7 health benefits of matcha tea
Matcha tea is a type of green tea that has gained immense popularity due to its health benefits. Matcha is derived from the Camellia Sinensis plant and has high amounts of nutrients, antioxidants, and caffeine. The tea comes in a bright green shade and can promote heart health, protect the liver and also help in weight loss. Here's more to it!
Here is what our expert says
Matcha tea is a popular Japanese beverage and has a unique taste, color, and many health benefits. The peculiar taste and color is due to its chemical composition which consists of catechins, theanine, caffeine, and chlorophyll. Polyphenols, which are strong antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, make up 30% of green tea dry weight. It is to be noted that matcha tea is a caffeinated beverage.
What is matcha tea?
Matcha is basically a high-quality green tea that is grown in a different way than regular tea. The tea bushes are protected from sunlight at least 20-30 days prior to harvest which boosts the chlorophyll levels and turns the leaves darker. The veins and stems are removed from the leaves after harvest and ground into a bright green powder which is known as matcha.
Reduces the risk of heart diseases
1. Matcha tea is packed with catechins which maintain your cholesterol and blood pressure levels. This helps to promote your overall heart health and reduces the risk of heart-related issues. According to studies, matcha tea can protect against several heart diseases or stroke if consumed regularly along with a healthy balanced diet. It also prevents the oxidation of bad cholesterol, protecting against heart ailments.
Reduces risk of cancer and protects your liver
2. Packed with antioxidants and catechins like epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), matcha is extremely beneficial for fighting against cancer. Studies have found EGCG effective in killing prostate cancer cells and protecting against lung, skin, and liver cancer. 3. Matcha tea protects and detoxifies your liver and lowers liver enzyme levels to protect against liver diseases. High levels of enzymes can lead to liver damage.
Helps in weight loss and promotes brain function
4. The catechins present in matcha tea help boost the metabolism level, increase energy expenditure and help you to lose weight fast. They also suppress your appetite which aids in losing weight. 5. Containing an essential compound called L-theanine, matcha tea promotes brain function, increases alertness, and reduces stress levels. According to research, it improves your memory, concentration, and reaction time.
Provides you with antioxidants and is great for dental health
6. The natural antioxidants in matcha tea help in stabilizing the dangerous free radicals that can lead to several chronic diseases by damaging the cells. Consuming matcha tea regularly can fulfill your antioxidant intake that can protect you from cell damage and other chronic diseases. 7. High in fluoride, matcha tea maintains a healthy acid level in your mouth that keeps your teeth clean.
