Latest news with #Superfood
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The Benefits of Matcha—a Green Tea That Does More Than Just Wake You Up
Key Points Matcha isn't just trendy—it's a powerful, nutrient-rich tea that can help your heart, brain, and immune system. Matcha is healthier than regular green tea because it is made from the whole leaf, providing you with more antioxidants and nutrients. It may help lower the risk of heart disease, reduce inflammation, and even protect against certain types of cancer. Matcha gives you energy and focus without the jittery feeling, thanks to caffeine and calming no secret that matcha is having a major moment (we're looking at you, matcha lattes), but this Japanese green tea powder is far more than a passing fancy. Whether you're already a dedicated sipper or simply matcha-curious, the health benefits of matcha provide plenty of inspiration for further exploration. Ahead, we connect with nutrition experts to learn more about this superfood's healthful properties and how to reap the most Our Expert Tracy Gensler, MS, RD at Pollock Communications Jamie Mok, MS, RDN, RYT, and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and DieteticsRelated: The Benefits of Green Tea, One of the Healthiest Things You Can Drink—According to Dietitians What Is Matcha? Matcha is a super-fine, bright green tea powder that's used to make drinks and culinary creations. It's derived from a Japanese green-leaf tea called tencha—a product of the Camellia sinensis plant that's shade-grown in the southern regions of Japan, then steamed, dried, and stone-milled. The shading of the leaves promotes the production of additional chlorophyll, hence its brilliant hue. The Benefits of Matcha Green tea tastes earthy, grassy, and fresh, since it undergoes minimal oxidation, and it's also considered incredibly healthy. "Extensive research supports the benefits of green tea, an excellent source of bioactive compounds, which help improve blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar, helping reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes as well as improvements in cognitive function," says Tracy Gensler, MS, RD at Pollock Communications. Research also suggests green tea may enhance brain function and mood, adds Jamie Mok, MS, RDN, RYT, and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Matcha does green tea one better. Since the green tea powder is made from the whole tea leaf, then dissolved in water, it's more potent than green tea, which is brewed by infusing the leaves, then throwing them away. Matcha has a higher concentration of compounds, including antioxidants and L-theanine, and offers greater anti-inflammatory and brain-boosting benefits than regular green tea. Packed With Antioxidants Matcha's concentration of antioxidants includes polyphenols, largely catechins, which are plant flavonoids found in all teas from the Camellia sinensis plant. It's especially rich in the catechin EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). These antioxidants can potentially lower the risk of chronic diseases while supporting overall health. Anti-inflammatory: "EGCG is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that is abundant in green tea, especially matcha green tea, that protects cells from damage and reduces inflammation throughout the body," Mok says. Cardiovascular support: EGCG can help protect against the development of atherosclerosis by benefiting arterial cells and improving inflammatory pathways that trigger the disease, Gensler says. Its potential cardiovascular benefits include a reduced risk of heart-related events, stroke, and overall mortality, Mok says. Cancer defense: "It may also help fight cancer through inhibitory effects on the mitochondria of cancer cells and tumor suppression," Gensler too much EGCG through concentrated supplements (as opposed to tea) can have adverse side effects, including anxiety, abdominal issues, and in extreme cases, liver and Minerals Matcha contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, including C, A, K, B2, B3, and B6, as well as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus. Bolster nutritional profile: Though relatively nominal, the vitamins and minerals can help, especially when consumed regularly. Vitamin C, Mok points out, is a powerful antioxidant essential for immune support, collagen production, and iron absorption function. "Vitamin A is vital for vision, immune function, and skin health," she says. Caffeine and L-theanine Matcha is naturally caffeinated, containing about 20–44 milligrams of caffeine per gram. The caffeine quotient varies depending on factors such as the amount of powder used, the matcha's quality, and the brewing method. Caffeine comparison: Green tea contains 20–45 milligrams per 8-ounce serving, black tea contains 40–70 milligrams, a 1-ounce shot of espresso contains about 60–80 milligrams, and brewed coffee has 80-120 milligrams. Focus, cognitive function, immune boost: While matcha packs a substantial buzz, it also has the most L-theanine of all green teas, an amino acid also naturally found in black tea and mushrooms. This bioactive compound helps smooth out caffeine's stimulating effects, yielding a more soothing, focused kind of energy. "L-theanine is shown to offer cognitive protection and may directly affect the brain in areas related to attention and problem solving," Gensler says. "L-theanine may also help prime the immune system to help ward off infection and viruses." Caffeine Overload Matcha has multiple benefits—but you can have too much of a good thing. "Caffeine sensitivity and metabolism widely vary between individuals, so it's wise to avoid over-consuming caffeinated beverages like matcha green tea," Mok suggests. Sweet spot: According to the FDA, consuming about 400 milligrams of caffeine daily is generally not linked with dangerous effects for healthy adults. That figure includes all caffeine, like your morning macchiato, so tally your intake before pouring that second cup of matcha. Downside: Excessive caffeine intake can lead to nervousness, restlessness, and sleep disturbances, Mok points out. About Those Lattes Matcha on its own has about 3 to 6 calories per gram, but once you gussy up matcha beverages and matcha-enhanced foods with milk, sweeteners, and other ingredients, the calories quickly climb. Moderation, in other words, is key. "A little bit of cream and sugar can help people enjoy tea beverages and the many health benefits of tea," Gensler says. And the other extreme? "Excess, empty calories can contribute to weight gain, even if they are part of an otherwise healthy food or beverage," she says. Read the original article on Martha Stewart
Daily Mail
26-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
This $68 Elemis Bridal Kit contains FOUR bestselling skincare essentials worth over $80 - and it's selling out fast
Wedding season is here, and what better way to treat your bridesmaids before the big day than with Elemis's bestselling products? The brand's Bride Squad Kit packs the Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads, Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Eye Mask, Superfood Midnight Facial, and a white travel bag to hold it all. Plus, the full set would generally cost you $85, but Elemis is selling it for just $68 — a steal given the amount of products you get in this kit. One of my favorites from this set is the Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. The luxurious oil easily dissolves my makeup and leaves my skin feeling glowy and hydrated after a long day out. I never leave the house without carrying the balm in my handbag. The gel eye masks are great, too, and you'll get one pack with this kit. They're clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and deliver tighter, less puffy under-eye skin in just 20 minutes, according to the brand. You can combine this with the Superfood Midnight Facial, which is an overnight prebiotic cream to help enrich and replenish dry skin, giving it that moisture kick it so direly needs. Elemis also breaks down each step on their website in case you want to use all four products together and get a little spa night in with your friends or bridesmaids. All four products also have tons of skin-friendly ingredients, including hyaluronic acid for hydration, Camu Camu which is rich in Vitamin C, and Elemis' Patented Tri-Enzyme Technology, which breaks down dead cells and helps replenish your skin without breaking down the moisture barrier. All in all, this well-priced kit is the gift set you need, and at just $68, it really is a steal. Use it for your bridesmaids' care package this wedding season, or just buy a couple for your next adult sleepover with your girlfriends. Stocks are limited, so add to cart now before The Bride Squad Kit sells out!
Daily Mail
25-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Boost your energy with up to 40% off plant-based protein lattes that taste amazing: 'My energy and mental clarity are through the roof!'
That first caffeine hit can really make or break your morning. If you rely on it to get you going (let's be honest, who doesn't?), you need to have a look at Laird Superfood's Instant Lattes. These are so far beyond ordinary coffee that you will be hooked from the first sip. They're plant-based and packed with vital nutrients to make this daily necessity more of a healthy and beneficial addition to your day — and right now they're on sale, too. Laird Superfood Instant Latte Once you've tried an Instant Latte from Laird Superfood, you may never go back to regular coffee again! You can enjoy these adaptogen-packed instant beverages hot or cold, and they're available in a wide range of delicious varieties like mocha, matcha, vanilla, chai, and reduced sugar. Enter INSTANTADVENTURE at checkout to get 20 percent off a one-time order or 40 percent off a subscription. Be quick, as this offer is only available for a limited time! Save up to 40% Shop When you enter code INSTANTADVENTURE at checkout, you can snag 20 percent off a one-time order or a whopping 40 percent off a subscription. No matter which you choose, you can expect the Instant Latte to elevate your life significantly. This is no understatement, as the product is absolutely loaded with a cocktail of functional ingredients formulated to boost your energy levels while giving you more focus. Yes, that's what coffee can do — but Laird Superfood Instant Lattes are pretty extraordinary, and you only need to glance at the ingredient list to understand why. The Instant Lattes contain a blend of four functional mushroom extracts, all of which play vital roles in helping you stay sharper and clearer to power through your day Among them are lion's mane, which boosts cognition so you can get your day started on the right foot. You'll feel sharper and have more clarity, helping you power through anything like a rock star. The blend also has antioxidant-rich chaga, which protects your body from free radical damage that could otherwise dial up inflammation and leave your body in a state of perpetual stress. This does the opposite while boosting your immunity, too. Maitake mushroom, widely favored in Asia for its ability to improve immune health, is also included. Meanwhile, cordyceps give you greater endurance. You will feel the difference from day one, and the results will only get better as it becomes a part of your daily routine. Laird Superfood formulates its lattes with vegan ingredients like coconut milk powder, premium coffee, and the aforementioned adaptogens. That's good news for anyone who is lactose-intolerant, as there's no need to worry about tummy drama. The flavors are absolutely decadent, and the brand has quite a few to please every palate. There's a decadent vanilla, a mocha, and even maca, matcha, and chai. The brand even has tempting seasonal flavors. Going sugar-free? There's a version with reduced sugar (just two grams!). And if you're trying to increase your protein intake, you can sip on a delicious latte loaded with 10 grams. Thousands of shoppers have nothing but rave reviews for the Instant Latte, praising everything from the flavor to the texture. 'I love the taste,' declares one customer. 'It's the right thing to have in the morning! Wakes me and up and starts my morning off nice and cozy.' 'I found the vanilla latte and I love it!' shares another reviewer. 'Overall, my digestion is better, my inflammation has decreased dramatically, and my energy and mental clarity are through the roof.' Start your day off right with supercharged lattes that are carefully formulated and completely vegan, so even lactose-intolerant customers can enjoy them 'After two months of drinking the Instant Latte daily and adding an extra scoop of Laird's Superfood Creamer with adaptogens, I've noticed a huge difference. 'Unlike coffee, which used to leave me crashing after just four hours, this combo keeps my energy steady all day—even after work,' raves a third. If you're ready to upgrade your caffeine to something more sophisticated and beneficial, it's time to get acquainted with Laird Superfood Instant Latte. You'll wonder how you ever started your days without it!
