One of the health benefits of Matcha is its high antioxidant count. And what many deem Matcha’s premier antioxidant, the one all green tea drinkers go crazy over, is EGCG—it’s a very powerful antioxidant.
What is EGCG?
EGCG is the acronym for epigallocatechin gallate. It’s the main polyphenol found in Matcha. In fact, a study that did a dry leaf comparison between Matcha and another type of green tea showed that the concentration of EGCG in Matcha is 137 times greater than what’s available in the other green tea. The same study also showed Matcha’s EGCG concentration is at least three times greater than the largest concentration value in other regular green teas.
Why and how is EGCG good for you?
One thing to first note about the power behind this antioxidant is that EGCG interferes with oxidation, which allows it to reduce oxidative damage in cells. Oxidative damage contributes to numerous illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. This polyphenol is also capable of minimizing the formation of free radicals, which helps protect cells and molecules from impairment.
Here are some other ways EGCG in Matcha benefits your overall health.
Promotes brain health.
It’s just as important to keep your brain healthy as it is to keep yourself physically healthy. And EGCG is all about boosting your brain health. It increases memory, attention, alertness and cognition. It can reduce fatigue. EGCG also has refreshing and relaxing properties. This green tea polyphenol is even being used as a therapeutic agent to alter brain-aging processes and help protect against neurodegenerative disorders, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Safeguards the heart.
EGCG’s antioxidant properties also aid in its ability to prevent cardiovascular disease. It’s able to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure and cholesterol, the latter being the main factor contributing to heart disease, so it reduces one’s risk of heart disease.
Fights against bacterial infections.
EGCG has antimicrobial effects against several organisms. It damages bacterial membranes and attacks various infections. It has even been found to block viral cell binding, which blocks the binding of the HIV-1 virus, giving it the potential to be used as an adjunctive therapy for the HIV-1 infection.
Protects against inflammation.
EGCG is a powerful anti-inflammatory molecule. It can prevent and help treat vascular inflammation brought on by rheumatoid arthritis.
Reduces wrinkles.
If old age is starting to show on your face and body, try drinking a cup of Matcha a day. EGCG has anti-wrinkling effects.
Defends dental health.
EGCG is also a potent oral defense mechanism. One study found that drinking Matcha green tea raises oral peroxidases activity, which gives Matcha tea drinkers extra protection against oxidative stress in their mouths.
Aids in weight loss.
A question many of us ask, “How can I lose weight?” If dieting hasn’t worked for you, try adding EGCG to your daily diet. Studies have found that EGCG is effective in helping people lose weight—even if they’re not dieting. One study gave overweight men 300mg of EGCG for two days, and the study’s findings suggest that EGCG by itself can increase fat oxidation and also contribute to the anti-obesity effects that green tea is known for. Another study gave EGCG to subjects who were obese and had metabolic syndrome, and the results showed that this polyphenol can decrease body weight and body mass index.
The post EGCG in Matcha & What You Should Know appeared first on Ujido.