Health benefits of matcha tea a lot. A cup of matcha tea is here to set sparks in your mind. Laced with polyphenols, rich in amino acid, and with L-theanine found in high concentrations, matcha tea boosts the alpha waves in your brain. These amazing alpha waves are responsible for soothing the mind and allowing you to focus your thinking with clarity and ease. Combine that with the pinch of caffeine that comes in matcha tea and you have a combo that keeps you effortlessly alert. The best thing about the state of alert that matcha gifts you is that it’s not an edgy alert but a calm clarity that keeps you connected to your sense of purpose.
A study on the combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood found that both speed and accuracy of performance in the participants were improved along with a boost in memory too. Next time you need your mind to shine, a cup of matcha can keep you focused and clear.
Health Benefits of Matcha Tea
Matcha tea for focus
Some things simply require a lot of thought. The combination of caffeine and l-theanine does wonders for concentration. L-theanine boosts the production of alpha waves in the brain. These alpha waves encourage relaxation and induce a profound feeling of mental clarity and a more alert state of mind – the same mental state can be found in meditation and yoga practice.
Great for immunity
Being sick, however, is not sick. Matcha green tea Fortifies the immune system and limits the invasion and growth of viruses and bacteria in the body. The special catechin antioxidant called EGCg is effective in fighting and protecting the body against various bacterial and viral infections. EGCg binds to cells in the body and inhibits the growth of many disease-causing microorganisms including influenza A virus, Hepatitis Virus, Herpes Virus, and the bacteria that causes Strep Throat.
Matcha burns calories
Matcha green tea utilizes fat as an energy source. Green tea catechins activate the body’s thermogenic fat-burning activity. In a 12-week study, it was found that ingesting green tea led to a significant reduction in BMI, waist circumference, body fat mass, and subcutaneous fat area of healthy Japanese men and women. Bet your last workout wasn’t that easy!
Improve heart health
Matcha green tea can help protect you from a heart attack or stroke– and matcha green tea powder may be much more effective than steeped green tea when it comes to heart health. Introducing matcha green tea into your regular diet may significantly lower your risk of having a stroke or heart attack.
Of course, matcha isn’t all you need for a healthy heart. Experts recommend a healthy and regular eating pattern that includes whole grains, fruits and vegetables, fish, and foods that are low in sugar, fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Eating right and exercising are key to a healthy heart!
Matches to calm down
L-theanine is a rare amino acid found in high concentrations in matcha that crosses the blood-brain barrier and promotes a feeling of relaxation while reducing mental and physical stress. L-theanine works with caffeine to provide a stable extended boost of energy with none of the usual jittery side effects of caffeine and stimulants. It’s a mouthful, but l-theanine has a lot to do with the relaxed state of mind you experience when you’re on matcha.
Antioxidants
Matcha Green Tea has the highest antioxidant rating of all major superfoods, and there’s even a test to prove it. According to The ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity) test, which measures the antioxidant levels in foods, Matcha Green Tea measures 1384 units per gram. That’s 13x the antioxidants of pomegranates, 15x the antioxidants of blueberries, and 125x that of spinach.
Matcha for oral health
90% of bad breath comes from bacterial cavities in your mouth. This is where bacteria break down sulfur-containing amino acids into foul-smelling volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). If the bacterial colonies in your mouth get out of control, bad breath will begin to run wild.
Matcha can help you lose weight
Matcha contains EGCg (epigallocatechin gallate), which increases CCK (cholecystokinin), the hormone responsible for making you feel full. Drinking matcha between meals will help you feel full and resist those sneaky snacks that are full of calories. Drinking matcha puts you in a better mood, makes you feel more relaxed, and results in happiness. As a result of this phenomenon, you won’t need to snack or overeat to feel good.
Reduce redness
Matcha powder has many anti-inflammatory properties, especially EGCg, that reduce the redness associated with chronic skin conditions such as rosacea and acne. It is gentle enough for all skin types and brings soothing relief. Not only will your skin feel better, but you’ll also look better, too!
Improve your complexion
Matcha powder does crazy things to keep your complexion fresh and healthy. Not only does it reduce inflammation, but it also offers a one-two punch for the skin to exfoliate and eliminate dead skin cells, then rejuvenates the underlying skin to improve your complexion. The only thing you’ll see is a better-looking version of yourself!
Matcha tea for arthritis
Matcha tea is one of the most-studied drinks when it comes to its benefits for arthritis patients. Green, black and white teas are all rich in polyphenols – compounds from plants that have strong anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown that green tea also helps preserve cartilage and bone.
Green tea has polyphenols, and antioxidants believed to reduce inflammation and slow cartilage destruction. Studies also show that another antioxidant in green tea called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCg) blocks the production of molecules that cause joint damage in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Antioxidant-rich green tea may be useful in the prevention of the onset and severity of arthritis. Whether your wrist is sore, or you just don’t wait for it to be, Good Matcha will be sure to make you feel better!
Matcha Tea Nutrition Per Cup
- 310 mg of protein
- 272 mg total amino acids
- 50 mg of lipids
- 27 mg potassium
- 2.3 mg magnesium
- 4.2 mg calcium
- 0.062 mg zinc
- 3.5 mg phosphorus
- 0.17 mg iron
As well as a wealth of vitamins including; vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, E, K
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamin A (Carotene)
Several types of carotene exist in tea leaves but B-Carotene is the most common. B-Carotene converts to Vitamin A once absorbed in the body and has been shown to help promote better vision and eliminate free radicals with its strong effects as an antioxidant.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Thiamine is an essential nutrient because people are unable to produce it within the body. It’s necessary for the proper metabolism of sugar, amino acids, and lipids. Thiamine is especially important for people who depend on rice as their primary source of nutrition.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
Riboflavin helps cells utilize oxygen most efficiently and is necessary for normal cell growth like red blood cell formation and antibody production. It also helps tissues of the skin, hair, nails, and hair utilize oxygen more efficiently.
Vitamin B3 (niacin)
Niacin helps the body break down carbohydrates, fat, and proteins to release energy. In addition, it has a wide range of functions that serve to help the skin, digestive system, and nervous system. Studies that show niacin can boost levels of good HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides. There is also good evidence that it helps to reduce the hardening of arteries and can lower the risk of a heart attack.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant vitamin that eliminates free radicals from the body. It is an essential nutrient involved in the repair of tissue and the production of specific neurotransmitters. In addition, Vitamin C has antiviral and antibacterial properties that assist in preventing sickness and is important for a healthy immune system. Fermented teas (like black and oolong tea) contain far less Vitamin C because it is destroyed in the fermentation process.
Vitamin F (fluorine)
Fluorine is particularly abundant in the Camellia family of plants. It adheres to the surface of teeth and produces an antioxidant coating that helps fight against cavities.
Vitamin P (Flavonoids)
Tea is one of the most-studied drinks when it comes to its benefits for arthritis patients. Green, black and white teas are all rich in polyphenols – compounds from plants that have strong anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown that green tea also helps preserve cartilage and bone.
Matcha Tea Side Effects
Matcha tea is one of the healthiest things you can put in your body and the benefits certainly outweigh any small side effects for most people. Generally, those who sip on matcha don’t experience any issues whatsoever. Like all things in life, it is important not to go overboard as too much matcha (or with any caffeinated tea) can cause a few slight possible side effects such as:
- Upset stomach
- Constipation
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Jitters
- Irritability
- Heartburn
It’s also worth noting that there has been some information released about green tea grown in China and the possibility that it may contain small amounts of lead. This is because the plant soaks it up from the natural environment and because rather than steeping the tea (like other teas), you consume the leaf. While granted, lead isn’t something you want to readily consume you can shop around for times grown elsewhere or limit your intake and remember the amount is minuscule.
