Recently, matcha tea is getting popular from social media to supermarkets to coffee shops. You can read or hear about matcha tea and its benefits anywhere. Matcha tea comes from the same plant as green tea which is Camellia Sinensis. However, their benefits are a little different because they are grown differently. Farmers cover the matcha plants from sunlight for 20-30 days before harvesting. This way the chlorophyll increases which in turn increases the amino acid content in the plant.
Matcha contains nutrients from the entire leaf which results in a greater amount of caffeine and antioxidants than green tea. There are several health benefits of matcha tea and some of them are explained below:
Loaded with antioxidants
Matcha contains a whole lot of antioxidants because when you add matcha powder in the hot water to make tea, it contains all the nutrients from the entire leaf. Antioxidants from matcha help stabilize harmful free radicals, which can damage cells and cause chronic disease. According to a study, matcha is up to 137 times greater than green tea.
Boosts your brain function
It has been proven that caffeine helps in better brain function by improving overall memory and leads to an increased attention span. Some studies show that some components in matcha help to enhance brain function. Matcha provides you benefits of caffeine without the anxiety that often comes with it. It contains a more concentrated amount of caffeine than green tea. Therefore, it improves the memory, attention, and reaction time of the brain. It also contains L-theanine, which reduces stress level and induces relaxation.
Weight loss
Green tea is well known for its ability to help in weight loss. It may help speed up metabolism and increase energy and boost fat burning. A study shows that by taking green tea during moderate exercise you can increase fat burning by 17%. Most of the studies show that green tea extract helps in weight loss and matcha tea comes from the same plant so it must also have the same effects and benefits.
Good for the immune system
Matcha is loaded with antioxidants but it contains a very special catechin antioxidant called EGCg. It helps our body fight against bacterial and viral infections. This catechin bind cells to the body and helps fight against many diseases including influenza. Hence, matcha tea is beneficial for our immune system and can be consumed every day.
Above mentioned points describe the important health benefits of having matcha tea. However, it should be used in moderate amounts and after consulting the dietician.
