10 Reasons to Start your Day with Matcha

22 Νοέμβριος 2024

Did you know that Matcha tea was initially consumed by Japanese Buddhist monks to enhance their meditation skills and move closer to enlightenment?

Although originating from China and Japan, today Matcha is savoured globally both for its refreshing taste and rich health benefits.

What is Matcha?

Matcha derives from the leaves of the Camellia sinesis plant which are shaded during growth to reduce exposure to direct sunlight, allowing them to create greater levels of chlorophyll giving Matcha its verdant vibrancy. The leaves are then harvested and finely ground into powder, enabling you to consume the entire leaf, enjoying its health benefits and its distinct earthy sweet flavour.

Let’s explore 10 reasons why Matcha should be integrated into your morning ritual.

Rich in Antioxidants

Matcha is abundant in antioxidants like catechins, primarily epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) which help neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress. According to a study, Matcha contains 10 times more polyphenols than standard green tea, potentially minimizing the risk of damaged cells that could ultimately lead to chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and inflammation.

Promotes Liver Health

Like green tea, Matcha is believed to improve liver health which is essential to detoxify the body.

Enhances Brain Function

In a 2020 study Matcha was shown to improve attention, alertness and memory due to its high levels of caffeine with greater benefits observed in women. However, unlike other caffeine-rich beverages, Matcha does not come with the steep peak and drop in energy levels thanks to the calming effects of the compound, L-theanine which enables sustained energy throughout the entire day.

Supports Oral Health

The antioxidant compound, EGCG, may reduce oral bacteria that could lead to risk of plaque, cavities and gum disease.

Promotes Heart Health

Regular consumption of Matcha may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. According to a 2001 study, green tea was linked to a reduction in atherosclerosis (artery plaque buildup) which is likely shared by Matcha.

Supports Weight Loss

Matcha is known to boost the metabolism which in turn increases fat burning. This is a natural way to aid weight management with the added benefit of nutrients.

Elevates Gut Health

Thanks to the high levels of the polyphenol, EGCG catechins, Matcha supports a healthy gut microbiome which may improve digestion, metabolism, and immunity, helping to ward away conditions like obesity, diabetes, and liver disorders.

Reduces Stress

Based on a 2023 review in Current Research in Food Science, Matcha was found to alleviate stress and anxiety levels due to the rich levels of the amino acid, L-theanine, which promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. Unlike coffee, the caffeine content in Matcha provides a more soothing steady energy release without the jitters. The actual preparation of Matcha is a calming ritual in itself.

9. Slows Down Aging

It is understood that the high catechins content in Matcha may help to maintain good cell health by fighting oxidative stress, slowing down premature aging and promoting healthy skin.

Convenient and Versatile

Matcha can be enjoyed in various forms, either as the traditional tea or whisked into lattes, blended into smoothies, stirred into oatmeal or yoghurt or added into cookie or cake recipes for that extra nutrient boost.

Conclusion

So the key takeaway is that Matcha with its rich antioxidant compounds has a plethora of health properties which may reduce the risk of disease, promoting liver, heart, gut and oral health, whilst boosting mental focus and mood, improving weight loss, minimizing stress and slowing premature aging. What’s not to love? Although Matcha comes with these multitude of benefits, it is best consumed in moderation due to its high caffeine content, ideally 1 to 2 cups daily. Not all Matchas are created equally. Opt for the high quality, organic Matcha. Coupled with a healthy diet and lifestyle, the optimum benefits of Matcha can be enjoyed.

How to Prepare Matcha Tea

There are 3 different grades of Matcha: