Benefits of Matcha Tea
Updated: Jun 13, 2021
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 powdere
d 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. The scientific evidence backing the health benefits of green tree is robust. However, it is important to note that many of the studies that have specifically investigated matcha are small, highlighting the need for studies using larger cohorts.
Some Benefits of Matcha Tea
Boosting concentration and cognition
L-theanine is an amino acid present in tea. Consuming foods and beverages rich in L-theanine may prom
ote a state of relaxation and well-being. If a person combines this with caffeine, another chemical in matcha tea, L-theanine can induce a state of relaxed alertness.
Preventing cancer
Green tea contains a class of antioxidants called catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), which may have antitumor properties.
Reducing the risk of heart disease
Large population studies have suggested that a high green tea intake has links to a lower risk Trusted Source of developing heart disease. Some also suggest that drinking green tea may reduce heart disease risk factors, such as high cholesterol levels.
Preventing type 2 diabetes
One randomized clinical trial found that drinking four cups of green tea every day led to significant reductions in several risk factors for diabetes. These factors included body weight, body mass index (BMI), and systolic blood pressure.
Relieving autoimmune uveitis
A 2019 study in mice suggested that the catechins in green tea
may help relieve symptoms of vision impairment in people with autoimmune uveitis.
Using Matcha tea
A few years ago, matcha started popping up everywhere – in lattes, ice cream, smoothies, icing, and more. While I’ll never say no to a matcha doughnut, today I want to focus on the simplest way to enjoy it: by whisking it into hot water to create a frothy, nourishing tea. I’ve loved drinking matcha this way since Jack and I took our first trip to Japan years ago, and I still make myself a cup almost every morning. To me, it’s the perfect way to start the day. It’s energizing and calming both at once, and above all else, it’s delicious.