Tag:

Matcha

Restaurants give Diwali a matcha needed twist
Lifestyle

Restaurants give Diwali a matcha needed twist

by jummy84
written by jummy84

The matcha mania isn’t dying down anytime soon. Cafes and restaurants across cities are giving matcha an ethnic twist by introducing Diwali specials that include festive flavours.

Friends indulge in motichoor matcha

Adding sweetness to the festivities

Matcha teamed with kulfi is a blend of the nostalgia of malai kulfi – a caramelised sweetened milk flavour that’s balanced with the sharp flavour of matcha. Annie Bafna, founder of Noa by the Nutcracker says, “We wanted to add something with an Indian twist which would appeal to a larger audience and with the festive season coming up, what’s more nostalgic than a kulfi flavour! Matcha and kulfi come together to bring changing flavour sensations to the palette with each sip ranging from nostalgia to contemporary. Matcha’s popularity has been driven by social media and global lifestyle trends, with Gen Z leading charge. And as a result, we’re now seeing growing curiosity even among the 30–50-year-old audience who want to understand what the hype is all about.”

Diwali isn’t complete without the popular motichoor ladoos. Keeping that in mind, motichoor matcha pairs the mithai with matcha’s earthy bitterness to create something familiar yet unique! Meher Kohli, co founder of Tokyo Matcha Bar says, “Diwali is all about joy and indulgence and we wanted to capture that spirit with Indian sweets being integral to the celebration, we wanted to bring the festive sparkle to the cafe and our community by creating a matcha drink inspired by Indian mithai. We took the iconic motichoor ladoo and crafted a motichoor matcha to create a collaboration between Indian heritage and Japanese culture.The motichoor matcha is layered with a base of desi ghee motichoor ladoo, milk of choice, ice, topped with our delicious vegan cold foam & a motichoor ladoo on top. The mithai pairs beautifully with matcha’s earthy bitterness to create something familiar yet unique.”

The gulab jamun matcha turns the festive sweet into a drink you can’t stop sipping. “The drink’s got this harmonious balance of sweet, milky, floral notes of gulab jamun, which perfectly compliment the earthy notes of matcha. The gulab jamun hits you first and then the matcha cuts through with its earthy freshness,” says Ryan Soarwatefounder, Spill the Tea.

Fruits add festive flavours

For those looking for a feel-good indulgence, that celebrates wellness without missing out on flavour or festivity, Café Delhi Heights has come up with fruit matchas on their festive menu. Chef Ashish Singh, culinary director, says, “From a drink that pairs matcha with the richness of fresh mango puree, to blending it with coconut water the flavours evoke tropical, familiar notes of Indian celebrations. A blend of matcha and strawberry purée perfectly captures the spirit of Diwali. Much like the festival itself, it’s bright, joyful, and full of contrast where the earthy depth of matcha meets the sweetness and vibrance of strawberry. The drink’s lush pink-green hues mirror the colours of celebration, while its flavour profile balances calm and indulgence, a reflection of how we celebrate togetherness and lightness during the festive season. It’s our playful take on Diwali in a cup refreshing, cheerful, and delightfully unmatched.”

Nutty and aromatic notes

The festive Iced pistachio matcha lets nutty and aromatic notes shine through. “The aim is to blend innovation with nostalgia crafting experiences that feel celebratory, comforting, and truly reflective of Diwali’s spirit. – a celebration of flavour, nostalgia and togetherness. The drink blends timeless Indian traditions with modern cafe craftsmanship adding a touch of indulgence to every celebration,” says Rajat Luthra, CEO of Third Wave Coffee.

Fun festive options to try

Kesar Pista Matcha

Chikki Matcha Crunch

Dry Fruit & Honey Matcha

Mango Lassi Matcha

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Does matcha contain more caffeine than coffee? Doctor reveals truth about its benefits, caffeine content, and risks
Lifestyle

Does matcha contain more caffeine than coffee? Doctor reveals truth about its benefits, caffeine content, and risks

by jummy84
written by jummy84

In recent years, matcha has become a go-to beverage for those seeking a healthy alternative to coffee, praised for its antioxidants and calming, sustained energy. Yet as more people adopt it into their daily routine, many are asking key questions: How much caffeine does matcha actually contain? How does it compare to coffee? And which provides a better, steadier energy lift?

Does matcha contain more caffeine than coffee beans? Read more to find out!(Unsplash)

Also Read | AIIMS dermatologist rates popular drinks from matcha, bubble tea to soda for skin health: Guess which one tops the list

Dr Kunal Sood, an anesthesiologist and pain medicine expert, has revealed the truth about the caffeine concentration of matcha as compared to coffee, and how to enjoy it safely. In an Instagram video posted on October 7, the doctor highlights the nutritional benefits of matcha, explaining that its caffeine content varies depending on preparation. He also cautions about its tannin content, which can interfere with iron absorption, and offers tips to minimise this effect.

What is matcha?

Matcha has recently gained immense popularity among health enthusiasts for its soft pastel colour, earthy flavour, and steady energy boost. According to Dr Sood, “Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder, packed with antioxidants, amino acids, and natural compounds. It helps boost focus, supports heart health, and provides steady energy without the jitters that some people experience with coffee.” Unlike coffee, which often causes an abrupt spike and crash in energy, matcha provides a smoother, more sustained form of alertness.

Caffeine content: Matcha vs coffee

Dr Sood points out that, in terms of caffeine concentration, matcha contains more caffeine per gram than both regular green tea and even coffee beans. However, the actual caffeine concentration depends on serving size and preparation. The doctor explains, “A standard 2 ounce serving of matcha contains 38 to 88 milligrams of caffeine, while an 8 ounce cup of coffee has about 96 milligrams. While coffee has more caffeine per serving, matcha is more concentrated.” Therefore, if you were to consume an amount equivalent to a full cup of coffee, matcha could potentially deliver even more caffeine – however, the exact content depends on how much powder is used during preparation.

Also Read | Woman’s weekly matcha routine lands her in hospital: ‘I had increased fatigue, itchiness’

Potential risk

While matcha offers numerous health benefits, Dr Sood notes that it also contains tannins – compounds that can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb iron. He advises, “Drinking matcha right after an iron rich meal may lower iron absorption, so it’s best to wait at least an hour before having it.”

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Is Your Matcha Latte Making Your Hair Fall Out?
Fashion

Is Your Matcha Latte Making Your Hair Fall Out?

by jummy84
written by jummy84

  • Caffeine-related side effects such as anxiety, insomnia, and headaches
  • Stomach irritation or digestive issues
  • Potential lead contamination
  • Teeth strain
  • May interact with medications
  • Possible liver stress in very high doses

If you just love matcha too much to completely cut it off, Samantha Dieras, RN, DCN, director of ambulatory nutrition services at Mount Sinai Hospital, says you don’t have to take such a drastic route. “If you enjoy it, [it] provides the benefits of drinking green tea,” Dieras says. Instead, she recommends being more thoughtful about the timing of when you consume it and what foods you can pair with it to offset the possible negative downsides. For example, you can drink your matcha about one to two hours before consuming iron-rich foods or make sure to add some vitamin C food with your iron-rich meals to increase absorption, she says. Also, be careful with the sweeteners and milk you add to your matcha, as they might contain unnecessary added sugars and other ingredients that are considered unhealthy.

As for the amount you’re consuming, Dr. Viola says a safe limit would be about 2 to 3 grams a day (which is the equivalent of 2 to 3 cups). Because matcha is more concentrated than regular tea, she tells patients that drinking 4 to 5 grams a day regularly is too much. Your body will alert you when it’s reached its limit with matcha. She says that if you’re experiencing insomnia, jitteriness, headaches, acid reflux, and other downsides, you may want to rethink that matcha latte. And if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have caffeine sensitivity, take certain medications, have an iron deficiency, or liver issues, it’s best to avoid daily matcha drinking. Other than that, you should be okay.

“Overall, if you’re healthy and moderate your intake, matcha can absolutely be part of a daily wellness routine,” she says. “Just be mindful of your body’s signals and iron status.”

What can you do about the shedding?

Dr. King says that hair loss is a complicated subject that can have many different causes. The most common causes, she says, are usually genetics, stress, and hormones. While diet can also be a factor, she says other deficiencies such as vitamin B, zinc, and vitamin D deficiency, as well as insufficient protein intake, can lead to hair loss. Your best bet as always is to ask a dermatologist or your doctor for answers. “It’s reasonable to cut back if you are drinking large amounts of matcha, but in most cases, hair loss is not caused by a single dietary factor,” she adds. “See your doctor for a thorough assessment.”

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Can Matcha Really Cause Hair Loss? Experts Explain
Fashion

Can Matcha Really Cause Hair Loss? Experts Explain

by jummy84
written by jummy84

It’s not as straightforward as matcha directly causing hair loss, says Jessica Shand, a naturopathic nutritionist. It could actually come down to how — and when — you’re drinking it, as well as your overall diet, iron levels, and the quantity of matcha you consume. “Matcha contains tannins,” Shand explains, “which are natural compounds that can inhibit the absorption of non-heme iron (the type found in plant-based foods) when consumed in large amounts (more than two to three cups) or too close to meals.” If you’re already low on iron (many of us are: iron deficiency is said to affect around one billion people globally), it can quietly become an issue, especially for women of reproductive age. Over time, Shand says, poorly timed or excessive consumption of matcha could lead to suboptimal iron levels. It’s this which can actually impact hair health.  

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail