Matcha Monday P. 5
It’s that time of year! Set menus, red dresses, flowers & chocolate…all the typical things you think of when Valentine’s Day rolls through. Regardless of your favorite picks for the season, we would like to celebrate this Valentine’s Day with one of the best matcha latte’s you’ve ever set your taste buds on and benefit number 5 of matcha! Who says a matcha shouldn’t be the center of such a special day?!
Among the other various benefits to drinking matcha…is its positive affect on brain function. According to studies, research shows that several components of matcha could help enhance brain functions such as improvements in attention, reaction time, and memory. One of the many reasons we drink one every morning!
Matcha is a concentrated source of caffeine and L-theanine. Caffeine is known for its brain-boosting qualities. It has cognitively stimulating effects, preventing fatigue and improving cognitive performance. Since matcha contains a more concentrated amount of caffeine than green tea, more specifically 35 mg of caffeine per half teaspoon (about 1 gram) of matcha powder, matcha drinkers get all the benefits of a highly caffeinated beverage without all the downsides. Caffeine in matcha is also thought to have antioxidant powers to help protect against free radicals!
Matcha powder also contains L-theanine, which alters the effects of caffeine, promoting alertness and helping avoid the crash in energy levels that can follow other caffeine consumption. That’s why it’s our favorite beverage for a consistent climb in energy throughout the day and a slow and steady decline as it wears off. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine is what makes matcha tea special for the brain!
So what exactly is L-theanine? It’s an amino acid that seems to have a calming effect on us, partly due to the fact that L-theanine seems to increase the levels of the relaxing neurotransmitter GABA, and reduces the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that usually activates our neurons. What's even more exciting is that L-theanine helps to relax the mind without causing drowsiness as seen in the brain activity of people who consume it! L-theanine has also been shown to increase alpha wave activity in the brain, which helps decrease stress levels. We need all the help we can get to stay peaceful and calm throughout these crazy times!
Gaia’s Garden Cafe in St. George, UT
If you’re not local you still may find yourself in St George this week for the annual St. George Parade of Homes. Either way, stop by Gaia’s Garden Café and try out one of their perfect Valentine’s Day matcha recipes. With ceremonial grade matcha powder and four mouth watering variations, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate the holiday! Our personal recommendation is “The Lovers”.
Gaia’s Garden Cafe in St. George, UT
We all need a treat too! Our newest discovery is this mouthwatering raspberry matcha cake also from Gaia’s Garden Cafe in St. George. All your favorite things in one and it’s worth ALL the calories! Hope you enjoyed our blog! Stay tuned for more delicious matcha recipes and tips!
With Love…XOXO S.T.Y.L.E Nation!
