Both coffee and matcha score highly in introducing anti-oxidants to our diet. In fact, in America coffee is thought to be one of the major sources of anti-oxidants in the diet. On the ORAC scale, coffee has 150-170 units per 1g whereas matcha has a whopping 1300,1600 units per 1g. In particular matcha contains catechins, such as the epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been linked to many health benefits. Detoxification

As a nutritional therapist people come through my door every day with serious coffee habits, it generally is a well guarded ‘guilty pleasure’ or “I just NEED my morning cup of coffee".In a clean, glass bowl, whisk the egg whites with an electric whisk for 1-2 mins until all the white is fluffy and silky. Very slowly, add the sugar, a spoonful at a time, with the whisk on its slowest setting. Whisk for 3-4 mins until the mixture is stiff and flossy and forms ridged peaks without slipping in the bowl. Whisk in the matcha powder for 30 seconds only. Neal Gruer is a photographer and writer, currently based in Glasgow. Formerly a lawyer in London, he is now a full-time creative; appearing on Sky Arts' "Master of Photography" television competition in May 2016, writing freelance about films, and penning his first novel. A travel enthusiast, he first came across matcha tea on a trip that took in several parts of the far East. Particularly after experiencing its delicious versatility it in sweets and ice creams, he became a big fan, so is delighted to be part of Taiki Tea. He is also an excellent whisker, so is the person to ask if you want a nice bowl of bubbly matcha. To see examples of Neal's photographic and written work visit www.momentousecho.com and www.godontgo.com.​

grams or ½ teaspoon, which is what I use in my lattes has 68mg of caffeine, almost the same as a single shot of espresso 64mg. From this info alone you would have thought that they would have similar effects on energy levels. However, Matcha contains another component that coffee does not, called L-Theanine. L-Theanine is an amino acid or protein molecule that has a calming effect on the body, with the effect that the caffeine gives a sustained energy boost for 6-8 hours. On the other hand, coffee can raise adrenaline, cortisol and insulin levels, which in turn create jitter, nervousness. Matcha's L-Theanine promotes the GABA neurotransmitter pathway that can enhance mood, improve memory, and promote better concentration.

Anti-oxidants

Place half of the raspberries and the honey in a food processor, then blend to a purée. Roughly break up the meringues with your hands or with the end of a rolling pin. Arrange half of the meringues between four serving glasses and top with half the raspberries, yoghurt and raspberry purée. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients and serve immediately. Saying this, before Taiki Tea was born, a lot of research went into the matcha we source and the matcha accessories we decided to offer. We had a mission of becoming an authentic Japanese matcha brand, we wanted to be knowledgeable about what we do, and in turn, pass that knowledge on so everyone on the matcha train can get the best experience they seek. Our first question is ‘why should I use a matcha bowl’, well before we answer that question, let us refer you to the top of this post. You should drink matcha however you want to and out of whatever vessel you wish to choose. But for blog and time purposes, we will move on to the question at hand We source from the best organic matcha tea farmers in the beautiful region of Uji, Japan. Growing matcha without chemical fertilisers is slow going, so these guys and gals are dedicated Zen warriors on a mission to grow only the best. Preheat the oven to 140°C/120°C fan/gas mark 1 and line two large flat baking trays with baking paper.

Melissa brings several years of experience in retail management, product development and purchasing to Taiki Tea. Her previous roles include being a key member of the buying team at Boots.

Caffeine and Energy

I am a huge fan of matcha and confirmed convert, both from a health and taste perspective and I can’t wait for it to become more readily available.

Natasha is a keen yogi and foodie. Taiki Tea was borne from a love of coffee which Natasha quit in 2015. Natasha missed her coffee ritual and found that the available alternatives didn't quite hit the spot of her beloved Flat White. Then she found matcha and so began an amazing journey and Taiki Tea. Natasha is not only sourcing organic Matcha tea, but she is also collaborating with ceramic artists local to her home in East London to realise her vision of taking the traditional ceremonial elements of matcha tea, whilst adding more than a smidge of East London's distinctive vibe and energy.

These catechins have been shown to work by supporting the liver. Increasing the liver's production of the mother of anti-oxidants glutathione, this, in turn, reduces cholesterol production and protects the liver cells themselves. On the flip side there is research that has shown that coffee can be toxic due to a mold that is present creating a by-product called Ochratoxin A. Fat burning Add 100g of roasted hazelnuts, 150g of dates, 1 large heaped tablespoon of cocoa and 1 large heaped tablespoon of coconut oil to a blender. Anti-oxidants are molecules that protect us against damage to our cells, which means protection against disease on larger long-term scale. A varied high anti-oxidant diet reduces risk against everything from cancer, to heart disease, to Alzheimer’s. On a more immediate basis, it supports liver detoxification that keeps everything in tune, from your hormones to healthy skin and prevents oxidative stress which can lead to injury and illness.