Matcha is a type of tea that comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. It has been enjoyed amongst Chinese and Japanese for hundreds of years. In recent years, it has quickly spread out and become very popular among other nations/countries; from matcha shots, lattes, teas and desserts.
It is grown and cultivated differently from green tea. It has a unique nutrient profile because farmers cultivated differently to increase its chlorophyll production, boosting its amino acid content and darker its green hue. The stems, twigs, and other unwanted parts are removed from the leaves. Only the leaves are grounded up into a fine powder, matcha. Therefore, it contains the nutrients only from the whole tealeaf, and make it has greater amount of caffeine and antioxidants.
The components of matcha bring a variety of benefits: from help protecting the liver, promoting heart health, as well as weight loss.
A list of benefits of matcha:
- Matcha is rich in catechines, which is natural antioxidants and the king of antioxidants. It may reduce cell damage and prevent chronic disease. Another its antioxidants, polyphenols, might help with inflammation like arthritis.
- According to some studies, matcha could prevent liver damage and reduce the risk of liver disease.
- Catechins in matcha may help to lower blood pressure. According to WebMD’s research, catechins seem to be especially helpful if your upper number is 130 or higher, and lower the chances of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and among other cardiovascular issues.
- Some research shown that matcha has several tea components, such as caffeine and L-theanine. The components are claimed to have the effect in enhancing cognitive function as well as improving attention, memory and reaction time. They help to keep you awake and focused. However, matcha does not cause hypertension and nervousness like coffee and other caffeinated drinks, all because of the calming effects of its L-Theanine. It would a better choice of keeping you awake and improving attention than coffee and other energy drinks.
- In some animal studies, matcha has been linked to prevent cancer cells and decrease tumor size. Polyphenols and other antioxidants in matcha might help to defense against cancer. EGCG, another variety of catechin, plays a significant role in defensing and demoting cancer. Comparing matcha to other substances, matcha contains 100 times EGCG more than others.
- Green tea has a similar nutrient profile to matcha. Studies have shown that drinking green tea as well as matcha may help protect against heart disease. Green tea has been proven to reduce levels of bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and help to prevent the oxidation from LDL cholesterol.
- Matcha contains L-Theanine, an elusive amino acid. L-Theanine helps to calm brain waves, alpha waves, so you will be able to calm down easier. By calming your alpha waves, helps to maintain a healthy mental condition. Matcha also promotes you to age graciously.
- Studies have shown that green tea has the ability to enhance weight loss because it may help to speed up metabolism to increase energy expenditure and boost fat burning. Green tea and matcha come from the same plant and contain similar nutrient profile. Both green tea and matcha could increase weight loss.
- The nutrients and fluoride in matcha help to keep a healthy level of acid in your mouth and keep your teeth in good shape.
- Sudden change in sunlight exposure from fully sun exposure to shaded exposure during the harvest procedure, creates matcha leaves produce chlorophyll. The chlorophyll production in leaves create natural detox aids in matcha plant. Matcha tea helps to detoxify heavy metals and chemical toxins if you drink only one cup a day.
- Catechins are found in matcha is the marvelous antioxidants. Catechins along with potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron can strengthen your immune system.
Matcha contains many health benefits and the tea tastes delicious. Different ratio of water and matcha powder can be adjusted accordingly from person to person. It totally depends on your personal preference. You can drink it sweeter and creamier, or just plain regular tea. You can add it into your deserts and other drinks, such as cakes, cookies, lattes, or smoothies, etc. Matcha can also be added into your oatmeal, granola, or yogurt. Matcha recipes can be easily found on the Internet.
Conclusion:
Matcha is made from a whole leaf. Therefore, it packs with more concentrated amount of antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds than green tea, although both tea is from same plant.
Matcha provides different benefits. However, moderation is the key; more is not necessarily better. As the matter of fact, further and more in-depth studies on human are needed to have more accurate results.
References:
- Health Line: 7 proven ways matcha tea improves your health https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-benefits-of-matcha-tea
- WebMD: All About Matcha https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/ss/slideshow-all-about-matcha
- FACTY HEALTH: 10 Health Benefits of Matcha Tea https://facty.com/food/nutrition/10-health-benefits-of-matcha-tea/
