With matcha’s increasing popularity comes its incorporation into beverages that combine traditional tea ceremony elements with milk and sweeteners for modern tastes and preferences. These modern blends deliver all of the health benefits associated with traditional matcha green tea but with additional energy benefits as well as often offering a milder flavor profile that blends better with other ingredients.

Resulting beverages can be enjoyed hot or cold, in the form of lattes or smoothies, often featuring additional ingredients to improve taste and nutritional value. While including these drinks in your healthy diet is beneficial, be mindful about their amount of added sugar and calories; particularly commercially prepared lattes may contain significant amounts that contribute to meeting American Heart Association daily limit for added sugar consumption.

Coffee-based beverages may provide a quick burst of energy, but their caffeine can quickly cause a spike and subsequent crash in energy levels. By contrast, matcha’s caffeine is much gentler, working together with L-theanine amino acid to promote calmness and focus without the associated jitters. Regular matcha consumption has even been found to increase alpha wave activity in the brain which allows relaxation while relieving mental tension.

Matcha tea is packed with antioxidants, including powerful catechins like EGCG that help fight free radicals and oxidative damage. Matcha may help promote a healthy metabolism while contributing to weight loss when combined with reduced-calorie diet and physical activity.

While more research needs to be conducted, some studies suggest that matcha can lower cholesterol and triglyceride risks as well as improve blood pressure. Although its effects become most noticeable when consumed regularly, it’s wise to consult your physician first before changing medications or supplements.

If you’re considering adding matcha to your diet, be sure to choose high-quality organic and pesticide-free matcha powder. Also look out for certifications indicating it was grown and harvested sustainably while supporting local communities.

Combining matcha with healthy diet can be an excellent way to reap its numerous advantages, yet it’s essential not to forget that both matcha and coffee can offer substantial increases in energy and mental clarity. When making matcha at home, use only minimal milk, sweetener (stevia or honey), and sweeteners as too much will undermine its benefits; when purchasing commercially prepared matcha lattes be aware of hidden added sugars or calories that might lurk behind these beverages.