Wake Up Like a Samurai Warrior With Matcha Tea
The morning super drink for calmness, energy and focus.
Have you ever wondered how Buddhist monks and samurai warriors stayed so focused and energized? Turns out, their secret weapon was sipping matcha green tea.
This powdered green tea has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. And for good reason — matcha is packed with antioxidants, amino acids, L-theanine, and just the right amount of caffeine for clean, calm, sustained energy.
Let’s take a look now at what matcha is, how to prepare it, and the health and wellbeing benefits it can offer you.
What exactly is matcha?
Matcha comes from the same plant as green tea, Camellia sinensis. But it's grown and produced differently to maximize the nutritional value. The tea bushes are covered for several weeks before harvest to increase chlorophyll and amino acid levels. Then the leaves are hand picked, steamed, dried, destemmed, and slowly ground into a fine powder.
Unlike brewed green tea, matcha contains the entire leaf, so you get a more concentrated source of nutrients. The grinding process also makes the matcha easier for your body to absorb. So you can get the full effects of all those precious antioxidants and vitamins.
My coffee habit wasn't serving me well
For years, I used to drink several cups of coffee in the morning. I thought this gave me the pep and focus I needed to take on the day. But often, after the initial rush, I'd crash hard. To be honest, the energetic roller-coaster left me anxious, jittery, and struggling to concentrate.
I decided I needed to break the coffee cycle.
That's when I discovered matcha — and it has been a total game changer!
The magic of matcha
Here's what makes matcha so powerful:
Slow caffeine release — Unlike coffee's big sudden hit, matcha's caffeine kicks in gradually. This gives you hours of steady, calm alertness.
Packed with L-theanine — This amino acid works with caffeine to keep you relaxed yet laser focused.
High in antioxidants — Matcha has 137 times more antioxidants than brewed green tea! It helps neutralize harmful free radicals in your body.
Fights inflammation — The nutrients in matcha green tea prevent inflammation, boost your metabolism, and enhance mood.
Ritualistic experience — Preparing and sipping matcha mindfulness is a meditative practice.
I've now switched to making two or three matcha lattes instead of coffee each morning.
The difference is astounding.
I get sustained energy and motivation for hours without the crashes. This enables me to feel much more focused during my most critical work hours.
Getting started with matcha
If you're new to matcha, I recommend starting by tasting it. (Not everyone likes it!)
Many coffee shops like Starbucks offer hot and iced matcha lattes, which is an easy way to sample the flavor. If you enjoy the earthy, vegetal notes, then you can invest in your own matcha powder so you make drinks at home.
I recommend paying a little extra for Japanese organic ceremonial grade matcha to get the highest quality with bright green color and smooth flavor. You can find it at health food stores or online.
The best matcha has a wonderfully complex and savory taste that makes for an exceptional morning ritual.
How to prepare matcha for a boost of morning energy
You can make matcha lattes, iced matcha drinks, or traditional matcha tea. Here's how:
Sift 1-2 tsp high quality matcha powder through a fine mesh strainer to prevent clumping.
Add powder to cup. Pour in 2 oz hot (not boiling) water.
Vigorously whisk matcha and water with a bamboo brush or milk frother until bubbly and foamy.
For a latte, heat milk of your choice and add slowly while whisking to form a creamy froth.
Sweeten with a bit of honey or maple syrup if desired.
Top with extra foam and an extra sprinkle of matcha powder.
You can also chill matcha over ice for a refreshing summer drink.
If this sounds too complicated, then you can simply add half a teaspoon of matcha to your morning smoothie. I do that a few days a week, but mostly I like a hot matcha latte, which I can make quickly and easily with my milk frother. (Matcha blends really well with soy, oat or coconut milks.)
The power of matcha rituals
Drinking matcha is a ritual to be savored. The earthy, grassy flavor is like no other tea.
Sipping it mindfully, you can channel that Zen monk mindset and tackle your day with renewed clarity and motivation.
I drink my matcha as part of my morning routine, right after waking up. The slow caffeine kickstart keeps me feeling focused and inspired all morning, without any jittery side effects.
So if you want lasting energy and mental sharpness, give matcha a try. I think you’ll be amazed at how this tea can make you feel like a warrior ready to win the day!