easy to mix into yogurts, smoothies, lattes, etc., or to serve the traditional way: heated. I’ve enjoyed experimenting with these products!
Giveaway
Excited to try and discover what matcha tea can do for you? Healing Butterfly is giving away a gift package full of matcha tea and turmeric products to one lucky read, worth over $100! Good luck – you can enter here:
Discount
Right now, my readers get an exclusive discount when shopping at Healing Butterfly. Simply enter the code, “EMBRACING15” to receive 25% off any purchase! That’s awesome!
Annamarie V says
Fall is just around the corner so I would love to try the pumpkin spice. I have only had regular matcha tea so I am excited to try some different versions.
Gina says
Good for you, Annamarie! Good luck!
De Bolton says
I love Matcha and drink it daily. So many benefits to Matcha.
Gina says
It truly does! Lots of healthy micronutrients 🙂