Top 10 Matcha Benefits & Why Your Body Will Love It
Matcha tea has been gaining popularity as a superfood owing to its nutrient dense nature which provides a wide variety of health benefits. It’s a great and healthy alternative to regular coffee or tea since it is packed with essential vitamins and minerals and provides loads of energy to start the day well. This article highlights the top 10 matcha tea benefits. Let us first briefly understand what is Matcha?
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from the leaves of green tea. It is traditionally consumed in East Asia by mixing about a spoonful of matcha powder in hot water which is commonly called Matcha tea. The green tea leaves are dried and then converted into powder form, to make Matcha. It consists 10 times higher antioxidants when compared to regular green tea.
Matcha has been an integral part of the Japanese culture, especially the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony which centers around consumption of Matcha as a hot tea. Matcha has a unique flavor which is mellow, it has a mild earthy flavor to it which is not overwhelming. You can add matcha into literally anything you like, e.g. smoothies, salads, meals etc. but primarily it is consumed by mixing in hot water as a tea.
Health Benefits of Matcha
Matcha is commonly used as a dietary supplement usually in the of form of tea. It delivers ten times the antioxidants than a usual cup of green tea.
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1. Lowers Cholesterol
Matcha, which is derived from green tea leaves has proven to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) in human bodies, provided it is consumed regularly. Several studies that have been published indicate that the administration of matcha resulted in significant reductions in serum TC and LDL-cholesterol concentrations, but no effect on HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) was observed.
2. Protects Liver
Matcha consists of 10 times the antiaxidants found in regular tea. Several studies have shown that Matcha tea protects liver against Non-Alcoholic Fat Liver Disease (NAFLD) and can prove to prevent liver damage and even decrease the risk of liver disease. More can be read about how Matcha helps in protecting liver here.
3. Improves Brain Function
Matcha consists of compunds called polyphenols, which are rich in amino acid and with L-theanine. Due to these compunds Matcha tea stimulates the alpha waves in brain. These waves are responsible for soothing the mind and allowing to focus and helps in thinking with clarity and ease. Matcha also helps as a great way to start the day as with thought clarity it also provides energy to the body and can prove to be a great way to start the day.
4. Improves Skin
Consumption of this superfood called Matcha not only helps in improving brain function and protecting liver against diseases but also helps in having a glowing and vibrant skin. It is so good for the skin that it is also used as an ingredient in some face masks. Matcha is rich in antioxidant properties and has firm anti-inflammatory properties which can soothe irritated skin.
5. Improves Heart Health
Clinical and experimental studies have established a positive correlation between Matcha consumption and cardiovascular health. Catechins, the major polyphenolic compounds in green tea, exert vascular protective effects through multiple mechanisms, including antioxidative, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-thrombogenic, and lipid lowering effects.
6. Aids Weight Loss
Matcha consists of catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Catechins are natural antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and provide other benefits. These substances can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules from damage. These catechins contain thermogenic properties, which is the speed in which we burn calories. Drinking Matcha on a regular basis can raise speed rate not just while exercising but also when resting. Studies have shown a huge 25% more calorie burning if Matcha is introduced in the diet.
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7. Lowers Blood Pressure
Catechins, an antioxidant in matcha, may help in lowering blood pressure. They seem to be especially helpful if your upper number is 130 or higher, which can raise your chances of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, among other issues. Catechins also help to improve endothelium-dependent vasodialation, which means it helps to increase the size of your arteries, thereby lowering blood pressure.Â
8. Boosts Immunity
Matcha green tea powder boosts the immune system owing to it’s high antioxidant content, it has 10 times more antioxidants than regular cup of green tea, particularly Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), which assists body’s production of T-Cells that reduce inflammation and fight pathogens. This makes matcha green tea powder a great immune system booster. In case you feel sick with flu, take a spoonful of Matcha powder and mix it in hot water with some lemon and ginger.
9. Fights Cancer
Several studies suggest that matcha’s catechins suppress mitochondrial metabolism which prevents the re-fuelling of damaged cells and renders them inactive (making them die eventually). Matcha cancer-fighting properties are also linked to the prevention of other types of cancer.
10. High In Antioxidants
Matcha is rich in antioxidants which remove bad molecules from the body, and decrease oxidative stress. Matcha, and green teas in general, contain high quantities of compunds that are antioxidants, which include catechins.
