The benefits of Matcha Tea: the 15 beneficial properties

In this article we will talk about the numerous benefits of matcha tea, taking this miraculous elixir could help prevent many minor ailments, strengthen the immune system, increase attention and concentration and improve your mood.

During the winter and cold seasons, with the days setting early, the ritual of afternoon tea is a must, but sometimes it turns into a real “ceremonial” se it is Matcha green tea.

Matcha tea, or Matcha green tea is a highly prized Japanese green tea.

Grown in Japan, it appears as a very fine and fragrant powder, with an intense green colour.

Everything, from cultivation, to processing up to the preparazione of this extraordinary tea, follows an ancient ritual.

15 beneficial properties of matcha green tea

Matcha green tea contains numerous nutrients, including caffeine and for this reason it was used by Buddhist monks during meditation to keep concentration high.

But not only that, matcha green tea has antioxidant properties and is said to be able to stimulate the metabolism and give energy to the body.

But let's see in detail the numerousbeneficial properties of this green tea, in fact, it is no coincidence that it is considered the elixir of Buddhist doctors.

1. Antioxidant

Matcha green tea ha antioxidant properties superior to any other green tea.

This is possible because matcha tea is prepared by suspension and not by infusion, the powder is directly mixed in hot water, giving it a higher concentration of substances.

Antioxidants areprecious molecules capable of protecting the body's tissues from aging and chronic diseases as they manage to prevent chemical reactions that lead to the formation of harmful compounds.

Matcha green tea contains an important class of antioxidants, catechins.

In fact, it contains approximately 10g of catechins per 100g of Matcha, decidedly more than normal green tea bags.

Matcha tea has antioxidant properties 10/20 times higher than a good green tea quality.

2. Matcha green tea accelerates the metabolism

The matcha green tea would be able to promote thermogenesis, which involves a increased metabolism.

In fact, thanks to the presence of the polyphenol EGCG it is possible to burn fat much faster.

According to research byAmerican Society of Clinical Nutrition, adult men who regularly drink matcha green tea increase their energy consumption by approximately 35-45%.

3. Matcha green tea strengthens the immune system

Thanks to the presence of antioxidants and polyphenols which contribute to strengthen our immune system.

4. Matcha tea increases concentration and memory

This is an effect of the Theanine present in matcha tea.

The theanine is an amino acid that is commonly found in tea, capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. For this reason, it has very important psychoactive properties.

Matcha has higher levels of theanine than any other green tea.

Among the many benefits of this amino acid, one of the most important would be that of increasing the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain.

The latter stimulate memory and promote concentration, and also promote good mood.

5. Matcha green tea has a draining and detoxifying effect

Crops are covered 15-20 days into the harvest to keep chlorophyll levels high in the plants.

The chlorophyll present in matcha green tea is a powerful detoxifying agent as it has a effect high draining.

This would make matcha tea capable of eliminating heavy metals and other harmful chemicals from your body.

6. Matcha tea increases energy

Matcha has higher levels of caffeine than any other green tea.

So taking it helps us to fight physical tiredness.

Contrary to the caffeine contained in coffee, which has a more immediate effect but lasts less, the one found in matcha green tea is a slower release and therefore the effect is more long-lasting.

For this reason even the Japanese samurai consumed matcha tea before going into battle, because it keeps their energy level high and improves resistance.

7. Contains EGCg

The epigallocatechin gallate is a type of catechin and is the most abundant catechin in tea, and in particular in Matcha green tea.

EGCG is increasingly studied for its alleged anti-tumor properties as it appears that it may offer protection against the development of some types of cancer.

For further study > A new concept of tumor promotion by tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cancer preventive agents (-)-epigallocatechin gallate and green tea–a review. (Fujiki H, Suganuma M, Okabe S, Sueoka E, Suga K, Imai K, Nakachi K.)

8. Against bad cholesterol

There are not yet sufficient scientific studies proving this, but it would appear that people who regularly drink matcha green tea have lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and similarly high levels of HDL (good cholesterol).

9. Matcha improves mood

Another extraordinary benefit linked to the presence of L-Theanine in matcha green tea is that promotes a good mood!

This happens because theanine increases levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, promoting moods such as calm and happiness.

Also called the elixir of Buddhist monks, it is well known that green tea is their favorite drink.

The ideal to meditate, relax but at the same time stay focused.

L-Theanine, which makes you relaxed but at the same time active and concentrated and the beneficial effects of a single cup of matcha green tea can last up to 6 hours.

Matcha contains more theanine than normal green tea, this is because the plantations grow sheltered from sunlight.

10. Matcha tea prevents sunburn

The presence of beta-carotene could help if you wanted to tan, but at the same time the presence of polyphenols contained in matcha tea leaves would help to counteract the damage caused by UVA rays.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate is an antioxidant that is thought to be able to protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation.

Source of the study by clicking here > Green tea and skin cancer: photoimmunology, angiogenesis and DNA repair. (Katiyar S¹, Elmets CA, Katiyar SK.)

11. Matcha green tea as anti-aging

Matcha green tea has superior antioxidant properties than any other green tea.

Antioxidants areprecious molecules capable of protecting the body's tissues from aging and chronic diseases as they manage to prevent chemical reactions that lead to the formation of harmful compounds.

Matcha tea, in fact, would be able to counteract the formation of free radicals, preventing cellular aging.

12. Matcha green tea helps digestion

Green tea would be able to calm the mucous membranes of the digestive system.

For this reason, Matcha tea is a natural and very effective remedy for those suffering from disorders of nervous or inflammatory origin of the stomach or intestine.

Matcha green tea promotes the elimination of stool, this helps the cleaning of the colon eliminating the toxins that accumulate there.

Furthermore, matcha tea would be able to protect the liver and help in case of gastric hyperacidity.

13. Matcha helps in case of type 2 diabetes

Scientific studies on rats have shown that consuming matcha green tea can help in the case of type 2 diabetes.

In fact, the intake of matcha tea could improve the sensitivity of cells to the action of insulin and glucose tolerance.

To learn more about the study click here > Matcha, a powdered green tea, ameliorates the progression of renal and hepatic damage in type 2 diabetic OLETF rats. (Yamabe N, Kang KS, Hur JM, Yokozawa T.)

14. Matcha green tea defends against infections

Studies demonstrate that epigallocatechin gallate has antibacterial and antiviral properties.

would be able to inhibit the growth of many pathogenic bacteria and viruses.

To learn more about the study > Bacterial thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase as mediators for epigallocatechin 3-gallate-induced antimicrobial action. (Liang W, Fernandes AP, Holmgren A, Li X, Zhong L.)

15. The Flavor of Matcha Tea

Matcha green tea is either liked a lot or not at all, its flavor is truly particular.

But the benefits of matcha tea just listed, represent a good reason to start consuming it.

In case you don't like the taste of Matcha, there are many ways and recipes to introduce it into your diet in a tasty way.

To find out how Matcha green tea is prepared and what tools are needed, click here > Matcha Tea Preparation | How to prepare a perfect matcha tea according to the ancient Japanese tradition and beyond!

Which Matcha Tea to choose?

Depending on the processing of this incredible tea you can find 3 different gradations: the Ceremonial, the Premium and the Culinary.

The Ceremonial Grade is the most prized, ideal for preparing tea.

Or a Premium Grade for a slightly more delicate taste, good both for drinking and for your recipes.