Matcha green tea is in trend these days. More and more restaurants, including Starbucks, have started providing exotic drinks packed with these miraculous Japanese green tea leaves.
In fact, most Americans prefer to consume this Japanese delicacy in a somewhat non-traditional way (by adding milk to it, for example). However, it is said that matcha and milk do not mix.
Subsequently, you would question why? And we will tell you the answer.
Bonus: Although adding milk to green tea decreases its benefits, but not all benefits are eliminated.
Let's know what happens when you add milk to the matcha.
Effect Of Adding Milk Into Matcha Green Tea
One of the main health benefits of consuming green tea is the content of a compound called catechin.
Catechins are plant-based compounds present in matcha green tea and have high amounts of antioxidants and can help reduce free radicals in the body, prevent cell damage, and also have anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular and metabolic benefits.
But when you add milk into the matcha, the protein found in milk (also called caseins) reacts with catechin and reduces its health benefits. Matcha and milk combined have way less effect on relaxing blood vessels as compared to when it's consumed with water.
Best Way to Have Matcha Green Tea
The best way to get the maximum health benefits of matcha is by having it with water. Simply add two bamboo scoops of sifted matcha into water (no hotter than 80 degrees). Whisk or shake for a while and enjoy your matcha green tea.
What To Do If You Want A Creamier Matcha?
For Americans who are partial to creamy Matcha Lattes, one of the things you can do is swap out the dairy milk for plant-based milk. Some of the most preferred plant-based milk are macadamia, oat, soy, and almond.
One thing to always keep in mind, even if you are drinking a matcha latte, is picking a bright green and good quality matcha latte powder. Often the matcha latte drinks at restaurants are too milky and sweet for a person even to detect the poor quality matcha that has been used in them.
Even the latte should look bright green and have that smooth vegetal signature taste that defines a high-quality Matcha. Make sure it never tastes too milky or smooth so that green goodness is lost.
Best Time to Drink Matcha Green Tea
You know drinking matcha is extremely beneficial to your health, at the same time, you should also know the best time to consume it.
Here are the 4 best times to consume Matcha green tea:
- Morning: Right after you get up or before you leave for work.
- Before Working Out: 15- 20 minutes before you hit the gym.
- After a Meal: Preferably after lunch or dinner.
- At late nights: A good cup of matcha provides more energy than late-night caffeine.
Conclusion
While adding milk to matcha ain't that harmful, but if you really want to derive the best benefits of matcha green tea, our advice for you is to stick to drinking it with water. But in either case, make sure you only get the highest-quality matcha for you.
If you don't know where to buy high-quality matcha latte powder for your home smoothies, reach out to Aki Matcha to get the premium quality organic matcha in the USA.