You’ve probably heard that pomegranates and blueberries have lots of antioxidants, and they do, but matcha tea has many more; it’s off the charts!
We need antioxidants because they protect us from free radicals floating in our bloodstream, these molecules can latch to our cells and cause some severe health problems, including cancer. Antioxidants also help us keep a healthy circulatory system and a strong heart, so the more antioxidants you can get, the better.
In case you need a crash course, matcha is powdered green tea. The Camellia sinensis plant, known as tea, is behind all types of tea including black and green teas and it’s packed with antioxidants and caffeine.
Matcha, being a way to consume the whole leaf rather than an infusion, is ten times more effective than regular green tea. Here are 9 proven ways matcha tea improves your health.
#9 – Matcha gives you energy
Caffeine is named after coffee, but coffee beans are not the only source of the energizing compound. Tea leaves have caffeine too, a cup of green tea like matcha has the same amount of caffeine as a shot of espresso.
The difference lies in the concentration, as matcha has a gentler effect on you, meaning — you don’t get a caffeine crash.
#8 – Matcha is outstanding to focus your mind
Caffeine increases mental focus and helps you stay concentrated, especially in prolonged, stable doses like the one received from matcha, which releases caffeine through extended periods.
Coffee can make you too jumpy, but tea relaxes you and keeps your mind sharp. For the best results, enjoy matcha when you most need it, as it loses its effect with abusive consumption.
#7 – Matcha has lots of antioxidants
Perhaps the most important health benefit of matcha is the massive amounts of antioxidants it provides to your system. Matcha has ten times more antioxidants compared to other superb sources like blueberries.
Regular tea is a superb source of antioxidants, but most of them end up in the trash can after you toss your tea bag. With matcha, you ingest the whole leaves, and all that nutritious plant matter gets absorber by your organism.
#6 – Matcha can help you lose weight
Recent studies have shown that matcha can speed up your metabolism, making you burn fat faster. Tea also helps you create cholecystokinin, the hormone that makes you feel full, so you end up eating less.
Matcha helps not only to lose those extra pounds; it can make you maintain your desired weight, so you don’t have to worry about bouncing back.
#5 – Matcha is great for your oral health
Talking about oral health, the first thing that differentiates matcha from coffee is that matcha doesn’t stain your teeth, and that’s a win for matcha.
Matcha also has antibacterial properties that eliminate bacteria in your mouth, responsible for bad breath and cavities. A cup of matcha in the morning is a splendid way to start the day with a fresh breath.
#4 – Matcha is good for your heart
Consuming tea regularly, especially matcha, can reduce your levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol (or LDL) in your bloodstream.
Heart diseases account for over a third of deaths globally, so anything you can do to keep your ticker going is a plus. Together with an active lifestyle and a healthy diet, you can extend your life expectancy significantly.
#3 – Matcha can boost your immune system
Catechin antioxidants in matcha and all other types of tea have antibacterial properties and can help your body fight viruses and bacteria strengthening your immune system.
It’s no coincidence that matcha and tea, in general, have been used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries, and people in many Asian countries have long healthy lives.
#2 – Matcha is excellent for your skin
Free radicals in our bodies damage our cells and are responsible for premature aging. Antioxidants bind with these free radicals and protect our bodies, including our skin.
Even a matcha face mask can renew your skin, as it can restore cell damage and protect the skin from oxidation. And it’s even more enjoyable with a cup of matcha in your hands.
#1 – Matcha can prevent cancer
Some studies have shown that matcha fights cancer tumors in lab rats, and although inconclusive in humans, enjoying matcha might be a marvelous idea to prevent cancer, and complement treatments against it.
EGCG a type of catechin antioxidant is responsible for standing up against cancer cells, and results look promising. Let’s keep our finger crossed for positive results in humans soon.
Is this the healthiest drink on earth?
Asian cultures have known about the health benefits of tea for thousands of years, and it’s not only part of their everyday life, but their traditional medicine. Matcha is a recent phenomenon in the west, but we’d better catch up soon.
The sooner you start drinking matcha, the better your overall health will be. With a peculiar herbal taste, it’s easy to get used to it; you know what? We bet you’ll find it delightful and you’ll fall in love with matcha in no time.
