Matcha Tea: A Superfood for Health and Wellness

Matcha Tea Benefits

Matcha has skyrocketed in popularity lately, with matcha shots, lattes, teas, and even desserts popping up everywhere, from health food stores to coffee shops. Studies of matcha and its components have unearthed a variety of health benefits, and here are four of the best ones.

The Camellia sinensis plant is the source of matcha, just as green tea. However, in order to protect their tea plants from direct sunlight, farmers grow matcha by covering them for 20 to 30 days before to harvest. The plant becomes darker green as a result of the increased production of chlorophyll, which also increases the amino acid content. After being gathered, the tea leaves are processed into matcha by removing the stems and veins.

Because matcha contains nutrients from the entire tea leaf, it results in a greater amount of caffeine and antioxidants than you typically find in a standard green tea.

1. High 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, which are compounds that can damage cells and cause chronic disease.

The entire leaf's nutrients are included in the tea made by brewing matcha powder in hot water. Green tea leaves steeped in water likely to contain fewer catechins and antioxidants than this method.

By one estimate, the number of certain catechins in matcha is at least three times higher than most green teas and up to 137 times higher than in one specific type of green tea. Including matcha in your diet could increase your antioxidant intake, helping to protect against cell damage and lower your risk of chronic diseases.

2. Protects the Liver

The liver is vital to health, playing a central role in flushing out toxins, metabolizing drugs, and processing nutrients. Studies suggest that matcha may help protect liver health.

In one study, diabetic rats given matcha for 16 weeks showed reduced damage to both the kidneys and liver. Another study with 80 people who had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease found that consuming green tea extract daily for 90 days significantly reduced liver enzyme levels, markers of liver damage.

An analysis of 15 studies also linked green tea consumption to a lower risk of liver disease. While this is only an association and doesn't prove cause and effect, it is promising.

3. Improves Cognitive Performance

Research shows that components in matcha may enhance cognitive function.

In one study, participants who drank matcha tea or a matcha bar outperformed those who drank a placebo on tests that assessed memory, attentiveness, and response time. The high concentration of caffeine in matcha—roughly 35 milligrams per half teaspoon—probably contributes.

Additionally, matcha contains L-theanine, a compound that alters the effects of caffeine by promoting alertness while helping to avoid the energy crash that often follows caffeine consumption.

4. Supports Weight Loss

Green tea extract, a common ingredient in weight loss supplements, is known to slightly enhance weight loss. Studies suggest it may help speed up metabolism, increase energy expenditure, and boost fat burning

One study showed that taking green tea extract during moderate exercise increased fat burning by 17%. Another study found that taking a supplement containing green tea extract significantly boosted 24-hour energy expenditure compared to a placebo.

Although most studies focus on green tea extract, matcha likely offers similar, if not better, benefits due to its higher caffeine content. For effective weight loss, combine matcha with a nutritious, low-calorie diet and an active lifestyle.

These are just a few of the ways matcha can benefit your health, making it a powerful addition to your routine.