7 Health Benefits of Matcha: Why the World is Crazy About This Green Powder?
Have you ever wondered why Zen monks drink matcha to meditate for hours? Or why Japanese women have beautiful skin and long life? Part of the answer might be hidden in the emerald green cup called “Matcha”.
Matcha isn’t just a health fashion trend. It is an “Elixir” drunk for thousands of years. And today, modern science has proven that the benefits told are “True”.
Here are 7 focused benefits of matcha that will make you want to brew a cup right now!
1. Antioxidant Powerhouse
When speaking of antioxidants, we think of berries, dark chocolate, or leafy greens. But did you know Matcha has many times more antioxidants than those!
The hero here is the Catechin group called EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) which is very concentrated in matcha (because we eat the whole leaf). EGCG helps:
- Reduce inflammation in body (root cause of chronic diseases)
- Slow down cell aging (Anti-aging)
- Reduce risk of certain cancers
Fact: 1 cup of matcha has antioxidants equivalent to drinking 10 cups of steeped Green Tea!
2. Calm Focus
Coffee makes us alert in a “Jittery” way and usually follows with palpitations or anxiety. But matcha gives a different kind of alertness called “Zenergy”.
The secret is the synergy of 2 substances:
- Caffeine: Helps brain alertness, freshness.
- L-Theanine: Special amino acid found in shade-grown tea. Helps adjust brain waves to Alpha waves, the same state as meditation, which is Relaxed but Alert.
The result is you can focus on work for 4-6 hours without headache or palpitations like coffee.
3. Metabolism Booster
Good news for fitness lovers! Matcha is a great natural Pre-workout. Research finds that drinking green tea with high EGCG along with exercise can help increase Fat Burning rate by up to 17%.
Also, it helps increase Endurance so you can work out longer. No need for expensive metabolism supplements, just drink matcha 30 minutes before gym.
4. Heart Health
Heart disease is a top cause of death globally. But drinking matcha might help reduce this risk. Studies in Japan found that people who drink green tea regularly have significantly reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Matcha helps:
- Reduce bad cholesterol (LDL)
- Reduce triglycerides
- Prevent fat clogging arteries
5. Brain Booster
Not just focus, but matcha also helps with “Memory” and long-term brain function. L-Theanine and Caffeine help increase brain performance in Memory and Reaction time.
Moreover, in elderly, consuming 2 grams of green tea daily continuously might help slow down brain degeneration and reduce Alzheimer’s risk.
6. Natural Detox
The intense green color of matcha comes from “Chlorophyll” generated from shade growing. Chlorophyll isn’t just for color. It is a great detox helper, aiding elimination of toxins, heavy metals, and chemical residues from the body, keeping blood clean and flowing well.
7. Glowing Skin
Not applying, but drinking for beautiful skin! Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of matcha help reduce redness from acne, reduce skin damage from UV rays, and stimulate blood flow to skin. Many find that reducing coffee and turning to matcha helps reduce acne and clears skin (but don’t forget not to add too much sugar!).
Summary: How Many Cups a Day?
For maximum benefit and safety, recommend drinking 1-2 cups per day (using about 2-4 grams of matcha powder). This is enough to get the Superfood Dose to care for your body and mind every day.
Ready to receive good health from matcha? Start easily by choosing good grade matcha (recommend ceremonial or premium for good taste) and try brewing in the morning instead of coffee for a week. Observe the changes yourself!