You should substitute coffee for Matcha Green Tea. Here’s why?

Most of us can’t think of starting off our early weekday mornings without a hot cup of coffee. Only coffee lovers know how much we need coffee in our daily lives to function and there’s just something about the taste that most of us can’t resist. Most coffee cafes in Malaysia are earning well and that is enough prove that we in Malaysia love coffee and some even go cafe coffee hunting with their friends on weekends!. However, there is a growing popularity of matcha green tea that has huge scientifically proven benefits to back it up.

Not many know that matcha green tea can keep you alert and awake longer compared to coffee even though the caffeine contain in coffee is higher. Not only is matcha green tea a healthier option for your early morning beverage to give you an instant boost to your metabolism and energy, it can also be added into many other recipes too.I will be sharing some of the reasons why you should opt for matcha green tea rather than coffee and also some of the recipes involving green tea to make your meals not only delicious but also healthier.



Why opt for Green Tea over Coffee?
1. No side effects that caffeine spike causes
Consuming coffee keeps your senses awake and this is due to its high caffeine content. This is just for those few hours till the effect wears off and you will slowly begin to feel all that tiredness that you were trying to supress. This will cause you to drink more coffee in order to continue to be alert and keep your senses awake. Studies have also shown that a sudden increase in caffeine creates havoc to the psychological state of mind and cause users to experience nervousness and jittery. On the other hand, matcha green tea contains roughly a third of the caffeine content if compared to coffee. But the caffeine effect is different if compared to coffee this is due to the presence of the L-theanine phytonutrient, the caffeine is stored in the body and released at a much slower pace and it takes up to three hours for the body to absorb the whole caffeine content of matcha green tea. What this does is it enables the body to be energized for a longer period without suffering the consequences of a caffeine spike.

2. No nervousness and jittery that is the side effect of high caffeine in coffee
L-theanine phytonutrient in matcha green tea gives a calm sensation and reduces stress levels and anxiety of the person who consumes it. Unlike, coffee that causes ones that consumes it to be in the state of feeling nervous and jittery matcha green tea is said to increase the alpha brainwaves that can bring a sense of relaxation without any feeling of drowsiness or sleepiness.

3. Say goodbye to bad breath
Matcha green tea can help prevent the formation of plague and helps in maintaining the overall oral health. Might be thinking how is this possible? Green tea is rich in antibacterial properties which helps in keeping good oral health as compared to coffee which causes stains that ruins the overall beauty of our teeth and we know how costly teeth whitening products or visits to the dentist can get. Besides that, it is a major turn off for both men and women to have bad breath and this is when matcha green tea helps keep bad breath at a bay.

4. Rich in antioxidants
Most people aren’t aware that matcha green tea is rich in antioxidants!. Matcha green tea has long been long known for its extraordinary antioxidants capabilities. Scientists have also discovered and proven that not only can the antioxidants prevent the growth of cancer cells, it can also help to fight against the free radicals within the body.

5. Enhanced detoxification
Matcha green tea is rich in Iron, calcium, protein, potassium, vitamins A and C. The combination of these nutrients helps to boost the immune system and ensure its normal functionality. In addition to that, the high chlorophyll content also qualifies matcha green tea as an effective detoxifier that helps to rid the body of all impurities, toxins and heavy metals.

6. Increased metabolic rate (burn fat faster)
90% of most detox or diet teas contain green tea extract as green tea is believed to burn calories at a faster pace. Some studies even claimed that matcha green tea can burn calories 4 times faster. This is where coffee doesn’t come close to matcha green tea.

7. Better complexion
As mentioned earlier, matcha green tea is rich in antioxidants which slows down the aging of your skin and also protects the skin for that UV rays can cause. Coffee intake has always been associated with bad skin conditions and can also cause acne outbreaks. However, matcha contains antibacterial properties that can help to clear any acne outbreaks and also provide the skin with a radiant glow.


Delicious & Unique Recipes using Matcha Green Tea


1. Matcha Green Tea Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
-2 1/2 cups oat flour (ground oats)
-1 tsp baking soda
-1/4 tsp sea salt
-1/2 cup coconut sugar
-1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
-1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
-1 egg
-1 tbsp vanilla extract
-2 or 3 spoons of matcha green tea powder (use more or less depending on taste preference)
-1/3 cup dairy-free chocolate chips


Instructions
-Using a large bowl combine oat flour, baking soda, sea salt and coconut sugar.

-Using another separate bowl combine coconut oil, applesauce, egg and vanilla.

-Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry.

-Stir in matcha powder.

-Stir in chocolate chips.

-Then cover bowl with plastic wrap and place in fridge for 1 hour.

-Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

-Next, scoop out balls and flatten onto a parchment or silicone-lined baking sheet.

-Then place 1 tray into the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

-After that, remove from oven and let cool on tray for 5 minutes.

-Place on a wire rack to cool completely.

-Repeat until all batter has been used.

-You can store in an airtight container for up to 5 days and enjoy.




2. Dark Chocolate Matcha Date Bars
Ingredients
-9 oz pitted dates (about 1 2/3 C)
-1/3 Cup cocoa powder
-4 oz Almonds (about 2/3 C)
-2 tbsp matcha powder
-2 tbsp coconut butter
-1/3 C coconut flakes
-2 tbsp maple

Instructions
-Firstly, if you are using whole almonds, chop or pulse in food processor until they're just little bits and pieces. Alternatively, use slivered almonds if you like.

-Then combine all ingredients in food processor and blitz until completely combined. Your dough may have form a ball, or it may form several clumps, depending on your food processor. When all the ingredients are totally worked into one another (about 2 minutes), turn off food processor.

-Next, dump the contents of your food processor onto a piece of parchment paper and form into a lump. Using your hands and press the dough into a rectangle about 1 inch thick.

-Then wrap in saran or parchment paper and chill on a flat surface in your refrigerator at least 2 hours before cutting.

-Now you should cut into desired size of bars (or use a cookie cutter for fun shapes!). Lightly dust with a bit more matcha powder. Tip to store: place parchment paper between bars to keep from sticking and keep in the fridge.




3. Coconut Matcha Latte
Ingredients
-½ tbsp of Matcha
-¼ cup hot water
-¼ cup warmed coconut milk
-Sweetener of your choice (optional)

Instructions
Sift your matcha so it is lump-free (optional step)

Spoon the matcha into a large mug. Now you should add the hot water and coconut milk and whisk briskly, in an up and down motion, until frothy - about 30 seconds or so. Tip: You can also use a small kitchen whisk if you don't have a matcha whisk.

Taste and add additional water, coconut milk, and/or sweetener according to your liking.




4. Matcha Green Tea Coconut Pancakes
Ingredients
-⅓ cup coconut flour
-1 tbsp Matcha Green Tea Powder
-¼ tsp baking powder
-6 egg whites (¾ cup)
-½ cup buttermilk
-1 tbsp honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar

Garnish
-2 tbsp 0% fat plain greek yogurt
-1 tbsp cooked or canned Black Soy Beans
-1 tbsp chopped pistachio
-1 tbsp liquid honey

Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a small food processor or mixing bowl if you like and blend until well combined.

Next step is to coat a non stick pan with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.

When pan is hot enough, slowly ladle about ¼ of a cup per pancake and cook until tops are covered with bubbles and edges look cooked.

Next, gently flip the pancakes and cook until both sides are golden then transfer to low temp oven to keep them warm while you cook the remaining pancakes.

Lastly, garnish with dollop of plain yogurt, chopped pistachio, cooked black beans and drizzle of honey. Enjoy!




5. Matcha Chia Pudding
Ingredients
-2 tbsp chia seeds
-1 tbsp almond milk
-1 tbsp rolled oats
-1 tbsp lemon juice
-2 tbsp maple syrup
-1 tbsp vanilla
-1/2 tbsp matcha powder
Instructions
First step, measure one tablespoon of the chia seeds into a blender along with all the other ingredients – almond milk (or your favorite non-dairy milk), rolled oats, lemon juice, maple syrup as much as you’d like it, vanilla, and the matcha powder.

Next, transfer the pudding to a bowl and now stir in the other tablespoon of whole chia seeds. Then place in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for at least 3 hours until it gels into the perfect pudding consistency.

Lastly, To serve, top with a dusting of matcha powder and a drizzle of maple syrup. Have your matcha today! ;)