It's matcha mania, even in the beauty world

The matcha tea is the coolest ingredient of the moment. Gwyneth Paltrow, Selena Gomez, Iris Law, Jacob Elordi, Kourtney Kardashian, and Justin Bieber stroll the streets of New York and Los Angeles clutching a takeaway cup filled with the green liquid as if it were the most indispensable of accessories. It's not just celebrities who love this Chinese beverage. On TikTok, the hashtags #matcha, #matchatea, and #matchalatte have billions of views. Suggestions on how to make the perfect cup of matcha or how to incorporate it into other recipes, from cakes to pancakes, are multiplying. Praised for its energetic and metabolism-boosting benefits, this ancient tea - whose origins date back to 8th century China - has become fashionable in the wellness sector, synonymous with health and balance. The secret of its success lies in its natural benefits, with some precautions.

What is matcha tea?

Matcha comes from the camellia sinensis, the same plant that green tea comes from. The difference lies in the particular cultivation technique: the leaves are covered so that sunlight reaches them only partially, thus increasing their nutrient content (including amino acids and antioxidants) and chlorophyll, which gives them the intense aroma, earthy taste, and classic bright green color. The leaves are then harvested, steamed, air-dried, and ground into a fine powder.

Matcha's properties

Matcha is a real panacea because it is rich in antioxidants (by weight, it contains 137 times more than green tea), excellent for strengthening the immune system; it offers a wide variety of vitamins (B1, B2, C, beta-carotene), minerals, and polyphenols, plant compounds that help reduce high blood pressure and the risk of heart disease, and, according to a recent study, activate dopamine D1 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors with beneficial effects against anxiety and stress. Furthermore, matcha contains a catechin called EGCG (which reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes) and L-theanine, an amino acid excellent for concentration. And we're not done yet. This tea has a high level of chlorophyll, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is ideal for detoxifying the liver and for those suffering from bad breath.

And the contraindications

Matcha tea certainly has many beneficial properties but, although it does not have particular contraindications, it may not be suitable for everyone due to the presence of caffeine (about 70 mg per cup compared to 140 mg in coffee) and other methylxanthines that could potentially be problematic in case of hypertension, tachycardia, and allergies. In any case, it is advisable to consume it in moderation. Consuming too much could affect mood, sleep, heart health, and concentration, just like drinking too much coffee.

It's important to choose it carefully

The quality of matcha tea depends on various factors, such as the cultivation region, location, altitude, proper shading, or type of grinding. While it's always better to choose organic, how do you recognize good matcha tea? The higher the quality, the brighter green color and the richer, fuller taste in the cup, and the less bitter it is. Lighter powder, for example, has a milder taste and is only suitable as an ingredient in cooking, while darker powder - derived from the grinding of older and more precious plants - is associated with a strong, distinct flavor, perfect for drinking as tea.

How to prepare matcha tea

The necessary equipment to prepare matcha includes a special set consisting of a large ceramic cup, the cha-sen, a kind of bamboo whisk (less experienced individuals also resort to an electric whisk), a sieve, and a small measuring spoon. Take a spoonful of powder and, to avoid lumps, sift it through the sieve into a bowl where there are two tablespoons of warm (but not boiling) water and mix it using the cha-sen until a foam forms, indicating that the mixture is ready to be consumed. For those who desire more creaminess, additional water can be added or, if they want to make matcha latte, incorporate hot milk (about 125 ml). For an extra taste, complete with a pinch of cinnamon, drops of maple syrup, or honey.

Even in the beauty world

Matcha tea is also considered a beauty elixir thanks to its high antioxidant properties. It seems that, if consumed regularly, it makes the complexion brighter and younger-looking. Furthermore, thanks to the presence of L-theanine, vitamin C, zinc, and its other anti-inflammatory properties, it is suitable for soothing and calming irritated skin. For this reason, there are more and more beauty products based on matcha. For example, in a shampoo, it calms and soothes the irritated scalp, strengthens and protects the hair, and helps to control dandruff. In a toner or face cream, it helps preserve the health of the skin barrier and also cleanses and soothes oily and sensitized skin by providing balance, calming breakouts, puffiness, and stress-induced damage.

How to create matcha latte makeup

The bright green of this beverage has also conquered makeup, inspiring a more spring-like version of the latte makeup trend. Matcha latte makeup focuses on shades of green ranging from pastel to medium to apply on the eyelids and even in the lower lash line. It is completed with mascara, even brown, soft eyebrows, and a touch of blush to sculpt the features of the face. The finishing touch is a gloss or pink lipstick. Green makeup isn't for you? You can always opt for matcha latte nails, which are suitable for everyone.