You don’t need a reason to drink matcha because (if you get the good stuff) it’s delicious. But if you’re on your period and wondering how you can combat the fatigue, cramps, general body aches, and overall feeling of “why me?”, matcha is the way to go. It has some major health benefits...which is why every wellness warrior you know wants matcha on tap in their kitchen. Here are 5 reasons that you (and everyone else with a uterus) should be drinking matcha on your period.
1. It eases period cramps
When you’re on your period, prolactin causes your uterus contract so that it can shed the inner lining. Every time your uterus contracts, the surrounding blood vessels are cut off from oxygen causing you to cramp. Necessary? Sure. Fun? Not even a little bit. That’s where matcha, the magical powdered green tea enjoyed by practically everyone on Instagram, comes in. Matcha contains L-Theanine, an amino acid that helps to relax your muscles (and your blood vessels). When you’ve tried other period cramp remedies and need a little more boost, drink some matcha and feel your uterus relax.
2. Because we could all use a little more zen
If you’ve ever said to yourself, “babe, can you just chill out for like 2 seconds?” you are probably in need of a cup of matcha. Fluctuating testosterone levels during your menstrual cycle can leave you feeling stressed the eff out. Matcha to the rescue! The antioxidants boost your immune system, while the L-Theanine can relax your brain (just like it relaxes your muscles and blood vessels). Sip some matcha and say “ommmm”.
3. It’s a natural pain reliever
I told you that matcha can help ease period cramps, thanks to that magical little amino acid L-Theanine. It can also help your body feel less achy because it contains EGCG, a polyphenol (or antioxidant) that reduces inflammation. Oh, and it promotes weight loss. (Not that you need to lose weight. You’re perfect the way you are!) So when your body is all “Oh, you’re on your period? Let me torture you with random pains. And I’ll bloat you, just for good measure”, you can be like “Puh-lease. Siiiip.”
4. Matcha boosts your energy
While you may want to reach for (another) cup of coffee when your period had you up all night with insomnia and fatigued all day, think twice. Coffee is not only a diuretic—aka it’s dehydrating AF— but it can also raise your blood pressure. Oh, and don’t forget the inevitable sugar crash that comes with that vanilla latte. Opting for a matcha gives you all the benefits of coffee (because c’mon—we all need caffeine sometimes) and a healthy does of the amino acid L-Theanine. In other words, sustained energy that leaves you feeling focused, not fried.
5. Mood swings, bye
I’m not a fan of people blaming people’s moodiness on their periods. Even when I’m not bleeding out of my vagina I will be moody, thank you very much. But there’s no denying that fluctuating levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can make it hard to tell whether you should laugh about a period stain or cry over a puppy. While matcha probably won’t turn you into one of those way too cheerful girls in tampon commercials (they bleed blue liquid, apparently. That would make me happy, too.), it can increase dopamine and serotonin production. These happiness hormones can help you feel just a little less stabby.
Cramps? Matcha. Bad mood? Matcha. Can’t focus on that really boring meeting that you don’t care about anyways? Matcha. The health benefits are plenty and the flavor really can’t be beat. Whether you sip it in a latte or mix it into your guac (yes, that’s a thing), it’s time to get your matcha on.
