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 up. 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.
More Complete 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 natural form of this energizing compound, not added like most sodas or energy drinks. Also, unlike coffee, matcha may be less likely to cause a spike in energy that leads to a crash. People tend to feel less jittery or nervous as well. Rather, matcha drinkers describe a calming energy that lasts longer with a slow increase that tapers off. This seems due to the naturally occurring L-Theanine, an amino acid that counterbalances the caffeine, so many experience a calm focused feeling. In one study, L-Theanine improved focus shown in reaction time and reduced errors in test taking and memorization. This is why monks in Japan created matcha in the first place. This unique combination of caffeine, L-Theanine, and antioxidants means matcha could be a 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 antioxidants that stop oxidative damage to cells and prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol. Catechins may 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 most superfoods to begin with. EGCG, found in matcha at higher amounts than regular green tea, has been linked to lowered blood pressure, cholesterol, and plaque accumulation.
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—modulating the immune system according to this scientific review. Antioxidants tend to have anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory effects. Matcha’s has a high antioxidant count. A cup of matcha tea is also rich in vitamins A and C, iron, calcium and potassium, which together support 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 are important. This scientific article touts the skin protecting mechanisms of polyphenols in green tea. Matcha can also 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 see how it works for you. Matcha can be used in face scrubs and masks. It can be added to baths too.
Chlorophyll
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 has been linked to decreasing dioxin absorption. It has also been tied to reducing oxidative stress.
Gut Health
Your microbiome affects more than you know. Its health or lack thereof may influence cravings, allergies, weight management, and even mood. Matcha has been linked to altering the population of the microbiome in beneficial ways. 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, but even a latte can be meditative as you unwind and sip. Sipping the unique, sweet, earthy flavor can be soothing as well. So, for added health benefits, both physical and mental, 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!