If you’re looking for an antioxidant-rich, metabolism-boosting, stress-relieving drink, to add to your healthy lifestyle, look no further than matcha tea! Matcha is a type of green tea that is made from whole matcha leaves, which are ground into a fine powder. When you drink matcha tea, usually made with hot water, you consume the entire tea leaf, rather than just the brewed water. This means that you get all of the nutrients and naturally occurring antioxidants that are found in green tea leaves. In this blog post, we will discuss eight health benefits of drinking matcha tea!
Matcha is high in antioxidants
One cup of matcha tea contains the same amount of antioxidant properties as ten cups of traditional green tea! These antioxidants help protect your body from free radicals, which can damage cells and lead to disease. Matcha powder is also a good source of catechin polyphenols, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and cancer prevention properties vs regular green tea beverages. Other green teas provide nutritional value as well but you can’t beat matcha green tea, especially when it combats against cancer cells and high blood pressure.
Matcha can help boost your metabolism
One of the many matcha tea benefits over other green teas is that the caffeine in matcha tea can help boost your metabolism, burn calories, and promote weight loss. In fact, after further research, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming green tea (including matcha tea) was associated with a lower risk of obesity. Powdered matcha is also high in fiber and vitamin C, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied, especially with its matcha taste and savory flavor.
Matcha tea can help relieve stress
When you consume matcha, the L-theanine in it can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. In fact, a study published in the journal Biological Psychology found that consuming L-theanine led to reduced anxiety and improved cognitive performance. Matcha is also high in magnesium, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. These are especially important powerful health benefits of matcha tea leaves.
Matcha is good for your heart amongst other health benefits of matcha
The antioxidants in matcha tea can help protect your heart from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, the fiber in matcha can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Matcha is also a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
According to healthline, “Green tea has been shown to reduce levels of total and “bad” LDL cholesterol, as well as triglycerides.” Reducing your bad cholesterol is good for your heart health, amongst other health related things.
Matcha can help protect your brain
While there are many health benefits of matcha, the caffeine in matcha tea can help improve cognitive function and memory. The L-theanine in matcha tea can also help protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals. This is a rare amino acid found in food sources.
Mindfule notes “Some studies have shown that matcha tea contains 137 times as much EGCG than green tea. It is thought that free radical damage to cells can cause neurodegenerative diseases and that the catechins in tea protect from free radical damage and therefore reduce the risk of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.” Matcha tea is also a good source of omega-three fatty acids, which are important for brain health.
Matcha can help regulate blood sugar
The polyphenols in matcha tea can help regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, the fiber in matcha powder can help slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Drinking matcha can help keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent spikes and crashes and is also a great additive to a healthy diet.
Health benefits of matcha for your skin
The antioxidants in matcha tea can help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Additionally, included in the health benefits of matcha, the caffeine can help reduce inflammation and improve circulation. This can help keep you looking healthy and radiant without oily skin. Matcha powder is great too because it doesn’t contain too much caffeine. Another benefit of matcha powders is that they are especially easy to work with as well so you can drink matcha in a matter of minutes without worrying about entire tea leaves.
Matcha is a great source of nutrients
One cup of green tea matcha tea contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K, as well as minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Matcha powder also contains a good source of protein, amino acids, and fiber. Good quality matcha green tea is one of the best health agents for your body and in my opinion, you can never have too much matcha. Especially because the matcha powder taste is unlike any other green tea.
Where to purchase matcha and what to look for
You can get good quality matcha at your favorite health food store. Groceries stores sell matcha as well but make sure the ingredients only contain pure matcha. Some promote that they are selling matcha but the ingredients are full of other items that don’t promote good health.
One of my favorite holistic chefs, Shayna Taylor, sells her own ceremonial grade matcha called Morning Ritual. This matcha is sourced directly from a matcha farm in Japan. You can purchase it by visiting her website.
Summary – The top eight health benefits of matcha
There are tons of health benefits of matcha green tea! My favorite way to consume it is by making a matcha latte. I mix ground matcha powder with oat milk, hot water, and stevia to sweeten it a bit. It is SO DELICIOUS! I regularly make matcha lattes anytime I have guests over at our house. They always leave wanting more matcha green tea, especially after I tell them about the health benefits in a delicious matcha latte!
Have you tried and experienced the benefits of matcha tea?
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