Okay, okay. I know I talk about matcha a lot! But it’s only because I’m on a mission to get every person with PCOS drinking a daily dose of matcha. Besides the implementation of my favorite PCOS supplement, NAC, there’s nothing I’ve added to my PCOS lifestyle that has helped more.
I’ve been consistently having a matcha latte every morning for the last year (this is my favorite brand). Previous to that, I’d have them here and there, but never really enjoyed that flavor and didn’t see much point in incorporating something I didn’t enjoy. But then I heard some of my peers talking about the benefits of matcha, how much they loved it, and how the flavor (a natural bitter) became sweet and nutty over time as their taste buds developed.
What really got me curious about matcha was the purported health benefits, especially the cancer-preventative EGCG. As a cancer survivor, I am always looking for ways to decrease my oxidative stress and boost my prevention plan, and I felt like I needed to give matcha the benefit of the doubt.
In fact, there are a lot of health benefits for PCOS with matcha, as I’ve discovered through my research since falling in love with it. It’s now such a part of my routine, and something I discuss so frequently that I joke it’s now my whole personality!
Here are some of matcha’s benefits for PCOS:
Slow releasing caffeine is easier on stress hormones
Let’s face it, almost all of us drink some caffeine and despite warnings to the contrary, a small to moderate amount of caffeine can be just fine for PCOS, even when overactive adrenals are at play. That said, not all caffeine is created equal. Though coffee does have some health benefits, I’m not a fan of the way the caffeine in coffee hits you so quick, it’s stressful on the body and can lead to crashes later (and the need for another cup). Matcha, on the other hand, hits your system slowly. It has a natural slow release that gives you steady energy for much longer without crashes.
Coffee is also very caffeinated, about 300mg per cup compared to the approximate 70-140 mg you’d get in an average matcha latte.
Green tea is what’s called a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. This means that it helps block the conversion from testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the most potent form of testosterone in the body and is the real culprit behind PCOS facial hair and hair loss. The conversion happens via an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase which green tea helps to block. I’ve noticed marked improvements in my PCOS facial hair since regularly drinking matcha and so have many of my clients.
This one seemed too good to be true but I actually have noticed this myself. On mornings I drink a matcha, I’m sometimes not even hungry for breakfast. I’ve gotten to the point that I make matcha my breakfast by incorporating protein with it and it’s all I need! I’ll show you the recipe below.
Matcha has an appetite supressing effect that can be super helpful when you are trying to stick to any kind of nutrition plan.
Matcha contains ample antioxidants. It’s one of the best sources, in fact, and much better than traditional green tea. All those antioxidants help with hormone metabolism by supporting our liver’s detoxification pathway.
Matcha also contains lots of polyphenols, plant components that feed good gut bacteria. Did you know that about 80% of our immune health is dependent on the health of our gut bacteria, called our microbiome? Here’s an article I wrote about that.
Matcha contains a component called l-theanine that helps us produce a neurotransmitter called GABA. GABA is your body’s natural anti-anxiety neurotransmitter and those with PCOS are often deficient in it. A daily dose of l-theanine may help you feel calmer and more balanced which could also help your adrenal function.
Matcha reduces the amount of sebum we produce which helps to cut down on acne. It also really does give the skin a pretty glow (all those antioxidants!) and I’ve heard that from many people. I can attest that with my aging skin, it’s made a world of difference.
The biggest question I’m asked whenever I share about matcha is how can we make it taste good? So many have tried it and found it too bitter, grassy, or just plain gross. Honestly, I get it because I used to have that experience but I promise if you give it a chance, you’ll likely end up loving it! Here are my best tips:
Here’s how I make mine daily.
You’ll need:
In a matcha mixing bowl or mug, mix matcha, collagen, and just enough hot water to dissolve them (usually an ounce or two)
Using a bamboo whisk, froth the matcha. (Here’s a matcha tool set that helps a lot- the bamboo whisk cuts down on bitterness too! A barista taught me that!)
In your drinking glass, fill halfway with ice and fill with non dairy milk, leaving room at the top for your matcha mix. Pour on top and enjoy!