Matcha On Keto: Yay Or Nay?

Matcha is a powdered form of green tea, which has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and is grown in specific conditions to boost its chlorophyll and amino acid content. With its moderate caffeine content and high antioxidant properties, matcha is a versatile ingredient used in everything from baked goods to beverages. But is it keto-friendly?

The keto, or ketogenic, diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that aims to put the body into a metabolic state known as ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. With its low carbohydrate content, matcha is a suitable beverage for those following a keto diet.

Matcha is keto-friendly

If you're on the keto diet, you're probably already aware that it's a low-carb, high-fat diet. This means that the body enters a metabolic state known as ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. To achieve and maintain ketosis, it's important to keep your carb intake low.

So, how does matcha fit into this? Matcha is a powdered form of green tea, and when you consume it, you're ingesting the entire leaf. This means that matcha has an ultra-concentrated dose of the nutrients found in green tea, including antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Importantly, it is also very low in carbohydrates. A typical serving of matcha contains only about 3 grams of net carbs, which is well within the keto diet's guidelines.

Not only is matcha keto-friendly, but it may also support your weight loss goals. Here's how:

• Boosts Metabolism: Matcha is rich in catechins, a type of antioxidant. These catechins boost metabolism and increase fat oxidation, leading to a higher calorie burn.
• Enhances Fat Oxidation: Ketosis makes the body efficient at burning fat, and matcha can enhance this process by increasing the rate of fat oxidation.
• Provides Clean Energy: Matcha contains caffeine, which provides an energy boost. Unlike other caffeinated beverages, matcha also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness. This unique combination results in sustained and focused energy without the jitters or crashes associated with coffee.

In addition to these benefits, matcha has also been linked to reduced appetite, which can be helpful when sticking to a calorie-restricted diet.

Now that you know matcha is keto-friendly, here are some ways to incorporate it into your keto diet:

• Matcha Latte: Mix matcha powder with hot water and unsweetened almond milk for a creamy, keto-friendly beverage.
• Smoothie Boost: Add a teaspoon of matcha to your keto smoothie for an extra dose of antioxidants.
• Matcha Fat Bombs: Get creative and incorporate matcha into homemade keto fat bombs for a delicious way to increase your healthy fat intake.
• Iced Matcha: On a hot day, blend matcha with ice and your favourite keto sweetener for a refreshing drink.

Remember, when choosing matcha powder, opt for single-origin, vibrant green, smoothly textured, and with a strong grassy and sweet smell. It should also be well packaged in an airtight, resealable container.

So, go ahead and enjoy a soothing cup of matcha as a valuable addition to your keto journey!

Classic matcha latte is not keto-friendly

A classic matcha latte is not keto-friendly. This is due to the milk and sugar content, which can prevent your body from reaching a state of ketosis. Milk contains lactose, a milk sugar that can keep you out of ketosis.

However, matcha itself is keto-friendly, with a low carb content and potential benefits for weight loss. It can complement a keto diet by boosting metabolism, enhancing fat oxidation, and providing clean energy.

If you want to enjoy a keto-friendly matcha latte, you can order one with no sugar added and request unsweetened almond milk. You can also make your own at home by substituting heavy cream and almond milk, or adding grass-fed butter or MCT oil.

When trying to make a keto-friendly matcha latte, it is important to consider the quality of the matcha powder. Look for matcha that is single-origin, has a vibrant colour, a smooth texture, and a strong smell. It should also be well packaged in an air-tight, resealable container.

Keto-friendly matcha recipes

Matcha is keto-friendly, and there are many keto-friendly recipes that use matcha. Here are some ideas for keto-friendly matcha recipes to get you started:

Iced Matcha Latte

This refreshing drink is a great alternative to iced coffee. To make it, you'll need unsweetened vanilla almond milk or coconut milk, matcha powder, and a keto-friendly sweetener such as vanilla stevia drops. Simply blend all the ingredients together and pour over ice.

Keto Matcha Latte with Almond Milk

This is a creamy and smooth hot drink made with matcha powder, lukewarm water, a keto-friendly sweetener, heavy cream or full-fat coconut cream, and unsweetened almond milk. First, whisk the matcha powder and lukewarm water until smooth, then add the remaining ingredients and warm them over medium heat. Serve in a coffee mug and top with frothed almond milk if desired.

Keto Matcha Smoothie

Matcha powder can be added to smoothies to give them a boost of flavour and nutrients. Try blending matcha with coconut milk or cream, a keto-friendly sweetener, and some ice cubes for a delicious and creamy smoothie.

Keto Matcha Baked Goods

Matcha powder can also be used in keto-friendly baked goods. Simply substitute regular flour with almond or coconut flour and add matcha powder to your favourite keto muffin, bread, or cookie recipe.

Matcha Iced Latte with Heavy Cream

For a more indulgent treat, try making a matcha iced latte with heavy cream. Combine matcha powder, a keto-friendly sweetener, and heavy cream, then blend until smooth. Pour over ice and enjoy.

Remember to adjust the sweetener and milk quantities to suit your taste preferences and always double-check the nutritional information to ensure the recipes fit your keto lifestyle.

Matcha boosts ketosis

Matcha is a keto-friendly drink that can boost ketosis and complement your weight loss journey. Here's how:

Boosts Metabolism

Matcha is rich in catechins, a type of antioxidant. One particular catechin called EGCG has been found to boost metabolism and increase fat oxidation, leading to a higher calorie burn. By incorporating matcha into your weight loss routine, you can enhance your body's ability to burn calories and promote the shedding of unwanted pounds.

Enhances Fat Oxidation

When in ketosis, the body becomes efficient at burning fat for fuel. Matcha complements this process by increasing the rate of fat oxidation, making it even better at using fat stores for energy.

Provides Clean Energy

Matcha contains caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine, which promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness. This unique combination results in a sustained and focused energy release without the jitters or crashes associated with coffee. This nootropic combination may also promote focus and enhance cognitive function.

Curbs Appetite

Another benefit of matcha is its link to reduced appetite, which can be helpful when trying to stick to your calorie or carb counting goals.

Low Carb Content

A typical serving of matcha contains only about 3 grams of net carbs, making it a keto-friendly choice. The fibre content in matcha is also a plus for keto dieters as it doesn't count towards net carb intake.

Matcha's health benefits

Matcha is a powder made from the green tea plant, Camellia sinensis. It has a unique nutrient profile and is grown and harvested differently from regular green tea. The growth and harvesting processes are designed to protect the plant's nutrients, making matcha a more powerful beverage than regular green tea. Here are some of its health benefits:

High in Antioxidants

Matcha is rich in catechins, a class of plant compounds that act as natural antioxidants. Antioxidants help stabilize harmful free radicals, which can damage cells and cause chronic diseases. Studies have shown that matcha supplements reduced damage caused by free radicals and enhanced antioxidant activity. Consuming matcha can increase your antioxidant intake, potentially lowering your risk of chronic diseases.

Liver Protection

Some studies suggest that matcha may help protect liver health. Research has indicated that drinking green tea is associated with a decreased risk of liver disease. Matcha may benefit individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by reducing liver enzymes. However, it is important to note that more research is needed, especially on the effects of matcha on the general population.

Boosts Brain Function

Matcha contains several components that can enhance brain function. Studies have shown that consuming matcha can lead to improvements in attention, reaction time, and memory. The higher concentration of caffeine in matcha, compared to green tea, promotes alertness. Additionally, matcha contains L-theanine, which alters the effects of caffeine and helps avoid the energy crash that can follow caffeine consumption.

Cancer Prevention

The compounds in matcha, such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), have been linked to cancer prevention in test tubes and animal studies. These compounds may have anti-cancer properties and could help prevent certain types of cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Heart Health

Drinking green tea has been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and studies suggest that matcha, due to its similar nutrient profile, may offer similar benefits. Catechins, an antioxidant in matcha, can help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

Weight Loss

Matcha, like green tea, is known to aid in weight loss. It can enhance metabolism and increase fat burning. Studies have shown that combining green tea extract with dietary measures and exercise can effectively reduce body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference as part of a weight management plan.

Frequently asked questions