What is Matcha and what makes it Keto?
Matcha is a type of green tea powder that's made from real tea leaves. It's grown as a plant, where the green tea leaves are then ground down to give you matcha tea powder.
With that in mind, would a cup of your favorite matcha powdered green tea be considered keto-friendly? We know the suspense is killing you, and the answer to "is matcha keto?" is...yes! Matcha powder is 100% keto-friendly because it contains minimal carbs and is very healthy.
In fact, you could argue that matcha green tea is one of the best things to drink on a keto diet. You see, matcha powder contains a small dose of caffeine with lots of amino acids. This combination is brilliant for the human body as it provides you with a natural energy boost. Therefore, it can be used as a wonderful pre-workout supplement - which you can substitute for an energy drink. Why is this a good idea? Because energy drinks are not keto-friendly. They tend have a high carb count and a lot of artificial additives, so matcha tea powder gives you an alternative energy drink without all the carbs!
Moreover, matcha powder is a wonderfully flexible and versatile drink. It blends well and easily mixes with different things. Consequently, you can come up with a matcha latte recipe that's the perfect drink for a ketogenic diet.
Matcha Tea and Ketosis: How They Work Together
For individuals practicing the keto diet, achieving and maintaining a state of ketosis is crucial. Ketosis is the metabolic process where the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. Matcha tea can complement this process in several ways:
- Enhancing Fat Oxidation: The presence of catechins, especially EGCG, in matcha tea has been shown to enhance the body's ability to oxidize fat. This means that while you're consuming a higher fat diet, matcha can support your body's natural fat-burning mechanisms.
- Balancing Energy Levels: One challenge people face when transitioning to a keto diet is fluctuations in energy levels. Matcha tea contains a combination of caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness. This unique pairing provides sustained energy without the jitters or crashes often associated with other sources of caffeine, helping you maintain stable energy levels throughout the day.
- Appetite Control: Matcha tea can play a role in appetite regulation, which is particularly beneficial on a keto diet where portion control is essential. Some studies suggest that matcha may help reduce feelings of hunger and increase feelings of fullness, making it easier to adhere to your dietary goals.