Dubai is perfect if you love to get active and stay healthy. For starters, you’ve got your pick of world-class fitness centers offering a wide range of programs. Then, there’s the diversity in outdoor activities. On any given weekend, you could go skydiving or dune bashing and get on your bike or go kayaking. You need a lot of energy to enjoy these activities consistently.
Energy drinks are the usual go-to of athletes, fitness buffs and sports enthusiasts. But how about matcha? Can it give you that healthy dose of energy you need?
What’s Matcha?
If you haven’t caught onto it yet, matcha in Dubai has been getting a lot of attention. It seems like everywhere you look, you’ll see matcha latte, matcha ice cream, matcha smoothies, and matcha mocktail, among others. The popularity of matcha continues to soar with social media images of it proliferating, showcasing its versatility.
It helps that matcha is pretty tasty, especially when combined with the right ingredients. But matcha is more than just a good beverage, hot or cold. It also amplifies the health benefits of regular tea.
Matcha is a concentrated form of Japanese green tea. The green tea leaves, which already contain antioxidants, are ground into powder, producing more health benefits than its leaf form.
It packs more power because of how it’s grown: tea bushes for matcha are shielded from the sun 20 to 30 days before harvest. This process intensifies chlorophyll production, increasing matcha’s amino acid content and leaving it with a darker shade of green.
Matcha’s health benefits include the following:
- It reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- It reduces inflammation, promoting cell repair.
- It increases total calories burned, helping you lose excess weight
- It improves skin health when used topically for skin regeneration, wound healing and treatment of conditions like rosacea and psoriasis.
- It supports dental health, delaying bacterial growth that leads to cavities and plaque
- It protects cells, potentially preventing certain types of cancers due to its high epigallocatechin-3-gallate levels, which is a potent catechin with anti-cancer properties
But where does the energy boost come in?
How does matcha tea increase and sustain your energy?
A Little Thing Called “L-Theanine”
Matcha’s ability to boost and sustain energy comes down to its L-theanine content. L-theanine is an amino acid found in the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant from which matcha is derived. L-theanine works in conjunction with caffeine, another natural component of matcha, to provide a unique, balanced source of energy.
Unlike the jittery burst of energy often associated with coffee, matcha provides a more gradual and sustained energy boost. This is because L-theanine moderates the absorption of caffeine, leading to a slower, more even release into the bloodstream. As a result, matcha drinkers experience a steady increase in energy levels without the typical spikes and crashes.
Moreover, L-theanine promotes relaxation and mental clarity by intensifying alpha wave production in the brain. These alpha waves are associated with relaxed alertness, making it easier to stay focused and attentive. This means matcha doesn’t just energize your body; it also enhances your mental performance, improving your overall sense of well-being.
If you’re working on a big pitch for a major client, preparing for a crucial test, or you’re scheduled for a job interview, sipping a cup of matcha latte may help you stay in the zone.
L-theanine and caffeine together form a perfect synergy: while caffeine stimulates, L-theanine calms, creating a state of alert relaxation that sustains your energy and focus and allows you to power through your day. This combination makes matcha the perfect beverage when you need to keep high levels of productivity without the downsides of other stimulants.
How Safe Is Matcha?
Can you drink matcha tea all day every day since it has all these health benefits? Like everything else we consume, nothing good can come from excess. Although matcha has proven health benefits, it is always safer to drink it in moderation.
The concentrated green tea does still contain caffeine, so if you drink more than two cups, you may experience side effects of too much caffeine:
- Upset stomach
- AnxiousnessÂ
- Nausea
You should also get your matcha from a reliable source to ensure you’re getting only the best quality.
Power Up with Matcha
Active lifestyles demand a steady, reliable source of energy, and matcha is a perfect fit. Whether you’re hitting the gym, exploring the great outdoors, or simply needing to stay sharp at work, matcha provides a balanced energy boost that supports physical and mental performance.
Rich in antioxidants, packed with health benefits, and capable of sustaining energy without the usual crashes, matcha is a smart choice for those who want to be focused and energized throughout the day while being healthy.
So next time you’re looking for a drink that can keep up with your busy lifestyle, consider reaching for a cup of matcha. Not only will it help you stay on top of your game, but it will also contribute to your overall health and wellness.Â
Also Read: How to Properly Store Loose Leaf Tea to Maintain Freshness
