Discovering Matcha Tea: Exploring Its 15 Health Benefits

In this article, we will discuss the numerous benefits of matcha tea. Consuming this miraculous elixir could help prevent many minor ailments, strengthen the immune system, increase attention and concentration, and improve your mood. The benefits of matcha are truly impressive, leading many to wonder, "Is matcha good for you?" The answer is a resounding yes—matcha is incredibly healthy.

During winter and cold seasons, with the days ending early, the afternoon tea ritual is a must, but it sometimes turns into a true "ceremony" if it's Matcha green tea. Matcha tea, or Matcha green tea, is a highly prized Japanese green tea. Cultivated in Japan, it comes as a very fine and fragrant powder with an intense green color. Everything, from cultivation to processing to the preparation of this extraordinary tea, follows an ancient ritual, ensuring that its health benefits are maximized.

15 beneficial properties of matcha green tea

Matcha green tea contains numerous nutrients, including caffeine, which is why it was used by Buddhist monks during meditation to maintain high concentration.

But not only that, matcha green tea has antioxidant properties, can stimulate metabolism, and provide energy to the body.

Let's see in detail the numerous beneficial properties of this green tea. Indeed, it is no coincidence that it is considered the elixir of Buddhist doctors.

1. Antioxidant

 Matcha green tea has superior antioxidant properties compared to any other green tea. This is possible because matcha tea is prepared by suspension, not infusion, mixing the powder directly in hot water, giving it a higher concentration of substances. Antioxidants are precious molecules that protect body tissues from aging and chronic diseases by preventing chemical reactions that lead to the formation of harmful compounds. Matcha green tea contains an important class of antioxidants, catechins. It has about 10g of catechins per 100g of Matcha, much more than regular bagged green tea. Matcha tea has antioxidant properties 10/20 times superior to a good quality green tea.

2. Boosts Metabolism

 Matcha green tea can promote thermogenesis, leading to an increase in metabolism. Thanks to the presence of the polyphenol EGCG, it is possible to burn fats much faster. According to research by the American Society of Clinical Nutrition, adult men who regularly drink matcha green tea increase their energy consumption by about 35-45%.

3. Strengthens the Immune System

 Thanks to the presence of antioxidants and polyphenols that help strengthen our immune system.

4. Increases Concentration and Memory

 This is an effect of the L-Theanine present in matcha tea. L-Theanine is an amino acid commonly found in tea, capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, it has important psychoactive properties. Matcha has higher levels of L-Theanine than any other green tea. Among the many benefits of this amino acid, one of the most important is that it increases dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, which stimulate memory, promote concentration, and improve mood.

5. Draining and Detoxifying Effect

 The crops are covered for 15-20 days before harvest to maintain high levels of chlorophyll in the plants. The chlorophyll present in matcha green tea is a powerful detoxifying agent due to its high draining effect. This makes matcha tea capable of eliminating heavy metals and other harmful chemicals from your body.

6. Increases Energy

 Matcha has higher caffeine levels than any other green tea. Therefore, consuming it helps combat physical fatigue. Unlike the caffeine in coffee, which has a more immediate but shorter effect, the caffeine in matcha green tea is released more slowly, making the effect more lasting. For this reason, Japanese Samurai also consumed matcha tea before going into battle, as it keeps energy levels high and improves endurance.

7. Contains EGCg

 Epigallocatechin gallate is a type of catechin and is the most abundant catechin in tea, particularly in matcha green tea. EGCG is increasingly studied for its supposed anti-cancer properties as it appears to offer protection against the development of certain types of cancer.

8.Reduces Bad Cholesterol

 Although there are not yet enough scientific studies to prove this, it seems that people who regularly drink matcha green tea have lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and higher levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.

9. Improves Mood

 Another extraordinary benefit linked to the presence of L-Theanine in matcha green tea is that it promotes good mood! This happens because L-Theanine increases dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, fostering states of calm and happiness. Known as the elixir of Buddhist monks, it is well known that green tea is their favorite drink, ideal for meditating, relaxing, and staying focused. L-Theanine makes you relaxed but also active and concentrated, and the beneficial effects of a single cup of matcha green tea can last up to 6 hours. Matcha contains more L-Theanine than regular green tea because the plantations grow sheltered from sunlight.

10. Prevents Sunburn

 The presence of beta-carotene could help if you want to get a tan, but simultaneously, the polyphenols in matcha tea leaves help counteract the damage caused by UVA rays. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate is an antioxidant that can protect the skin from UV radiation damage.

11.Anti-Aging

 Matcha green tea has superior antioxidant properties compared to any other green tea. Antioxidants are precious molecules that protect body tissues from aging and chronic diseases by preventing chemical reactions that lead to the formation of harmful compounds. Matcha tea can counteract the formation of free radicals, preventing cellular aging.

12. Aids Digestion

 Green tea can calm the mucous membranes of the digestive system. Therefore, matcha tea is a natural and very effective remedy for those who suffer from nervous or inflammatory stomach or intestinal disorders. Matcha green tea promotes the elimination of feces, helping to cleanse the colon by removing accumulated toxins. Additionally, matcha tea can protect the liver and help in case of gastric hyperacidity.

13. Helps with Type 2 Diabetes

 Scientific studies on rats have shown that consuming matcha green tea can help with type 2 diabetes. Matcha intake can improve the sensitivity of cells to insulin action and glucose tolerance.

14. Defends Against Infections

 Studies suggest that epigallocatechin gallate has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It can inhibit the growth of many pathogenic bacteria and viruses.

15. Unique Flavor

 Matcha green tea either you love it or you don't. Its flavor is really unique. But the benefits just listed are a good reason to start consuming it. If you don't like the taste of matcha, there are many ways and recipes to introduce it into your diet deliciously.

To know how to prepare matcha green tea and the necessary tools, click here > How to Prepare Matcha Tea.

Which Matcha Tea to Choose?

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

Ceremonial Grade is the most prized, ideal for tea preparation.

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

Finally, Culinary Grade is great for preparing cake and cookie recipes or as a natural colorant.