Matcha Tea Drink Just Got Healthier and Tastier: A Biohacker’s Recipe

Biohackers are always on the lookout for natural ways to optimize their health and performance, and matcha tea has quickly become a favorite in their arsenal, much like NMN supplements. Matcha is a high-quality green tea with a long list of evidence-based health benefits. It is a more concentrated type of green tea rich in polyphenols. One cup of matcha tea contains 5-10 times more polyphenols than one cup of regular green tea.

Key takeaways:

• Matcha has a higher quality than regular green tea, with one cup of matcha tea containing 5-10 times more polyphenols than one cup of traditional green tea.
• Regular matcha intake may be beneficial for both physical and mental health due to its potential to prevent many diseases and support cognitive function.
• While matcha is good for you, drinking too many cups a day may be harmful. Discuss with your doctor before making changes to your diet to find out what’s best for you.

Catechins are the most dominant polyphenols in matcha with antioxidant properties, which explains matcha’s ability to fight free radicals, prevent cancer, support cancer therapy, and promote heart health. Other health benefits of matcha include its association with increased focus and reduced stress and anxiety levels.

Matcha tea vs. regular green tea

Pronounced as “MA-cha”, matcha is a powdered variety of green tea (Camellia sinensis) native to China. What makes it special is its cultivation method and preparation methods. The green tree is grown in the sun until it is harvested, while for matcha, tea bushes are shaded from the sun in the last several weeks before harvest. The shade heightens the chlorophyll levels in the leaves, making the matcha leaves denser in shade and with more nutrients.

Also, regular green teas are often made from soaked leaves or packed into teabags, while matcha is made from finely ground whole leaves.

These reasons are responsible for matcha’s high quality and inviting aroma.

Benefits of matcha tea-based drinks

If you want a coffee substitute that will help you with focused attention without agitation, matcha tea drink can be a healthy alternative to coffee for creative work. Here are some other benefits of matcha tea.

Anticancer properties

Macha contains antioxidants called catechins. Epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC) is the most studied catechin derivative because it is more potent than others. ECGC can inhibit the growth and induce apoptosis of cancer cells. Its intake is associated with a reduced risk of biliary duct cancer.

Promotes cardiovascular health

Studies have established a positive relationship between green tea consumption and cardiovascular health. Catechins improve blood lipid profile and prevent vascular inflammation. A study involving over 40,000 Japanese found that those who habitually drank green tea reduced their risk of cardiovascular disease.

Other health benefits of matcha tea include the potential improvement of cognitive function and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.

A biohacker’s matcha tea drink recipe

Teemu Arina, the Chief Biohacker of Biohacker’s Center and co-author of the Biohacker’s Handbook, recommended this matcha recipe for improved quality and taste of your matcha tea drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp Instant matcha latte mix (or 1 tsp matcha powder with coconut cream).
• 2 tbsp cashew butter.
• 3 tbsp coconut cream.
• 1 tbsp caprylic acid medium-chain triglycerides MCT oil.
• 1 tsp green powders mix.
• 1 tbsp Spruce sprout.
• Half a lime.
• 200 ml hot water.
• 1 tbsp honey.

Method

1. Add the Instant Matcha Latte Mix with the other ingredients to the blender, then add hot water and blend at full speed for 20-30 seconds.
2. Pour into a cup and enjoy!
3. The honey balances out the lime effect.

Spruce sprout - natural Vitamin C boost

Spruce sprout from the above ingredients is worth mentioning as a source of Vitamin C which helps to relieve throat irritation and supports the normal function of the immune system.

Matcha is a powdered green tea that originated in China. It has antioxidant properties, which explains why it can fight free radicals, aid in cancer treatment, improve cognitive function and prevent certain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Some ingredients such as spruce sprout and MCT oil, and honey improve not only the quality of your matcha tea drink for better health and performance but also the taste.