What is matcha and why is it so popular?

Matcha isn’t just a trendy drink you see on Instagram, it’s a nutrient-dense green tea powder from Japan. Unlike traditional green tea, matcha is made by finely grinding the whole leaves of the shade-grown Camellia sinensis plant. This process preserves its vibrant green color and maximizes the nutrients you get from every bite.

When choosing matcha powder, look for ceremonial grade matcha powder for the highest quality. It is also important to check if the product has been tested for heavy metals as this ensures safety and purity. While matcha traditionally comes from Japan, areas like Uji are known for producing some of the best varieties. Did you know that matcha is an ingredient in HUM Daily Cleansing Supplement? We analyze its nutritional benefits in detail below. Now that you know the origins of matcha and how to choose the best matcha for you, let’s dive into all the benefits of matcha!

Benefits of matcha: rich in nutrients

Matcha is becoming more and more popular not only because of its unique flavor; It’s also a nutritional powerhouse. One of the benefits of matcha and its main advantage over coffee is that it contains less caffeine (about 1/3 – 1/2 of coffee, depending on the type and amount of matcha), providing a mild energy boost without the caffeine. Tension will arise. This makes it perfect for those who want to reduce their caffeine intake while maintaining energy throughout the day.

But the real magic of matcha lies in its nutritional content. Matcha is rich in antioxidants such as catechins (especially EGCG), which protect the body from free radicals and support overall skin health and skin radiance. Matcha also contains polyphenols, which may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin’s hydration and elasticity/firmness.

Nutrients in Matcha to Support Skin Health

When it comes to skin health, matcha stands out for its ability to nourish from within.

Here are the key nutrients in matcha and how they benefit your skin:

Antioxidants: Matcha is one of the richest sources of antioxidants, specifically EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which may help neutralize free radicals that cause skin aging and inflammation. This protective effect results in a more youthful, radiant complexion.
Chlorophyll: Matcha’s bright green color comes from chlorophyll, which helps clean skin by helping the body naturally detoxify by removing impurities.
Vitamin C: The vitamin C in matcha is known for promoting collagen production, helping to maintain skin elasticity, making your skin firmer and younger.
L-theanine: This amino acid promotes relaxation and stress reduction, which may indirectly benefit your skin. Since stress is a common trigger of skin problems, L-theanine’s calming effects can support happy and healthy skin.

How to incorporate matcha into your daily life

Getting all the benefits of matcha doesn’t have to be complicated or taste “too healthy.” While I will say that matcha wasn’t my favorite flavor initially, I now crave it every day. The key is to add a little sweetness or pair it with something sweeter. There are many easy and delicious ways to add it to your daily life:

1. Matcha Latte (hot or iced)

Start your morning off right, or pick me up in the afternoon with a hot matcha latte or iced matcha latte. Simply stir ceremonial-grade matcha with water and add the milk of your choice. Add a little honey, maple syrup, vanilla, and a dash of cinnamon to get the flavor you start craving.

2. Add matcha to smoothies

Add matcha to your smoothies for extra nutrition. Its earthy flavor pairs perfectly with blueberries, almond butter, and vanilla protein powder.

3. Mix into overnight oats

Want a quick, nutritious breakfast? Stir matcha into overnight oats along with chia seeds and a little maple syrup. Erewhon actually has an overnight oatmeal chia pudding that is delicious and something I treated myself to this morning.

4. Baking with matcha

Matcha can be used in more than just drinks, it can also be used in baked goods! Add it to muffins, cookies, or energy balls for a delicious treat that provides long-lasting energy. I love matcha with blueberries or raspberry muffins and some white chocolate.

5. AS A COMPLEMENT: HUM DAILY CLEAN

If you’re looking for a convenient way to incorporate matcha into your skin care routine, try HUM’s Daily Cleanser. Not only does it contain matcha, but it also contains other skin-loving nutrients like chlorella and spirulina, which aid in detoxification and help remove impurities from the skin.

Matcha benefits for skin and beyond

Incorporating matcha into your diet can provide a range of benefits, especially when it comes to skin health. Matcha is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids that help prevent skin damage, reduce inflammation, and promote collagen production, making it a must-have for any beauty routine.

Whether you enjoy a matcha latte or add it to your favorite recipes, you’ll be giving your skin the support it needs to glow from the inside out. If you’re looking for an easier way to tap into the power of matcha, consider using HUM’s Daily Cleanser to take advantage of matcha’s skin-cleansing benefits along with other powerful nutrients.