Is Matcha the New Source of Caffeine on College Campuses?

We all remember our college days or maybe more importantly those long college nights cramming for the next big exam.

For most of us, it was coffee that we turned to for our caffeine fix.

We all knew where every Dunkin Donuts was located and today I’m sure students know where every Starbucks is located.

For some it was Coca Cola or Mountain Dew, and even tea for others, but today there is a new source of caffeine that more and more college students are turning to…

Matcha

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a green tea powder that has been around for centuries and played a ceremonial roll in ancient China.

According to the Matcha Connection, “What makes matcha green tea powder special lies in the method in which it is cultivated. Weeks before green tea plants are set to harvest, growers cover the plants so that the remainder of the growth cycle takes place in the shade. By preventing the direct sunlight from reaching the tea leaves, the growth slows and an increase in the production of chlorophyll begins. This in turn gives the tea leaves a deep green color and increases the amount of amino acids found in the leaves. Only the youngest leaf buds are picked, then dried, and ground into a fine powder, retaining all of their nutrient goodness.”

Matcha isn’t really a tea, but more of an emulsion where the finely ground tea leaves are suspended in the water and consumed.

This results in a much higher antioxidant count and a buffering of the caffeine so that there is not a spike and crash cycle as there is with coffee and other caffeinated beverages.

Instead the caffeine affects the body more slowly and dissipates more slowly leaving the user with a heightened state of awareness and an intense focus, according to some students.

How to Prepare Matcha

Matcha is usually prepared by adding the powder to a bowl and then adding hot water. A bamboo whisk is then used to create an emulsion in which the powder is suspended in the water and a rich foam is formed on the surface.

However, college students are very resourceful and there are more and more ways of consuming matcha being discovered everyday.

Everything from matcha smoothies and matcha lattes to matcha cookies and matcha cakes.

Yea, what does that remind you of?

The same way that college students became creative with marijuana back in the 60’s and 70’s!

The Health Benefits of Matcha

One of the reasons that more and more students are turning to matcha is that it is really good for you!

Here are some of the health benefits.

• ​May prevent DNA damage in people with type 2 diabetes.
• ​​Improves the body’s ability to burn fat.
• ​​Enhances metabolism.
• ​Strengthens your immune system.
• ​​Promotes clearer, healthier skin.
• ​​Helps to detox your body.
• ​Increase in focus.
• ​​Enhances your mood.
• ​​Improves wellbeing.
• ​​Higher energy levels.

Click here for more information on the Health Benefits of Matcha

Conclusion

College students have always been on the cutting edge of new and crazy fads.

Time will only tell if Matcha is another one of those fads, or if it is a custom that here to stay.

Judging by the ancient Chinese rituals that were performed with Matcha and are still practiced today, I would say it is here to stay!