Iced Matcha Latte

Matcha, fine powdered green tea, has grown in popularity in recent years. Cafes and coffee shops all over the world offer matcha lattes and other beverages. While many food trends lack scientific evidence to support their popularity, matcha has the benefit to make it worth the hype.

Green tea in general has incredible health benefits. It contains a phytonutrient called epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG, which is a potent anti-inflammatory. EGCG can pass through the blood brain barrier and thus has an anti-inflammatory effect on the brain (1). Matcha has the highest percentage of EGCG, making it an extremely beneficial beverage choice for those looking to reduce neuroinflammation. Additionally, green tea has been shown to have an anti-amyloid effect and may help prevent the reactive oxygen species in the brain and inhibit the production of beta amyloid plaques (2).

Like with all foods, the sourcing of matcha is very important. Look for matcha that is sourced from Japan and that is ceremonial grade. Matcha sourced from other parts of Asia is more likely to have contamination from heavy metals.

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp matcha powder
• 2 tbsp warm water
• 8oz unsweetened coconut milk (or substitute almond or soy)
• 1 tsp raw honey (or substitute stevia to taste)
• Ice

Directions:

1. Mix matcha in warm water until powder has dissolved.
2. Add coconut milk and honey and mix well.
3. Top with ice and enjoy!

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References:

1. Natural Medicines (2021, January).Green Tea.https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=960
2. Lee SB, Choi EH, Jeong KH, Kim KS, Shim SM, Kim GH. Effect of catechins and high-temperature-processed green tea extract on scavenging reactive oxygen species and preventing Aβ1-42 fibrils' formation in brain microvascular endothelium. Nutr Neurosci. 2020 May;23(5):363-373. doi: 10.1080/1028415X.2018.1507618.