If you’re keeping up with the latest health and wellness trends, you’ve probably come across one of those posts from many health gurus on Instagram talking about matcha tea. This green tea variation has had everyone raving about it on the internet ever since its health benefits were introduced to the Western side of the map back in 2015. However, matcha green tea is not a new concoction; in fact, it has been used since the 12th century and is still consumed by some East Asian countries like Japan to this day.
It’s no wonder that globally, they have the highest life expectancy rate, given the numerous health benefits matcha offers when consumed daily. If you want to know why this tea is gaining so much popularity, continue reading as we’ve highlighted 6 of its most prominent health benefits that will get you to join the trend.
1. Matcha Tea Has Neuroprotective Benefits
Matcha tea contains a group of antioxidants called catechins. These catechins are commonly found in many other green tea types, but in matcha tea, they are three times higher in epigallocatechin gallate, also known as EGCG. EGCG helps prevent and slow down the progression of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. This substance is in the eye of scientific interest because it seems to have a direct impact on brain cells.
2. Increasing Metabolism and Weight Loss
Studies show that the antioxidants in matcha tea, especially EGCG, help in boosting metabolism. When tested, people who consumed matcha green tea, or its extract, showed better weight loss results than those who didn’t. They also experienced lower BMI and reduced body fat. The tea contains no calories and is very easy to blend in with many delicious recipes. According to matcha experts at MatchaOutlet.com, the tea can be easily blended into a latte to provide higher energy levels than most energy drinks or even coffee. It can also be used in many delicious desserts and green smoothies.
3. A Great Source of Antioxidants
As we explained, matcha tea is high in antioxidants, not just EGCG, but also other healthy antioxidants that help its drinkers live longer. Antioxidants help in fighting off free radicals found in the body that cause cell damage. This is thanks to the oxygen radical absorbance capacity, or ORAC, rates found in matcha tea, which is found at a rate of 1348 units per gram of matcha. This rate is 15 times higher than the rate of antioxidants found in any other superfood such as berries or pomegranates.
4. Lowering Cholesterol Levels
Drinking green tea has always been known to improve cardiac health. Matcha tea, along with any type of green tea, lowers your cholesterol levels and has also been proven to lower the levels of triglycerides. This is because of the epigallocatechin gallate found in matcha, which aids in reducing lipid accumulations. It also reduces the risks of strokes and coronary artery disease by at least 20%. This is why drinking matcha green tea is a good way of keeping the concentration of your cholesterol low and enhancing your heart’s health.
5. Increasing Energy and Physical Performance
People tend to go for coffee when they need something to kick start their day or get them through long hours for work. But coffee is not ideal for those who suffer from anxiety and seems to always put people on edge after drinking more coffee than recommended. Fortunately, there is a matcha. Drinking matcha can give you an energy boost that can be maintained for more than 6 hours without leaving you drained after putting that energy to work. It’s actually good for your heart, so having an extra cup will not negatively affect your health.
6. Increasing Concentration and Focus
Drinking matcha, unlike coffee, will not stress you out and leave you anxious. The L-theanine amino acid in matcha tea has relaxing properties that will boost your energy and wake you up in a much calmer way than coffee. It can help you get rid of stress and perform your tasks with more concentration and relaxation, contrary to the usual effects of coffee.
Matcha tea is also known to improve skin health and strengthen the immune system, helping our bodies fight off infections and detoxifying them from built-up toxins. It’s a natural source of caffeine that boosts your energy levels and provides you with thousands of other health benefits you can’t find in regular coffee. Matcha can be cooked, drank, or used in delicious recipes, so find your favorite way of consuming so you can easily include it in your diet.
