There are green tea drinkers all over the world. Japan, China, and the UK are some of the biggest consumers of these special leaves, but the United States is catching on. Some drink it simply for the flavor, while others are in it for the many health benefits. There are many types of green teas, from Gyokuro to Sencha to Hojicha to Ceremonial Matcha, and many in between. But when you compare them all, it’s easy to see why more and more tea drinkers, health-conscious souls, and energy-seeking folk are switching to matcha.
Besides vibrant color, smooth texture, and unique flavor, matcha is loaded with hidden benefits. Here are 11 you may not know about.
Powerful Nutrition
Unlike steeped tea, matcha is made from the whole leaves in powder form. That means you are getting more nutrients. You ingest the fiber, chlorophyll, more antioxidants, and any non-water-soluble vitamins and minerals. This makes matcha a more potent source of nutrition than any other green tea.
Energized Focus & Calm
Matcha contains caffeine, but a healthier, natural form of this energizing compound than you’ll find in most sodas or energy drinks. Also, unlike coffee, matcha doesn’t cause a spike in energy that leads to a crash. You are less likely to feel jittery or nervous either. Rather, matcha provides a calming energy that lasts longer with a slow increase that tapers off. This is due to the naturally occurring L-Theanine, an amino acid that balances the caffeine, so you experience a calm focused feeling. It doesn’t tend to cause drowsiness later either. This is why monks in Japan created matcha in the first place. This unique combination of caffeine, L-Theanine, and antioxidants makes matcha is a great natural pre-workout, daily energy boost, and focus enhancer.
Stimulated Brain Waves
Speaking of L-Theanine, studies have also found that it can have a direct, positive impact on the brain. This amino acid stimulates brain waves, increasing a person’s alpha activity and significantly affecting mental alertness as well as arousal in beneficial ways. L-Theanine has been linked to well-being, memory, alertness, focus, and more. It is commonly added to energy drinks now to offset the caffeine, but you can get it straight from the natural source with matcha.
Heart Health
Matcha contains high amounts of flavonoid catechins. Catechins are powerful antioxidants that stop oxidative damage to cells and prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol. Catechins also improve artery function, and have been linked to lowering the risk of heart disease and reducing hypertension risk by 46-65% in regular green tea consumers. There is more antioxidant action in matcha than any other green tea, and green tea beats out most superfoods to begin with.
Burn Calories
Being catechin-dense provides yet another benefit of matcha you might be interested in—increased metabolism. Catechins combined with caffeine helps burn fat, and matcha can boost your metabolism by nearly 40%. This unique green tea can help you lose weight (along with eating healthy and regularly exercising of course). Matcha is a great addition to a fast or keto diet too, as it is easy to make, can be naturally sweetened without calories, and doesn’t disrupt ketosis.
Improved Immune System
Since we’re still touting the catechins, we’ll hit you with another one of their matcha-related benefits—fortifying the immune system with natural antibiotic properties. Antioxidants tend to have anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory effects. Matcha’s high antioxidant count does all of this too. A cup of matcha tea is also rich in vitamins A and C, iron, calcium and potassium, which together help enhance a body’s immune system.
Blood Sugar Balance
If there’s one thing that really sets matcha apart from other teas and healthy foods, it’s those antioxidants we keep mentioning. Matcha has 137 times the polyphenol EGCG than even the best regular green teas. Matcha helps in lowering blood sugar levels, regulating blood pressure, weight loss, and protecting brain cells.
Youthful Glow
For healthier, younger-looking skin, the antioxidants in matcha can help. Reduce puffiness, inflammation, and those ugly dark circles with this superfood used inside and out. EGCG has been linked to better skin tone, increased elasticity, and reduced acne. Make your tea, let it cool and spray it across your face to start seeing these results today. Matcha can be used in face scrubs and face masks. It can be added to baths too.
Internal Cleanse
Chlorophyll is a natural cleanser and deodorizer. Matcha is grown under shade to maximize the amount of L-Theanine, but this also bumps up the chlorophyll in each leaf. Chlorophyll helps the body remove heavy metals, metabolic waste, environmental pollutants, and other harmful elements or toxins.
Gut Health
Your microbiome affects more than you know. Its health or lack thereof has been linked to cravings, allergies, weight management, and even mood. The caffeine in matcha has a positive effect on gut microbiota, while its anti-inflammatory properties can help calm your stomach and digestive system. Because you consume the whole leaf with matcha, you also get absorbable dietary fiber. Prebiotic fiber helps feed the beneficial bacteria we all rely on to stay healthy.
Meditative Bonus
Preparing matcha, especially when done following the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, compels you to slow down. Making matcha can be meditative and soothing. Sipping the unique, sweet, earthy flavor can be as well. So, for added health benefits, like reducing IBS symptoms, easing anxiety, and combatting depression, try mindfully meditating or practicing deep breathing while you enjoy your cup of matcha.
If these benefits speak to you, feel free to browse our store. We recommend Ceremonial Blend, Matcha Energy, or Sweet Matcha for those just starting out. Roasted Matcha and Black Ginger are for the more adventurous. And our Ceremonial Matcha is for those seeking the authentic Japanese experience. Enjoy!