Step into any coffee shop, restaurant or wellness café and you’ll find a matcha latte on the menu. While the matcha craze ignited several years ago, matcha is steeped in rich tradition and history.
The origin of tea is intrinsically linked to China; however, matcha’s beginnings are within the introduction of Zen Buddhism to Japan. Myoan Eisai, who introduced this philosophy to Japan, embraced this whole leaf powdered form of green tea. Matcha played an integral role in the tea ceremony. During meditation, matcha was found to calm the mind while stimulating mental alertness and clarity. Eisai went on to write about the various benefits of matcha, which have been backed by research.
Many of matcha’s benefits are a result of the growing process. Matcha leaves are shaded from sunlight, thus increasing the chlorophyll and amino acid content. One particular amino acid, L-Theanine, functions to balance caffeine intake, creating a calm state without drowsiness. L-Theanine also stimulates brain activity, increasing focus and concentration. With these benefits alone, it’s no wonder many reach for a frothy matcha latte instead of a regular cup of joe. But the benefits don’t stop there. Research has shown that matcha contains the highest concentration of antioxidants, which are protective and anti-inflammatory. One antioxidant, catechin, has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol and blood pressure. Anecdotally, matcha drinkers stand behind the no-crash caffeine experience.
The Nectary firmly believes in creating products to replenish and revitalize your body through the powerful healing properties of plants and herbs. This belief coupled with evidence based research and our own love for matcha landed matcha on our hot tonic menu. We understand there’s no one size fits all so we’ve created several recipes.
Our matchas are all made with ceremonial grade matcha, steamed with homemade cashew mylk and lightly sweetened with your choice of coconut palm sugar or honey. Within these recipes, you will find additional superfoods and supportive healing herbs. A brief benefit description is listed below but stay tuned as our future blog posts will delve more into our superfoods!
The OG Matcha – Antioxidant rich blend; classic & simple with matcha, steamed mylk and lightly sweetened
Blissful Bee Matcha – Energizing and revitalizing matcha with added coconut budder, maca, mucuna
Maca – Energizing, mood boosting, hormone balancing
Mucuna – Contains L-dopa, the precursor to dopamine, fosters healthy digestive function and supports reproductive tissue for men and women
Amma Matcha – Balancing and nourishing matcha with added Mattole Valley Naturals yin essence, shatavari, maca, evening primrose oil, and vanilla & rose essence
Yin essence – organic blend of raw cacao, red maca, ashwagandha, shatavari, pollen powder, blue green algae, dong quai – promotes healthy hormone levels, supports the immune system and increases libido
Shatavari – Supports female hormone levels and male reproductive system, promotes healthy digestive function
Maca – Energizing, mood boosting, hormone balancing
Evening Primrose Oil – Source of essential fatty acids, supports skin health, aids in female reproductive health
Matcha Matcha Man – Balancing and vitality raising matcha with Mattole Valley Naturals yang essence
Yang Essence - organic blend of goji berries, mucuna pruriens, red maca, pine pollen, cordyceps, blue green algae
Mucuna - Contains L-dopa, the precursor to dopamine, fosters healthy digestive function and supports reproductive tissue for men and women
Red maca - Increases stamina, boosts libido, combats fatigue
Pine pollen - Promotes longevity, increases energy, supports endocrine system
Cordyceps - Tonifies the blood, boosts male and female libido
In Good Health,
The Nectary
With gratitude, we get by with a little help from our friends:
Photo Credits: https://www.drweil.com/diet-nutrition/nutrition/discover-matcha-tea/ and http://blog.matchazentea.com/2015/10/19/5-things-you-should-definitely-know-about-matcha-powder/
http://www.gotmatcha.com/a-brief-history-of-matcha/
https://www.zenmatchatea.com/the-history-of-matcha-tea/
https://livejapan.com/en/article-a0001056/
http://www.marukyu-koyamaen.co.jp/english/about/process01.html
www.sunpotion.com
www.mattolevalleynaturals.com
Disclaimer: The information presented in this blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The Nectary does not provide medical advice or treatment nor it is a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before consuming anything mentioned within these posts.