Thrive Boldly: Let’s Talk Matcha: A Love Story

I’m sitting at my favorite local coffee shop, eating a mango chamomile danish (hello, gorgeous) and sipping my beloved almond milk matcha latte. And as I take that first earthy sip, I think: Why is their matcha latte so, so, so much better than mine?

Naturally, I head to the counter because I’m on a need-to-know basis."Hey, quick question—why is your matcha latte 1000x better than mine?"

The barista tilts her head. "Are you whisking your matcha at home intensely, like really intensely? Like putting your whole body into it?"

Um… no. No, I am not.

"Matcha tends to clump. You’re probably drinking a matcha clump latte. All the good stuff is sinking to the bottom."

How many hundreds of dollars have I spent sipping the sad, watered-down top layer while the actual matcha sits in a slump untouched at the bottom of my cup? Ugh.

A Matcha Moment in Tokyo

On a recent trip to Tokyo, I attended a traditional matcha tea ceremony—one of the many reasons I adore Japan: the elegance, the serenity, the ritual, the zen. The tea master explained that tea rooms have tiny entrances (the door is about three feet high), ensuring that everyone enters the tea room with a bow—a sign of respect. Even samurai had to leave their swords outside.

"Everyone is equal in the tea room."  If that’s not a reason to love green tea, I don’t know what is.

But the best part? Learning that matcha isn't just a drink—it’s practically a superfood salad in a cup. Unlike regular green tea, where you steep the leaves and discard them, matcha uses the whole leaf, meaning you get 70% more of the health benefits.

Matcha and the Three Brains

Why should you care? Because matcha doesn’t just taste amazing—it feeds all three of your brains.

Head Brain (Cognition & Focus): Matcha is packed with L-theanine, which promotes calm, focused energy withoutthe crash of coffee. Perfect for deep work, creative projects, or just pretending to be productive.

Heart Brain (Emotions & Connection): Antioxidants in matcha (hello, EGCG!**) help reduce stress, balance mood, and support cardiovascular health. Basically, it’s a warm hug in a cup.

Gut Brain (Digestion & Intuition): Matcha is rich in chlorophyll, which supports gut health, detoxification, and digestion. Plus, it’s a natural prebiotic, feeding your microbiome—the real MVP of mood regulation.

Recipe #1: Perfectly Whisked Matcha Latte

(For those willing to commit to whisking like their life depends on it.)

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp high-quality matcha powder

• 2 oz hot water (not boiling, about 175°F / 80°C)

• 8 oz steamed almond, oat, or coconut milk

• ½ tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sift your matcha powder into a bowl to prevent clumps.

2. Add hot water and whisk vigorously in a W or M motion until frothy. (Channel your inner samurai.)

3. Pour into a cup, add steamed milk, and sweeten if desired.

4. Sip mindfully, preferably while contemplating life.

Recipe #2: No-Whisk Matcha Energy Balls

(For those who refuse to whisk like a Samari but still want the benefits.)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond flour

• 1 tbsp matcha powder

• ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut

• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp chia seeds

• 1 pinch sea salt

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.

2. Roll into bite-sized balls and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

3. Enjoy with a cup of green tea, or just pop one in your mouth whenever you need a zen moment.

Mantra Pairing:

"I am grounded, I am present, I am zen."

Repeat this while sipping your matcha (or munching your matcha ball). Because sometimes, we don’t need more energy, we need more presence.

Music Pairing:

"Ujigawa" by Kazuya Nagaya

Kazuya Nagaya’s music is deeply inspired by Japanese Zen and tea ceremony traditions. Ujigawa features delicate bells, gongs, and ethereal tones that evoke the tranquility of a Japanese tea house by a flowing river. It’s the perfect sonic backdrop for sipping your matcha and embracing stillness.

**EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) is a powerful plant compound found in green tea. It’s a type of catechin, a natural antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation, support brain function, and promote heart health.

EGCG is particularly interesting because:

• Head Brain: Supports cognitive function by reducing oxidative stress and potentially lowering the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

• Heart Brain: Helps improve blood circulation and supports cardiovascular health.

• Gut Brain: Aids digestion and may promote beneficial gut bacteria.