Blue matcha is the latest Insta craze it – but what is it and what are the benefits?
If you like matcha green tea then you’re in luck, its blue-coloured cousin is now all the rage.
Not only can you drink the indigo stuff, you can eat it with nuts, berries, chocolate and porridge – all of which have been shown off on Instagram with serious artsy vibes.
Sunday Brunch pundits also jumped on the bandwagon, downing some matcha shots on their breakfast show.
But does it have the same health benefits as matcha – made from the leaves of green tea – which is loaded in antioxidants?
The antioxidants in matcha green tea are said to boost metabolism and burn calories, hold anti-aging benefits, boost blood sugar regulation, reduce blood pressure, and protect against cancer and heart disease.
It is also well-liked for its energy boosting effect which is said to enhance mood and aid in concentration, due to the caffeine.
Despite the name, blue matcha is entirely different from the green matcha you’re used to. Blue matcha is made from entirely different leaves that don’t have the same effects as the popular Japanese stuff.
Blue matcha is made from butterfly pea powder which lacks the antioxidants and caffeine as green matcha.
Author of Low Fad Diet and dietitian Jo Travers told Metro UK: ‘Blue matcha isn’t actually anything like green matcha (apart from that it’s a powder and it’s confusingly called the same!) because it comes from a different plant, so the antioxidant profile is completely different.
‘There isn’t much research on the benefits of blue matcha unfortunately. Although blue matcha may contain some antioxidants and looks pretty on Instagram, I would stick to green matcha if it’s health benefits you are after.’
But it is said to have its own benefits, as outlined by tea seller Blue Chai, who say it improves overall cell health by preventing premature aging, cutting the risk of cancer and other diseases.
It also contains Proanthocyanidin which increases the collagen and elasticity in skin cells.
They also claimed there are lots of similarities between blue matcha tea and white/green tea in terms of health benefits. Blue teas are said to have the added benefit of improving eye health and hair strength.
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