Can Matcha Make You Calmer?
Our day-to-day life can be filled with stress and challenges, so it’s extremely important tom find ways to ease anxiety and keep our health under control. Believe it or not, matcha green tea has been used for many years as a way to provide anxiety relief and just to relax and unwind. In fact, people from Ancient China were using matcha for this purpose thousands of years ago. But does it really work, and can you expect your daily matcha latte or favourite matcha beverage to help alleviate anxiety or stress?
How Does Matcha Help Alleviate Your Anxiety?
One of the key benefits of matcha is its ability to reduce stress and improve overall mental well-being. Matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid that has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. L-theanine has a calming effect on the brain, and has been shown to increase alpha brain waves, which are associated with a state of relaxation. L-theanine may help to lower stress levels naturally. How is this possible?
The Power of L-Theanine and Caffeine
When coupled with caffeine, L-theanine promotes a state of calm alertness as it gradually controls the release of caffeine into your body, unlike the caffeine jolt you experience when drinking a cup of coffee. This is opposite of the "coffee jitters" which also contributes to feeling anxious. Since L-theanine will result in caffeine being released slowly into your body, this may help lower anxiety.
Within half an hour of sipping on your cha, you will start to feel a sense of calm focus. When the Alpha waves are stimulated, it promotes a state of mental alertness and relaxation. The interesting part of this alpha wave brain activity is that matcha will help you lower stress and anxiety without leaving you feeling sleepy or drowsy.
Other Calming Benefits of Matcha
In addition to L-theanine, matcha also contains high levels of antioxidants, which have been shown to have a number of health benefits, including reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. These antioxidants can help to protect the body against the negative effects of stress, such as high blood pressure and weakened immune system.
Another way in which matcha can help to reduce stress is through its calming ritual. The traditional Japanese tea ceremony, in which matcha is prepared and enjoyed, is known for its calming, mindful practices. Taking a few minutes to sit down with your Bonsai Cha matcha can be a great way to relax and unwind after a long day.
It is easy to see why matcha green tea powder is gaining popularity all over North America and other parts of the world - matcha provides a healthy alternative to coffee and is becoming a beverage of choice for those who wish to ditch stress and anxiety.
Is Matcha the Cure to Your Stress and Anxiety?
So will your daily cup of matcha be the magic bullet to conquering stress once and for all? Although incorporating a cup of matcha tea a day may contribute to creating a sense of overall well-being, there are other ways to help you combat stress and anxiety.
Here are a few examples of things you can do on a daily basis to help reduce stress:
1. Practice deep breathing or meditation: Taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath and clear your mind can help to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
2. Exercise regularly: Physical activity has been shown to be an effective way to reduce stress and improve mental health. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day.
3. Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. Make sure to get enough rest each night by establishing a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine.
4. Eat a healthy diet: A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods can help to reduce stress and improve overall health. Avoiding caffeine and sugary foods can also help to regulate your mood and reduce stress.
5. Connect with others: Spending time with friends and loved ones can help to reduce stress and improve your sense of well-being. Consider scheduling regular social activities or making time for phone or video calls with friends and family.
6. Take breaks and set boundaries: It's important to give yourself time to relax and recharge. Make sure to take breaks throughout the day and set boundaries around work and other obligations to reduce stress.
7. Seek professional help: If you're struggling with stress and other mental health issues, don't hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. They can provide you with the support and resources you need to manage stress and improve your overall well-being.
8. Create your own daily ritual: Creating daily, healthy rituals – like having a quiet moment with a cup of matcha – will allow you to recharge and refocus to take on the challenges of the day.
So What is the Final Verdict on Matcha for Stress?
In conclusion, matcha is a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving mental well-being. Its high levels of L-theanine and antioxidants, as well as its ability to improve focus and concentration, make it a great choice for those looking to reduce stress and improve overall mental health. When combined with other ways to manage stress and by forming good mechanisms to cope with stress, it may help contribute to an overall sense of well-being.
So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed, try brewing a cup of matcha to help you relax and recharge. Take the stress out of your daily matcha routine with the Bonsai Cha Matcha Maker.