Benefits Of Matcha Tea In The Morning To Improves Your Health
Benefits Of Matcha Tea – Matcha has been on the rise in popularity lately, with matcha shots, lattes, teas and even desserts popping up everywhere from health food stores to cafes.
Like green tea, matcha is made from the Camellia sinensis plant. However, they are grown differently and have a unique nutritional profile.
Farmers cover the tea bushes for 20 to 30 days before harvesting to avoid direct sunlight and grow matcha. This increases the production of chlorophyll, increases the amino acid content and gives the plant a deep green color.
After the tea leaves are harvested, the stems and veins are removed and the leaves are ground into a fine powder called matcha.
Matcha contains the nutrients of the whole tea leaf. As a result in higher levels of caffeine and antioxidants typically found in green tea.
Research on matcha and its components has revealed various benefits. Such as it helps protect the liver, promote heart health and even aid in weight loss.
Here are 7 healthful benefits of matcha tea based on scientific evidence.
1- Rich in antioxidants
Matcha is rich in catechins, a class of plant compounds in tea that act as natural antioxidants. Antioxidants help stabilize harmful free radicals, compounds that can damage cells and cause chronic disease.
When you add matcha powder to hot water to make tea, the tea contains all the nutrients of the whole leaf. Instead of steeping green tea leaves in water, it contains more catechins and antioxidants.
In fact, according to one estimate, the amount of certain catechins in matcha is 137 times higher than that of other types of green tea. One study found that adding matcha to mice reduced free radical damage and increased antioxidant activity.
Adding matcha to your diet can increase your intake of antioxidants. Which can help prevent cell damage and reduce the risk of some chronic diseases.
Abstract
Matcha contains concentrated amounts of antioxidants that can reduce cellular damage and prevent chronic disease.
2- May help protect the Liver
The liver is important for health and plays an important role in removing toxins, metabolizing drugs and processing nutrients. Several studies show that matcha can help protect liver health. One study gave matcha to diabetic rats for 16 weeks and found that it helped prevent kidney and liver damage.
In another study, 80 people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease received either a placebo or 500 mg of green tea extract daily for 90 days. After 12 weeks, green tea extract significantly reduced liver enzyme levels. High levels of this enzyme are a sign of liver damage.
In addition, an analysis of 15 studies found that green tea consumption was associated with a lower risk of liver disease. However, it is important to remember that there may be other factors involved in this association.
More research is needed to look at the effects of matcha on the general population, as most studies have been limited to looking at the effects of green tea extract in animals.
Abstract
Several studies show that benefits of matcha tea, can prevent liver damage and reduce the risk of liver disease. However, more research is needed to analyze the effects on humans in the general population.
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3- Improve brain function
Some studies show that certain components of matcha can improve brain function. A study of 23 people looked at how people performed on various tasks designed to measure mental performance.
Some participants took matcha tea or a bar containing 4 grams of matcha, while the control group took tea or a placebo bar. The researchers found that matcha led to improvements in attention, reaction time and memory compared to placebo.
Another small study found that drinking 2 grams of green tea powder daily for 2 months helped improve brain function in older adults.
Additionally, matcha contains a more concentrated amount of caffeine than green tea: 35 mg of caffeine per half teaspoon (about 1 gram) of matcha powder.
Many studies have linked caffeine consumption to better brain function, showing faster reaction times, better concentration and better memory.
Matcha also contains a compound called L-theanine, which reverses the effects of caffeine, improves alertness, and helps prevent the sudden drop in energy levels that can follow caffeine consumption.
L-Theanine has also been shown to increase alpha wave activity in the brain, which can help induce relaxation and reduce stress levels.
Abstract
Matcha has been shown to improve attention, memory and reaction time. It also contains caffeine and L-theanine, which can improve certain aspects of brain function.
4- May help prevent cancer
Matcha is full of health-promoting compounds, including compounds that have been linked to cancer prevention in in vitro and animal studies.
In one study, green tea extract shrank tumors and slowed the growth of breast cancer cells in mice. Matcha is rich in epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a type of catechin that has strong anti-cancer properties.
Test-tube studies have shown that EGCG in matcha helped kill prostate cancer cells. Other test-tube studies have shown EGCG to be effective against skin, lung, and liver cancers.
Please note that these are test tube and animal studies that look at the specific compounds found in matcha. Further studies are needed to determine how these findings can be applied to humans.
Abstract
Test tube and animal studies show that compounds in matcha can inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
5- May promote heart health.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly one-third of all deaths in people over the age of 35. Several studies have shown that drinking green tea, which is as nutritious as matcha, can help protect against heart disease.
Green tea has been shown to lower total and “bad” LDL cholesterol as well as triglycerides. It may also help prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol, another factor that may protect against heart disease.
Observational studies have also shown that drinking green tea reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. When combined with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, consuming matcha helps support heart health and protect against disease.
Abstract
Studies show that green tea and matcha can reduce several risk factors for heart disease.
6- Helps in weight loss
Take a look at any weight loss supplement and you’ll likely see “green tea extract” on the ingredients list. Green tea is well known for its ability to promote weight loss. In fact, studies show that it can help speed up metabolism, increase energy expenditure and burn fat.
A small study found that taking green tea extract during moderate exercise increased fat by 17%. Another study in 14 people showed that taking a green tea extract supplement significantly increased energy expenditure over a 24-hour period compared to a placebo.
A review of 11 studies also found that green tea promotes weight loss and aids in weight loss. Although most of this research has focused on green tea extract, matcha comes from the same plant and should have similar effects.
Abstract
Some studies show that green tea extract can help increase metabolism and burn fat, which can help with weight loss.
7- Matcha tea is very easy to make
The many health benefits of matcha are easy to enjoy and the tea tastes delicious. You can make traditional matcha tea by sifting 1 to 2 teaspoons (2 to 4 grams) of matcha powder into a cup, adding 59 milliliters of hot water, and stirring gently with a bamboo stick.
You can also adjust the matcha powder to water ratio depending on your desired consistency. For a weaker tea, reduce the amount of powder to 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) and mix with 89-118 ml of hot water.
If you prefer a more concentrated version, mix 2 teaspoons (4 grams) of the powder with 30 ml of water. If you’re feeling creative, you can also try making matcha lattes, puddings or protein shakes to boost the nutritional content of your favorite recipes.
As always, simplicity is key. Although matcha is good for health, more is not necessarily better. In fact, liver problems have been reported in some people who drink large amounts of green tea every day.
Using matches can increase exposure to pollutants such as pesticides, chemicals and even arsenic found in the soil where tea plants are grown.
The maximum permissible amount of matcha powder is unclear and varies from individual to individual. To be safe, be sure to eat matcha in moderation.
It’s best to stick with 1-2 cups a day and look for certified organic varieties to reap the many health benefits of matcha without the risk of side effects.
Abstract
There are many ways to prepare matches, so you can choose the one that works best for you. It can also be added to many different recipes.
The Bottom Line
Matcha is made from the same plant as green tea, but because it is made from the whole leaf, it contains a more concentrated amount of antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds.
Research has identified numerous health benefits associated with matcha and its components, from promoting weight loss to reducing the risk of heart disease.
Best of all, this tea is easy to make, so you can easily add it to your diet and spice up your day.