Want To Lose Weight? Meet Your Matcha

If you have done any weight loss research, you have probably come across green tea. But, what most people might not have come across is why matcha is good for weight loss. Matcha, a trendy form of green tea, is becoming mainstream and winning over health advocates and even dedicated coffee lovers. It is a relatively new drink in India. But, despite being a novelty to us, matcha has been around for centuries. It is even considered essential in Japan. 

All of it is not for nothing. Matcha has its benefits and is an excellent addition to a comprehensive weight-loss program. Although it is a kind of green tea, matcha is nothing like your average green tea. Instead, leaves of a young tea plant are plucked, steamed, dried and then ground into the matcha powder you see on the market shelves. It means that when you mix the powder into hot water, you drink the whole leaf. Therefore, matcha is much stronger and more potent than regular green tea. 

While green tea comes in leaves and tea bags, matcha is powdered tea, so you can add it to almost whatever you like. In the ever-changing world of weight loss, a cup of matcha is much better than the latest and greatest fads. But, how exactly does matcha help you lose weight? Keep on reading. 

Why Matcha?

In its original form, unsweetened, matcha is one of the best drinks to consume. There are a ton of reasons why you should drink matcha. One among many is that it provides many essential vitamins and minerals. It also has a high amount of polyphenols which helps to prevent the risk of cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. Other than that, matcha is a flavour that keeps you trim. 

Read on to know how this traditional Japanese beverage may support your weight loss goals. 

Boosts Metabolism

The relation between matcha and metabolism is all thanks to catechins. These catechins have many good properties, but most importantly, they are great for weight loss. They help improve your metabolic rate before and after exercise, and the antioxidants present in the tea also boost metabolism and increase the fat you burn. And technically, if you are trying to lose weight, you need to find ways to speed up your slacking metabolism—all the more reason for preparing and sipping matcha.

Regulates Your Appetite

A study shows that the catechins mentioned above can regulate your appetite by reducing cravings and delaying gastric emptying. By reducing your appetite, you can control any mindless snacking throughout the day, which can help with weight loss. 

Low in Calories

Matcha is also an excellent substitute for carbonated and sweetened beverages since it generally has no sugar and is very low in calories. There are only three calories per 1 g of matcha. So, even if you drink more than 2 g of matcha, you will not consume too many calories. And as you know, the fewer calories you consume, the better the chances of losing weight. 

Healthy for Thermogenesis and Blood Glucose 

Thermogenesis refers to the rate at which your body burns calories. The same catechins in matcha increase the body’s thermogenesis rate to approximately 35-40%. It is a considerable increase from the usual 8-10%. So, there is a chance that consuming matcha will help you burn more calories. Additionally, catechins help slow blood sugar increase, preventing your body from storing fat. It also means you are less likely to give in to your cravings once your blood glucose levels are stable.

The HealthifyMe Note

There’s a lot to love about matcha, and weight loss is just one small part. This powdered green tea can boost your metabolism, help curb your appetite, increase the body’s thermogenesis, and balances blood sugar. These benefits of matcha can aid weight loss in different ways. All you have to do is prepare matcha the correct way and drink it. 

Is Matcha Just the Next Trend?

Matcha has been around for centuries, which means you don’t need to brush it off as another weight-loss trend. On the contrary, most people are blown away by its benefits which extend far beyond appetite reduction and thermogenesis. Moreover, those trying to lose weight can use matcha as an alternative to coffee since it also has caffeine.

Matcha isn’t just about drinking! The preparation of matcha traditionally involves meditation. During Japanese tea ceremonies, sipping matcha becomes a way for you to slow down and be in the moment. It equates to mindfulness meditation, which has myriad rewards. For one, meditation reduces a stress hormone called cortisol, which is notorious for increasing appetite and belly fat.

Drinking about 3 cups of matcha a day is considered safe, and you can take it for weight loss. It gives you the energy to fuel your workouts with no caffeine jitters. So if you want to get a headstart on your weight loss journey, give matcha a try. 

The HealthifyMe Note

Matcha is a highly healthy beverage that gives you a sustained flow of energy for several hours with no crashes and no caffeine jitters. So instead of a quick burst of energy, matcha makes you more proactive in exercising toward your weight loss goals. 

Traditional Matcha Recipe

As we mentioned, there is a traditional, almost sacred way of preparing matcha. It does originate in Japan. However, people all around the world have become familiar with this method. Although it requires a few specific instruments, you can acquire these anywhere in your city or online from your favourite e-commerce site. Don’t fret, though! There are plenty of ways to prepare matcha. This recipe is the most common one, and here is an easy way to prepare it at home. 

What You Will Need

• Chawan (a traditional Japanese matcha bowl)
• Chasen (a bamboo whisk)
• Chashaku (bamboo spoon)
• Sifter (any that you have at hand)

Ingredients:

• Matcha Powder: ½ tsp 
• Hot water: ⅓ cup, around 85 degrees celsius

Method of Preparation:

• Sift the matcha powder and add it to the Chawan (bowl).
• Add the hot water slowly. 
• Use the Chasen (whisk) to mix the water and matcha, and use a ‘W’ motion. 
• Keep whisking until a layer of froth forms on top. 
• Slowly lift the whisk from the centre of the bowl. Serve hot! 

Other Ways to Prepare Matcha 

You can constantly whisk up a good matcha tea before every meal. There are several ways you can incorporate this superfood into your daily routine. First, of course, you could whip up a smoothie or add matcha powder to your lunch salad, but here are a few of our favourite matcha recipes.

Matcha Latte

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Ingredients 

• Matcha Powder: 1 tbsp
• Unsweetened almond or coconut milk: 2 cups (500 ml)
• Boiled and cooled water: 2 cups (500 ml)
• Cinnamon: A pinch

Method of Preparation

• Mix the matcha, water, almond/coconut milk, and cinnamon in a blender. 
• Blend until frothy.
• Serve cold. Add ice cubes if needed. 

Matcha Smoothie 

Serves: 2

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Ingredients 

• Frozen chopped pineapple: 3 cups (750 g)
• Baby spinach: 3 cups
• Frozen chopped banana: 1 cup
• Celery, chopped: 1 stick
• Grated ginger: 1 tsp
• Chia seeds: 1 tbsp
• Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
• Matcha powder: 1 tbsp

Method of Preparation

• Combine all the ingredients in a blender. 
• Blend until smooth. 
• Add a little water or ice if required. 
• Serve cold. 

Matcha and Cucumber Lemonade 

Serves: 2

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Ingredients 

• Cucumbers, chopped: 2
• Fresh mint leaves, chopped: 1 cup
• Cold water: 2 cups
• Lemon juice: ¼ cup (75 ml) 
• Matcha powder: 2 tbsp
• Ice cubes 

Method of Preparation

• Blend the cucumbers and mint leaves until it forms a puree. 
• Also, mix the rest of the ingredients. 
• Blend both until smooth. 
• Serve cold. Top with ice. 

Conclusion

All in all, matcha tea powder makes for an ideal addition to your daily diet. Try drinking a cup daily, and even with weight loss, you’ll see many other benefits! As with everything, matcha will only work for losing weight if accompanied by a balanced diet and regular exercise. So try it out, and if you are one of the 1% of the population that does not like it, try our favourite recipes.