For as long as I can remember, I have been a lowkey-highkey caffeine addict. Don't let them fool you, caffeine is most definitely a drug. And while some might argue that it is healthier to consume coffee versus beverages like energy drinks or sodas, there is a thin line between its pros and cons. Starting my day with coffee has become a bit of a ritual as much as it has become a necessity. Without it, the caffeine withdrawal would lead to a splitting headache, a decrease in energy, and that infamous midday slump. It hardly seemed worth it to switch my habit to something healthier. However, after doing some research, I decided to make the switch (at least part-time) to drinking matcha.
You've probably seen the aesthetically pleasing pics of the pale green beverage with ice cubes or cream art in your feed, but what exactly is matcha? In short, matcha is a fine powder ground from specialty green tea leaves. Because it is ground from the entire leaf, matcha has more caffeine and antioxidants than green tea. It's one of the reasons matcha has become so popular in recent years and can be found in everything from matcha tea to lattes to ice cream and more.
What's really beautiful about drinking matcha green tea versus coffee is the type of caffeine high it provides. When it comes to caffeine content, matcha has 50% less caffeine than coffee. But, due to the amazing nutrients that matcha contains, the body is able to absorb caffeine in matcha much more slowly. So instead of a buzz, it is a steady hum. Keep reading to discover more of the benefits of drinking matcha in your mornings.
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1. Matcha detoxifies the body.
If you are looking for a natural way to cleanse the body, drinking matcha might be where it is at. Drinking matcha can effectively and gently cleanse the body due to its being rich in chlorophyll compounds. Matcha has been shown to remove the body of toxins by supporting natural detoxification in the liver as well as the kidneys.
2. Drinking matcha has antioxidants galore.
Just like its less potent counterpart green tea, matcha is rich in antioxidants known as catechins. Catechins are a type of flavonoid that helps the body fight disease. Additionally, this results in reducing damage cells might incur from oxidation. The EGCG in matcha helps prevent brain disease and inflammation. It can also lower your cholesterol.
3. Matcha gives you more energy with less jitters.
As previously mentioned, one of the benefits of drinking matcha is it gives you more energy than other teas. The reason for this is, that a single cup of matcha has more caffiene than green tea. While you don't have the benefit of getting as much caffeine as you would from coffee, having a cup or two of matcha throughout your day is a great alternative to coffee if you are trying to cut back on how many cups of joe you drink in a day. The L-theanine matcha contains not only reduces stress, but it also makes you more alert. The "high" so to speak is cleaner than the one you experience from a cup of coffee.
4. Drinking matcha is a powerful source of nutrients and vitamins.
Another one of the benefits of drinking matcha is how nutrient-rich it is. In addition to the antioxidants, matcha is full of other nutrients as well. In addition to the previously mentioned chlorophyll, matcha is also rich in fiber, magnesium, vitamin C, zinc, and selenium.
5. Matcha helps with focus and concentration.
Drinking matcha also comes with the added benefit of helping you be more productive. Thanks to the caffeine, EGCG, and L-theanine matcha contains, it is believed that those three power players assist with focus. According to a 2017 study, participants noticed a marked difference in their ability to both process information and pay attention an hour after drinking matcha.
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When it comes to creating a healthy scalp routine, it helps to know exactly what you’re up against so you know how to specifically treat it. Two of the most common concerns are dandruff and dry scalp. It can be tough to decipher which is which, but here’s a quick breakdown: dry scalp is caused by a lack of moisture in the skin, while dandruff is caused by an excess of oil and yeast buildup on the scalp. Knowing that both of these are big concerns, SheaMoisture released two separate product lines to address both issues: the Scalp Moisture collection and the Anti-Dandruff collection.
Needless to say, if you tend to experience dandruff then I’d recommend you try the Anti-Dandruff collection. However, my biggest concern has always been dry scalp. A lack of moisture on the scalp can be caused by several factors like weather, age, and hair products to name a few. I’ve noticed that when I use certain gels or skip out on a deep scalp cleanse, my roots feel itchy and dry nonstop, which is uncomfortable.
The only way to relieve the discomfort is to properly wash and moisturize my roots, so I tried the Scalp Moisture collection and this is what I thought.
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First, What’s In The Collection?
The Scalp Moisture collection is a four-product line that includes a pre-wash masque, a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and a moisturizing scalp cream. Each product uses moisturizing and strengthening ingredients like aloe butter and vitamin B3 as active ingredients to provide eight times the moisture. Together, aloe butter and vitamin B3 work to restore dry and brittle hair, as well as add relief to the scalp.
Now, let’s break down each product…
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Scalp Moisture Pre-Wash Masque
The SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Pre-Wash Masque may actually be the all-star of the collection. Using this deep conditioning masque is one of the best ways to target your dry scalp, restore hydration, and nourish your strands before shampooing.
I started by completely saturating my hair and scalp with water, then making small sections to apply the masque directly to the root. For my girls who have experience with relaxers and perms, it helps to apply the masque to your roots just like you would do with a relaxer. This way you can make sure you’ve covered as much of your scalp as possible while minimizing any breakage.
Pro tip: you can also use a color application brush to make this step easier.
After I completely covered my scalp, I massaged the product into my roots, used any excess on my strands, then left the masque in for 30 minutes. I was shocked by how moisturizing and clarifying my scalp and hair felt. One of the things that I love about the masque is the slip and how much softer it made my hair. While this is marketed as a scalp care product, it can completely transform your hair from dry and parched to completely hydrated.
In my opinion, the downside of this masque is that the quantity is too small for my liking. Truth be told, naturals go through deep conditioners faster than any other product (especially when it’s this good.) So SheaMoisture, if you’re reading this, we’d love a bigger jar.
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Scalp Moisture Shampoo
The SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Shampoo is a gentle cleanser packed with the same moisture as the masque. The pearl-colored shampoo is lightweight with a serum-like consistency and a light and clean scent. The smell is pleasant, subtle, and not overbearing. When I applied the shampoo, I noticed immediately that it foams and lathers up very quickly, so less is more.
After applying the shampoo, I parted my hair and started at the roots to target as much of my scalp as possible. I recommend really taking the time to work the product and massage your scalp as much as possible.
Pro tip: using a scalp massager makes it easier and it feels amazing.
Once you start to massage your hair you’ll feel the product start to work. There’s a tingling sensation that might catch you off guard if you’re not used to it, but it’s not nearly as strong as other scalp products I’ve tried. I know some may not appreciate the sensation, but I loved it! My scalp felt clean, light, and breathable.
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Scalp Moisture Conditioner
Like the shampoo, the SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Conditioner shares that pearly color and serum-like feel. It applies very easily while softening and moisturizing your hair. When I applied it to my hand, it gave my hands a lotion-like feel, which speaks volumes about its hydration capabilities. I also loved that the conditioner comes with a pump, instead of having to squeeze the product out – to me, it makes application easier.
I typically apply my conditioner to the ends first but because this is a scalp care product I started at the root and worked my way down to my ends. I did leave the conditioner in for ten minutes, although the bottle recommends leaving it in for three. The conditioner also provides that same breathable feel to your scalp. I honestly loved the relief.
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Scalp Moisture Cream
The SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Cream is more of a daily relief product for your roots rather than your overall hair. It’s great for providing moisture and immediate relief to a dry and itchy scalp. Just like most of the collection, it gives a light and breathable feel – without the tingle. The applicator bottle targets specific parts of your scalp and makes applying easier.
Pro tip: I typically just squeeze the bottle to wherever I need the relief and use the tip to massage it into my scalp so it doesn’t mess up the hairstyle.
Overall, SheaMoisture’s scalp care line lives up to its claims – it moisturizes, strengthens, and provides immediate scalp relief. I definitely recommend trying the Scalp Moisture collection for an affordable way to treat itchy and dry scalp.
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However, the show only lasted one season due to their breakup, and at that time, the “Say Yes” singer fell into a deep depression and checked herself into a mental health facility.
While talking to Terrell, Michelle admitted that she felt compelled to share her and Chad’s story, as many people saw her as a symbol of hope. “The purpose was to give hope because I saw a lot of comments like, ‘Michelle, you’re the last one to get married.’ ‘Did you ever think it would happen for you?’ She explained, “Or people that were older, in their late 30s, early 40s, 50s, 60s, who hadn’t been married yet, who had never been engaged as well and I thought I was giving hope.
Chad Johnson and Michelle WilliamsPhoto by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images
“I thought we were giving hope to people, but it turned into something else. I won’t ever do anything like that [again]. I think y’all would see me pregnant with a stroller or something before y’all even know. Be like, is she pregnant? She got married?” She joked.
As she continued, she recognized that she should have approached things differently. “That was a mistake, and I own that.”
Michelle also revealed that she had been suffering from depression since the 7th grade, but wasn't clinically diagnosed until she was in her 30s. Since her diagnosis, the “Heard a Word” artist has become a mental health advocate and even wrote about her journey in the book Checking In: How Getting Real About Depression Saved My Life. Michelle’s podcast, Checking In with Michelle Williams, is also about mental health.
MICHELLE WILLIAMS Sings Her Iconic Bridges and Talks Her Relationship With Beyoncé and Kelly Rowlandyoutu.be
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