What are the benefits of Matcha tea? Like green tea, Matcha comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. However, it grows differently and has a unique nutritional profile. Farmers raise Matcha by covering tea trees 20-30 days before harvest to avoid direct sunlight; this increases chlorophyll production, improves amino acid content, and gives plants a deeper green color. After harvesting the tea leaves, remove the stems and veins, and grind the leaves into a fine powder called Matcha.
Matcha contains the nutrients of the whole tea leaf, which has more caffeine and antioxidants than those typically found in green tea.
Increases Energy Levels and Keep Calm
Matcha tea is unique because shading and harvesting increase the content of L-Theanine, an amino acid that helps balance the caffeine. While Matcha may contain the same caffeine as other types of tea, the L-Theanine is known to create calmness without drowsiness.
Antioxidants
Another benefit of Matcha is the high concentration of antioxidants. One study found that Matcha has 137 times the polyphenols than regular green tea. This type of green tea contains over 60x the antioxidants of spinach and 7x the antioxidants of high-quality dark chocolate. There is evidence that these polyphenols may protect against some types of cancer.
Weight Loss
EGCG, found in high concentrations in Matcha, has been shown to increase the rate of burning stored fat as energy and decrease the formation of new fat cells. Other studies have shown that the catechins in Matcha increase the body’s calorie-burning rate each day and offer additional fat-burning benefits during exercise.
Healthy Heart
A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that the catechins in green tea significantly lowered LDL cholesterol. A Cochrane review also showed that regular green tea consumption was associated with lower blood pressure and a decreased risk of stroke.
Increase Brain Power
The L-Theanine in green tea is known to help stimulate alpha brain waves. These waves are known for their ability to help increase focus and concentration.
Enriched in Chlorophyll
Shading the Matcha leaves creates an increased amount of Chlorophyll, which some preliminary research has shown may help the body eliminate heavy metals and other harmful buildups. Research is still lacking, but many alternative doctors recommend Chlorophyll.
Healthy Skin
The antioxidants that protect green tea, including EGCG, may also help support skin health by reducing inflammation and free radicals that accelerate skin aging.