Top 10 benefits of Matcha tea

If you haven’t started using matcha tea yet, then it’s high time you did. Beaming with  immense health benefits, this tea has become one of the most popular drinks all over the world. Matcha tea is prepared by grinding green tea that has been specially grown and processed, into a fine powder. Although it is grown in many places, the best macha tea is considered to be that from Japan. The flavor of the tea depends mainly on the region  where it is grown as well as the quality of the tea powder. When it comes to nutrition, foods high in antioxidants are categorized as super foods. Matcha tea is a powerhouse of antioxidants and other nutrients, making it a favorite drink that can enhance both the health and beauty of an individual.

Nutritional profile of Matcha tea

Matcha tea is so densely packed with nutrients that a single serving of it is believed to be equivalent in nutrition to about 10 cups of regular green tea. Every sip of this tea offers a mega dose of powerful antioxidants that can protect you from various life threatening diseases. In fact, it has been found that matcha tea contains several times more antioxidants than any super food available in the plant. Along with antioxidant components like catechins, polyphenols and chlorophyll, matcha tea is also a good source of various trace minerals along with vitamins A, C, E, K and vitamin B-complex. High levels of amino acids such as L-theanine and theophylline in matcha tea makes it more nutritious than any other drink.

What makes matcha superior to regular tea?

When you brew a cup of regular green tea, most of its nutritional benefits are lost because only a fraction of the nutrients is extracted by water. The remaining amount is actually trapped inside the tea leaves, which we usually discard after straining. This, however, does not happen when you enjoy a cup of matcha tea because the tea powder is obtained by stone grinding tea leaves into a fine powder. As a result, brewing a cup of macha tea provides you with all the nutrients such as  vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. As far as nutrition is concerned, no other drink can match the matcha tea!

Health benefits of Matcha tea

Matcha tea is well known for its amazing nutrient profile and health benefits. Given below are a few reasons why you should consider including this tea in your daily diet:

1. Matcha tea is a powerhouse of antioxidants

Antioxidants are naturally occurring compounds that help in preventing early aging as well as many deadly diseases like cancer and heart diseases.  Matcha is popular for its high antioxidant content, infact 20 times more than the antioxidant capacity of blueberries and pomegranates. Studies indicate that when compared to other green teas, matcha tea contains the highest amount of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a type of catechin that has potent antioxidant properties. In addition to offering protection against chronic diseases, these antioxidants offer other benefits as well such as improving brain health and promoting weight loss.

[Read more about Advantage of antioxidants]

2. Matcha tea is a miracle anti-aging drink

Early aging is often caused by the cell and DNA damage brought about by the free radicals in the body. The best way to slow down the process of aging is to consume plenty of foods rich in antioxidants, which would fight off the free radicals. Matcha tea, being an excellent source of antioxidants is thus a great anti-aging solution. No wonder the Chinese people consider matcha tea as the elixir of life!

3. Matcha tea is great for your skin

The consumption as well as the topical application of matcha tea offers many wonderful benefits to the skin. The high concentration of antioxidants in the tea protects your skin from free radical damage and gives it a healthy and youthful appearance. It prevents premature aging and slows downs the development of wrinkles, fine lines and other aging signs on the skin. It can rejuvenate your skin by stimulating the production of new skin cells. The nutrients in matcha tea can even out your skin tone, increase skin elasticity and its anti-inflammatory properties can help prevent the development of acne and pimples. You can find many beauty products in the market nowadays that make use of these benefits of matcha tea.

[Read more about benefits of white tea]

4. Matcha tea is great for the heart

Matcha tea offers protection to the cardiovascular system in many ways. It helps reduce the bad cholesterol or LDL levels and at the same time increases the levels of good cholesterol or HDL. The phytosterols in this tea slow down the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine. The high levels of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in matcha is found to be helpful in preventing heart diseases. It strengthens the blood vessels and reduces the risks of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular problems. It also inhibits the constriction of blood vessels, thus lowering high blood pressure.

5. Matcha tea induces weight loss

Matcha tea is low in calories and is a great addition to any weight loss diet. It supports weight loss by boosting your metabolism and increasing the burning of fat. According to research, matcha tea has the ability to burn calories at a faster rate without causing any kind of stress on the body. Studies indicate that the catechins in matcha also prevents the growth of new fat cells. It was also found that matcha tea can increase the rate at which the body burns calories (thermogenesis) from a normal rate of 8 to10 percent of daily expenditure to between 35 and 43 percent. Matcha tea is entirely different from other weight loss remedies and prescription drugs for obesity in that it is perfectly safe without any side effects.

[Read more about weight loss and green tea extract]

6. Matcha tea is a cancer fighter

Matcha tea is high in unique antioxidant catechins such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that show powerful cancer-fighting properties. These antioxidants neutralize the  harmful effects of free radicals formed as a result of exposure to chemicals, UV rays, radiation etc. Free radicals are found to be one of the main factors responsible for the damage of cells and DNA. Clinical studies indicate that EGCG plays a key role in preventing cancer by destroying the cancer cells and inhibiting their progression. It has the ability to inhibit tumors and also increase the survival rate of cancers like breast cancer. It has been found that drinking at least three cups of matcha tea can help lower the risk of breast cancer by 50%.

7. Matcha tea is an energy booster

One of the best advantages of drinking matcha tea is that it provides you with a boost in energy that can last for long hours. The unique combination of various nutrients in matcha tea makes it a great drink that can increase your energy and endurance levels. According to scientists, drinking a cup of matcha tea in the morning can provide long lasting energy levels than a cup of morning coffee.

[Read more about benefits of honeybush tea]

8. Matcha tea stabilizes blood sugar levels

Matcha tea is an ideal drink for people with diabetes because it has the ability to keep the blood sugar levels under check. Studies confirm that this drink can help improve insulin sensitivity and may also prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. It has been found that the regular consumption of two or more cups of matcha tea lowers the chances of developing type 2 diabetes. In addition to improving glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, it can also increase the oxidation of fat when you are doing moderate intensity exercise. Moreover, the high levels of antioxidants in matcha tea makes this superfood a perfect choice to help treat as well as prevent diabetes.

9. Matcha tea detoxifies the body

Before the matcha tea leaves are harvested, they are covered so as to allow less sunlight to fall on them. This increases the level of chlorophyll in these leaves, hence giving them the rich and vibrant green color. Chlorophyll happens to be a natural detoxifying agent  that neutralizes the free radicals and toxins in the body and prevents the absorption of these toxins by the body. The regular consumption of matcha tea provides you with the benefits of chlorophyll. By getting rid of the toxins, the chlorophyll in matcha tea helps purify and cleanse your body.

[Read more about benefits of black tea]

10. Matcha tea is extremely good for your brain

Matcha tea is rich in an amino acid known as L-Theanine, which can do wonders to your brain health. It stimulates the production of important brain chemicals like dopamine, serotonin and Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). The antioxidant polyphenol  epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) found in matcha tea works along with  L-Theanine and helps improve memory, focus and learning. It is also considered to inhibit the progression of diseases like Alzheimer’s  and Parkinson’s disease.  L-Theanine also helps reduce stress, anxiety and makes you feel energetic. By increasing the production of feel-good hormones like serotonin, this amino acid enhances your mood and improves your concentration and focus. It has been found that  L-Theanine induces relaxation by acting on your brain waves.

Matcha tea is considered to be one of the most powerful super foods available in the market today. The flavor of matcha can be combined with various types of food and drinks, giving you a unique taste that you would never forget. It is often added to sweets, cakes, cocktails and savory dishes. The special techniques used in growing, harvesting and processing matcha tea makes it unique and densely packed with health benefiting nutrients. Due to the laborious tasks involved in the production of matcha tea, it costs slightly more than  the other types of teas.