10 Health Benefits Of Matcha
Matcha is popping up everywhere from hot tea to baked goods. Matcha is a type of green tea that has been popular in Japan and China for more than a century. The young leaves are made into a green powder and is rather flavorful. Matcha simply means powdered tea. When matcha leaves are grown, they are kept under shade which keeps the amount of chlorophyll in the leaves. This means the leaves are full of nutrients and keep them green.
The leaves of matcha are the more potent source of nutrients than regular green tea. The powdered leaves of matcha are rich in antioxidants and have many benefits to health. With all the health benefits that matcha offers, it also has a higher content of caffeine than other teas. It has the same amount of caffeine as in coffee.
Health Benefit Of Matcha #1: Rich In Antioxidants
Antioxidants play a role in stabilizing harmful free radicals which contribute to damaging cells and causing diseases. Matcha contains an abundance of catechins which is a compound found in plants and are natural antioxidants.
Since the powder form of the leaves is put in matcha tea, it contains more catechins and antioxidants. One study showed that matcha supplements had reduced damage that was caused by free radicals and helped with antioxidant properties. Including this delicious hot drink or adding it into a simple cookie recipe could help increase antioxidant intake which can help prevent chronic diseases and prevent cell damage.
Health Benefit Of Matcha #2: Boosts Brain Function
Matcha helps keep a person awake, but it also enhances brain function. Caffeine blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It increases the firing of neurons and neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, to help keep a person alert. Caffeine studies have been shown to improve mood, memory, and alertness.
There have been many studies regarding matcha and how it enhances brain function. In one study, the contents of matcha have shown to affect mood and cognitive performance. Twenty-three participants were put in four sessions and were put through cognitive tests. It suggested that the matcha tea that was consumed can induce the speed of attention and memory.
Health Benefit Of Matcha #3: Heart Health
Heart disease is the number one cause of death worldwide and 15.5 million people in the United States have coronary heart disease . Factors such as diet, lifestyle, stress, and environment are risk factors in obtaining heart disease. Increasing foods that help with heart health can make an impact as it is shown in many studies.
Drinking matcha green tea has been proven to help the heart. Green tea contains catechins, which is a plant compound that is a disease-fighting flavonoid and antioxidant. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown that the catechins that are contained in green tea can help lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of having a stroke.
Health Benefit Of Matcha #4: Prevents Cancer
As cancer is one of the top ten causes of deaths in the United States, prevention is the key concern with this fatal disease. Matcha contains many of the compounds that help prevent cancer. These substances are polyphenols which scientists believe contribute to anti-cancer activity. One of the compounds in matcha is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a type of catechin that has proven to have anti-cancer properties.
More human studies need to show effects on green tea and cancer. However, in one test-tube study, it was shown that matcha helped destroy prostate cancer cells. Other test-tube and animal studies have shown the effects of green tea on skin and liver cancers.
Health Benefit Of Matcha #5: Protects The Liver
The liver is extremely important to health and one of its primary roles is to flush out toxins and metabolize and process nutrients. In fat metabolism, the liver also helps break down fat and produces energy. Protecting the liver is essential to these roles and the consumption of matcha can help.
Matcha and its benefits for the liver have many studies. One study was done on diabetic rats and found that it helped prevent damage in the liver and also in the kidneys. This confirms that it protects against the renal and hepatic damages. Another study has shown that green tea extract helps with liver enzymes in those with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It was shown that green tea extract is considered a treatment to improve the levels of liver enzymes.
Health Benefit Of Matcha #6: Helps In Weight Loss
Green tea extract has been popular in the use of an ingredient included in weight loss supplements. It is known for its ability to increase weight loss. The high concentrations of EGCG can increase the rate of how fat is burned and decrease fat cells. When this happens, it helps boost your metabolism and it will aid with workouts and weight loss.
One study was done to see men consume green tea and see how fat oxidation and blood glucose was affected. It was shown that the total energy expenditure was higher with green tea supplementation and there was an increase in fat oxidation.
Health Benefit Of Matcha #7: Skin Health
As the largest organ of our body, skin needs protection. Matcha has powerful benefits for the skin and has been used for many centuries. Matcha has been used as a rejuvenating mask and has shown to improve many layers of the skin.
Matcha helps treat inflammation such as acne and other chronic skin conditions. The epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the compound that is the reason for this topical benefit. A study has shown that EGCG reduced melatonin secretion and production in melanoma cells and has positive effects on skin hydration, moisture retention, and wrinkle formation. Matcha powder improves complexion, diminishes the signs of aging, and treats all skin types.
Health Benefit Of Matcha #8: Helps The Immune System
The immune system should be strengthened and protected to help fight disease and illnesses. Matcha is filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals needed to help strengthen the immune system. As matcha is high in its antioxidant content, its compounds help assist with the body’s production of T-Cells which help reduce inflammation and help fight pathogens. Inflammation and arthritis pain can be alleviated by matcha.
Catechins that are found in matcha have antibiotic properties, which means they help to promote and strengthen the immune system. A few cups of matcha can provide potassium, vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron. It is quick and a great alternative immune booster from your coffee in the morning.
Health Benefit Of Matcha #9: Increases Energy Levels And Endurance
Matcha has been known to be an ultimate pre-workout supplement. It increases focus, metabolism, and provides more energy. It was known that warriors in medieval Japan drank matcha green tea before going into battle. Matcha contains L-theanine which helps with this increased level.
Catechins help promote using fat instead of carbohydrates for energy during exercise. As more studies need to be made regarding trained athletes, one study has shown the evidence of animal studies had increased fat oxidation during aerobic exercise as a result. Scientists believe matcha is an energy drink for workouts because it is rich in caffeine as well.
Health Benefit Of Matcha #10: Improves Cholesterol
Cholesterol levels are essential to heart health. Decreasing saturated fat and sugar, and increasing physical activity helps to lower cholesterol levels. Matcha green tea has positive effects on lowering cholesterol. The effective compound that helps manage this is the catechins contained in matcha.
Studies have shown that the catechins found in green tea showed that they had effects on the cholesterol levels. One study done on rats showed that total cholesterol was lowered, high-lipoprotein was increased, and low-density lipoprotein was decreased. Supplementation of matcha green tea is a great way to help with cholesterol levels, since the results have shown to help maintain healthy levels.
