The vast majority of individuals, even if they do not consume it themselves, have heard of matcha. Matcha green tea, of course, is a vibrant green powder made from special green tea leaves.
These leaves are grown in the shade for approximately three weeks before they are harvested, at which point the stems and veins are removed before processing.
When consumed as a tea, the powder is dissolved in either hot water or hot milk and then frothed, often with a whisk.
But what sets this apart from other teas and health foods?
Health Benefits of Matcha Green Tea
Start reading to learn about some of the top health benefits of matcha green tea on a regular basis now.
1. Full of Powerful Antioxidants
Just about everyone knows antioxidants are quite healthy for the body. Matcha, in particular, contains roughly five times as many antioxidants as any other food rich in antioxidants. Furthermore, matcha contains catechins, which are natural antioxidants.
Some of the benefits these antioxidants have on the body is promoting healthy skin by blocking the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays and stabilizing free radicals, which can damage cells and increase an individual’s risk of certain chronic diseases.
Since matcha contains nutrients from all parts of the green tea leaf, consuming matcha often means consuming more catechins than steeping other types of green tea. The powder, after all, does not leave the water and individuals drink it all, whereas the leaves are removed from the water in other green teas.
2. Increases the Energy Without Jitters
Caffeine is a popular way to boost energy quickly, which is why many individuals begin their day by consuming a cup of coffee. Unfortunately, caffeine also results in what many refer to as the ‘jitters,’ which means feeling shaky.
Caffeine can also cause nervousness, increase blood pressure to dangerous levels, and cause withdrawal symptoms due to reliance on it to get through each day.
However, matcha can boost an individual’s energy without causing these effects. Although green tea, including matcha, does contain some caffeine, it is not nearly as much compared to a cup of coffee.
Furthermore, the energizing effects of matcha green tea do not come from caffeine, but rather from the amino acid L-Theanine, which helps boost energy but also stabilizes the effects and provide the drinker with a sense of calm.
3. Boosts the Immune System
Beyond the immune-boosting effects antioxidants have on the body, studies indicate the catechins in matcha also have antibiotic properties which help keep the body healthy.
Additionally, matcha green tea is full of many other nutrients, such as flavonoids, iron, protein, calcium, potassium, as well as vitamins A and C, which help keep the immune system strong and ready to fight off many illnesses.
For instance, the flavonoids help to reduce bad breath and soothe a sore throat, and in conjunction with the antioxidants, kill bacteria responsible for many viruses and infections, such as the flu and the common cold.
4. Protects Against many Diseases
Some of the serious diseases matcha helps protect the body against are heart disease, certain cancers, and even diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and does so in many different ways.
Concerning heart disease, matcha green tea helps decrease triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, known as ‘bad’ cholesterol, and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is the good kind. It also helps prevent LDL cholesterol from oxidizing.
All of these helps to reduce an individual’s risk of developing heart disease during their lifetime.
When it comes to cancer, antioxidants, as mentioned, help to stabilize harmful free radicals, which studies have linked to cancer. As well, preliminary research indicates the catechin epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in matcha helps kill off prostate cancer cells and is effective in the fight against lung, liver, and skin cancer.
Other general studies with green tea extract and matcha indicate minimal damage to liver and kidneys, as well as a decrease in the risk of fatty liver disease, although more studies are necessary to strengthen this link.
5. Promotes Healthy Weight Loss
Losing weight is a significant struggle for many individuals around the world, which is why there are many diets and other touted methods of losing weight quickly.
However, many do not realize the powers green tea, specifically, matcha green tea has when it comes to healthy and lasting weight loss. Specifically, matcha is known to boost an individual’s metabolism, which means they burn calories quicker, almost four times as fast according to some reports.
Some research into green tea extract, which has the same nutrients as matcha green tea, though in differing quantities, indicates when taken during moderate exercise, an individual burn roughly seventeen percent more fat in the same amount of time.
All of these findings prove that matcha has numerous health benefits for those who consume it on a regular basis. It’s time to drink up!
