Don't Start Your Day Without This Mental Superfood

It comes as no surprise that many of us are overworked and getting little to no sleep on most nights. This need for consist energy and little time to achieve it forces us to turn to our morning cup of joe. It has been a ritual for Canadians to drink more than the recommended amount of caffeine in a day from that morning cup, to that afternoon pick-me-up and all the way until late at night to get all that extra work done before it's' bedtime. This is when matcha becomes useful.

NOW, WHAT EXACTLY IS MATCHA?

Matcha latte

Matcha is simply finely grounded whole green leaves so in a sense you get the full effect of what the plant has to offer instead of just steeping it like green tea which provides you with 10 times the amount of brain powering strength. You can enjoy it in smoothies, your food or now that more popular way, in a latte. The green hue gives a makeover to the average latte you may get at your local coffee shop.

BUT DOESN'T MATCHA HAVE CAFFEINE IN IT?

Though matcha does contain caffeine, this isn't where the main source of energy is coming from. It contains an amino acid called I-theanine that studies have shown helps increase alertness in the mind and overall boost someone's mood which in turn lowers stress. Since this acid is combined with caffeine, it only makes matcha the superior beverage to consume versus coffee.

Consuming this drink keeps the body cool and calm while giving you a naturally energised feeling instead of the hyper, tense one you can get from pure coffee.

WHAT IS THE LONG-TERM HEALTH BENEFITS?

Matcha can help prevent Alzheimer's and early onset dementia in those that consume it earlier on in life due to its free radical components. With it antioxidants, it helps keep the brain healthy and the body feeling balanced and less stressed.

SO, HOW MUCH SHOULD I CONSUME?

To get the full effect of matcha, drinking two full cups a day in any form is recommended. You can enjoy it in a latta, ice or cold or straight down if you don't mind the taste. You can also mix it into your yoghurt, morning oatmeal and smoothies. Sprinkling some on top of your food can be fun too. No matter how you eat it, you can't go wrong.