The act of drinking tea is a sacred ritual for many. Some people use it to spend time alone and meditate, some consider it to be a cultural tradition, and others drink specific types of tea for their health benefits. Whatever the reason, drinking tea is indeed a delightful experience that can help you feel relaxed and nurtured.
When speaking about the health benefits of this popular drink, green tea has often been part of a discussion in the health and science community for its plentiful health benefits. There is one particular type of green tea that is widely consumed, and highly favoured for its taste. That’s the matcha green tea powder that you can find in many health stores and is easily available for anyone who wants to experience the numerous benefits of this invigorating caffeinated drink.
What Is Matcha Tea?
You’ve probably heard about matcha. It’s one of the most popular types of tea consumed by a wide demographic and is particularly prominent in the influencer and celebrity scene.
But its popularity is not for vague reasons. Besides its fresh green colour and delightful taste, this green tea powder has been scientifically researched for its potential health benefits, which makes it even more desirable among tea lovers.
Matcha is made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves that are ground in a fine green powder used to prepare fresh tea. Originally, it came from Japan and has been an integral part of Japanese culture for centuries.
What’s different about this green tea is that the powder is made from entire tea leaves rather than steeping the leaves and discarding them afterwards. As such, when consuming the tea, you ingest all the nutrients and antioxidants present in the leaves.
5 Health Benefits of Matcha Tea
Rich in Antioxidants
Matcha tea is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are well-researched for their powerful health benefits. They help neutralise the free radicals in the body, resulting in reduced oxidative stress, reduced inflammation and cellular damage. As such, antioxidants contribute to overall health and help strengthen our immunity.
A teaspoon of matcha powder is fully packed with antioxidants, including catechins, which have a positive effect on our health. These powerful molecules are also known to have positive effects on the skin, which is another reason that makes matcha such a popular drink.
Many people who want glowy and radiant skin incorporate this powerful drink into their daily routine. One of the antioxidants best known for patent effects is vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a significant role in the production of collagen, responsible for storming and healthy skin. Collagen is what gives elasticity to our skin.
Improves Brain Function
Another potential health benefit of drinking matcha is improving our brain function. Again, antioxidants play a significant role in maintaining our brain health. Antioxidants, in combination with caffeine and L-theanine, help to improve our cognitive function.
Consuming this drink daily can help us improve our alertness, focus, memory, and clarity and enhance our concentration. This is one of the many reasons that make matcha an ideal choice for those who want to avoid drinking coffee for various reasons.
It May Improve Heart Health
Green tea has been researched for its impact on our heart health. As such, matcha, as a type of green tea, has also been subjected to scientific research to explore its potential health benefits.
The high concentration of catechins in matcha has been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. With regular consumption, it may improve your heart health by reducing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of stroke. As such, it promotes overall cardiovascular health, maintaining your arteries in optimal condition.
It May Support Weight Loss
Here is good news for everyone who wants to lose weight. Matcha has been shown to boost metabolism and also increase fat oxidation which can be a helpful tool in losing weight and maintaining it. The presence of catechins and caffeine can help with calorie-burning and fat loss over time.
Maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active and drinking matcha regularly, can help you make the desired body weight transformation.
It May Help in the Fight Against Cancer
Some preliminary research suggests that this green tea can help fight cancer cells. This is due to the presence of phytochemicals and antioxidants in matcha, which may have anti-cancer properties.
They help fight cancer by inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells in various types of cancers such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, etc.
However, more research needs to be done on this matter to verify matcha’s anti-cancer properties.
Is It OK to Drink Matcha Every Day?
For most people, drinking matcha every day is safe and healthy. Although it contains less caffeine than coffee, it may be too stimulating for some individuals who are sensitive to caffeine. If this is the case with you, drink matcha only a few times per week instead of every day, or opt for a lower caffeine variety. Otherwise, you can consume this green drink every day with no issues.
Just be mindful not to overconsume it. The best is to drink moderately, a maximum of 1–2 cups a day.