Matcha Tea: Health Benefits

Matcha tea is a fine powdered form of green tea leaves.  Matcha is prepared by whisking the powder into a bowl filled with hot water.  Unlike green tea where the leaves or tea bag is steeped into water, the powdered green tea leaves which is matcha is mixed directly into the water.  This process gives matcha tea the increased concentration of benefits since when you consume matcha tea you are essentially consuming the green tea leaf. 

Matcha tea shares all of the benefits of commonly brewed green tea.  The difference in matcha tea is that all these benefits are magnified by astounding numbers.  Drinking matcha tea before exercise has shown to increase fat oxidation by over 25%.  Matcha is promoted as a safe no side effect fat loss supplement.  A serving of matcha typically contains 40mg of caffeine yet provides a remarkably long lasting, clean, crash free source of energy.  Many matcha drinkers enjoy energy that lasts up to 6 hours.  Similar to green tea, Matcha contains L-theanine but at much higher doses.  L-theanine is responsible for providing a calm and focused mood.  EGCG has also been confirmed to be over 100 times stronger in matcha tea than in regular green tea.  EGCG is a potent cancer fighting antioxidant.

Product Review: Alpha GPC by Nexus

I received Nexus's Alpha GPC powder, sold in bulk, from Amazon over a month ago and have been waiting to write a review on it.  I have been waiting since I have read that with Alpha GPC immediate results do not always ensue since it takes time for some of the substances to build up. 

A little information on Alpha GPC.  Alpha GPC or Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline, is a phospholipid found naturally in the body.  It is water soluble and a source of choline.  It crosses the blood brain barrier and is considered to be a neurotransmitter which helps transmission between neurons.  Purported benefits include: enhanced focus, enhanced memory, possible benefit to human growth hormone, relaxation, and enhanced mood. 

Upon using this product I noticed effects within the first week.  In addition to this Alpha GPC I was and currently am taking Lion's Mane and fish oil.  Lion's Mane supports new growth cells in the brain and fish oil I mainly take for my joints but it also stacks well with Alpha GPC and Lion's Mane.  So keep in mind that these effects I will describe may also be influenced by other supplements. 

The immediate effects I noticed within the first week were a quickness or a faster pace that my brain would process information.  I would get tasks done quicker and move onto the next task faster without skipping a beat.  This helped immensely at work where my tasks range from processing hard data to talking with customers.  I feel that Alpha GPC gave me a boost in energy and perspective in dealing with stressful and frustrating times at work.  It not only helped me get through but also changed frustrations into challenges I could overcome more positively.  In addition I found myself sleeping better, being able to get into a deeper relaxed state at night.  Overall I would recommend this product to just about anyone to try and see if they feel these benefits. 

Product Review: Vitamin Shoppe L-Theanine 100mg


L-Theanine is a non protein forming amino acid that supports mood, relieves stress and anxiety.  Taken by itself or with other relaxing supplements is the perfect combination for unwinding or clearing the mind.  Taken with caffeine its properties allow one to enjoy the boost from caffeine but without the jitters or crashes.  I have been supplementing with Vitamin Shoppe's brand for the past week and will try to reflect on my feelings while supplementing with it.

Review...  I first used this along with my Alpha GPC powder and Lion's Mane.  In addition I stacked with 1000 mg fish oil, 300 mg magnesium, and 100 mg zinc.  Within 30 minutes I felt the calming effects of the L-theanine.  I would describe it as relaxed, yet clear headed, no noticeable difference or delay in motor functions.  After the initial relaxed period I began to feel positive, relieved of any worries.  I had to work that day and I feel that L-theanine in combination with the other supplements allowed me to enjoy my interactions with co-workers and customers better.  After work, in the evening, I stacked this with 200 mg of caffeine before a set of dead lifts and presses.  Again, I felt relaxed except with a kick of focus and energy from the caffeine.  I feel like I performed better with this combination.

In conclusion, I definitely felt some effects from this supplement.  L-theanine is a unique supplement that is a great stack for energy with caffeine or relaxation with melatonin and magnesium.  I will definitely continue to take this supplement in combination with caffeine when I need a boost or even by itself to relax.  I recommend this product to be tried by anyone seeking its wide range of benefits.

UPDATE:  Check out this new L-theanine supplement from Vitamin Shoppe.  VItamin Shoppe's new Vitamelts line up is a great effective new supplement line which delivers great tasting, effective results.   Vitamin Shoppe's L-theanine Vitamelt is a great supplement to take alone to just relax or stack for your desired benefit.