The One Drink This Cardiologist Turns To When He Needs A Pick-Me-Up

While practicing good sleep hygiene, so that I wake up feeling rested and alert, is a regular part of my health routine, it's not always consistent. There are still days when I need a little extra boost to carry me through that afternoon slump. So what is it that I'm reaching for as a pick-me-up? Hint: It's not coffee!

Matcha is a traditional Japanese beverage made from grinding the leaves of green tea. The highest quality matcha is ceremonial grade, made from the youngest green tea leaves, which are full of chlorophyll and give it a bright green tone. Instead of infusing the green tea leaves in water, drinking the powdered form increases the antioxidant intake of the beverage and provides five times more chlorophyll than green tea. 

While coffee may be most people's go-to in the midst of an afternoon slump, matcha also helps to increase alertness and brain function. With more caffeine than green tea but less than coffee (find mbg's breakdown of popular caffeinated beverages, here), matcha creates a unique relaxed-and-alert effect because it contains L-theanine, an amino acid. Research suggests L-theanine may help reduce anxiety and stress1 but also increases focus and attention. In the end, you have the alertness benefit of coffee without the downward energy crash. Win-win! 

Matcha is high in a class of antioxidants called catechins, one in particular called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which has been shown to help fight inflammation2. 

Studies have also demonstrated that green tea extract can reduce liver enzyme levels3 (a marker of liver damage) in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Therefore, matcha may help protect this essential organ so that it can function properly. 

As LDL or "bad" cholesterol increases, so does your risk of heart disease. Drinking green tea and matcha has been shown to keep your cholesterol levels in check and protect your heart4. 

Amid fleeting summer days, enjoy your matcha on ice with your favorite plant-based milk. It also makes a great addition to a green smoothie, a cool summer soup, or a morning muffin!