Matcha has become very popular in recent times.
Like green tea, matcha comes from a plant called Camellia sinensis. However, it grows differently and has a unique nutritional profile.
This is so because growers cover tea plants for 20-30 days before harvesting to avoid direct sunlight. This increases your amino acid level and increases your chlorophyll production.
After harvesting the leaves, the stems and veins are removed, and the leaves are turned into the powder known as matcha.
In this way, matcha contains the health benefits of the whole leaf, increasing the amount of antioxidants and caffeine in green tea.
In this article you will find the 7 main benefits of consuming matcha.
1. High in Antioxidants
Mactha is a rich source of an antioxidant called catechin.
Antioxidants are beneficial because they fight free radicals that cause chronic diseases.
Matcha is estimated to have 137 times more catechins than any other type of tea.
According to a study carried out in rodents, matcha reduces the risk caused by free radicals and improves the activity of antioxidants.
Consuming matcha increases antioxidants in the body, helping to prevent cell damage and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
2. May Help Protect the Liver
Various studies have found that matcha helps protect liver health.
A study conducted on diabetic rats found that matcha helps prevent kidney and liver damage.
In addition, a study conducted on people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease found that green tea extract reduces liver enzyme levels. This is beneficial since an elevated level of enzymes in the liver is a sign of damage.
In addition, a study found that drinking green tea helps reduce the risk of liver disease.
3. Boosts Brain Function
Matcha may also help improve brain function.
In fact, a study conducted on 23 people found that matcha improves attention, memory, and reaction time.
Another study found that consuming 2 grams of green tea extract every day for two months helps improve brain function in older people.
In addition, green tea contains a large amount of caffeine, which is associated with better brain function, including increased attention, improved memory, and faster reaction time.
Finally, matcha contains a compound called L-theanine that promotes alertness and helps prevent excess energy caused by caffeine.
L-theanine also increases alpha wave activity in the brain, thereby reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
4. May Help Prevent Cancer
According to a study carried out in rodents, green tea extract reduces the size of tumors and slows the growth of breast cancer cells.
Additionally, matcha contains a large amount of a catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).
According to a study, EGCG helps fight prostate cancer.
Other studies done in test tubes found that EGCG could fight skin, lung and liver cancer.
5. May Promote Heart Health
The leading cause of death worldwide is heart disease.
Some studies have found that the consumption of green tea, similar to matcha, protects against heart disease by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
In addition, its nutrients prevent the oxidation of bad cholesterol (LDL).
According to studies, green tea is connected with reducing the risk of heart attacks and heart disease.
6. Helps You Lose Weight
Green tea is a great ally for weight loss as it speeds up the metabolism and increases fat burning.
One study found that consuming green tea extract during moderate exercise increases fat burning by 17%.
On the other hand, a study found that the consumption of green tea extract supplements increases energy.
Finally, a review of 11 studies found that green tea reduces body weight and helps maintain weight.
Since matcha comes from the same green tea plant, it also has these health benefits.
7. Matcha Tea is Very Easy to Prepare
Best of all, incorporating the benefits of matcha is very easy.
To prepare a traditional matcha tea, you must place 1 or 2 tablespoons of matcha powder in a cup of hot water and mix.
You can adjust the amount of matcha powder according to the consistency you want.
If you prefer a thinner tea, place half a tablespoon of matcha powder in a cup of hot water.
But if you like it more concentrated, place 2 tablespoons of matcha powder in 30 ml of hot water.
Keep in mind that, although matcha has many benefits, it does not mean that if you consume more it will be better.
In fact, it has been found that those who consume a lot of green tea per day can have liver problems.
In addition, matcha can increase your exposure to contaminants such as chemicals, pesticides, or arsenic in the soil in which the plant grows.
It is advisable not to consume more than 1 or 2 cups of matcha per day. Also, make sure that the matcha is organic to obtain all its benefits.
