The health benefits of drinking matcha tea include the prevention and treatment of various medical conditions, but it also has its contraindications.
However, before mentioning these it is important to clarify the following question: What is Matcha?
Matcha or maccha is a finely ground powder of bright emerald green tea. It’s a Green Tea natural and organic that has been the heart of the famous Japanese medicine of tea for more than 900 years. Buddhist monks honored matcha tea as the «elixir of health» for its potential to increase concentration and improve metabolism.
Originating in China in the 9th century, matcha was used as a medicine to cure various ailments. However, his word of good manners passed in China. It was only after the Zen Buddhist monks of Japan realized its potential in the late 12th century that perfection in matcha cultivation rose. Matcha is still little cultivated and accounts for only 0.6% of the total tea yield.
Tea bushes are sheltered to avoid exposure to direct sunlight, which reduces the rate of photosynthesis and slows down plant growth. This gives the leaves a darker shade of green and stimulates the production of chlorophyll and amino acids.
Matcha is harvested by hand to ensure selection of the smallest and youngest leaves for the best quality tea. Unlike other green colors, the leaves used for nuance are briefly steamed to protect from oxidation and preserve their flavor and nutritional content.
This is followed by the ultra-fine milling of the tench leaves using granite stone mills resulting in a beautiful green powder that is the raw material for matcha tea. After being appreciated in Japan for decades, it has recently been gaining recognition in other parts of the world, attributing its unique flavor and remarkable therapeutic qualities.
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Nutritional properties of matcha tea
Matcha tea is a time-honored beverage that is a source of vitamin A, C, E, K, vitamin B complex, and trace minerals. Matcha tea is rich in components with super antioxidant activity including polyphenols, catechins and chlorophyll.
The presence of amino acids like tetany and theophylline in matcha tea makes it a multi-nutrient packed drink.
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Matcha tea health benefits
The main health benefits of matcha tea are listed below.
Fstrengthens the immune system As mentioned above, matcha contains various antioxidants, polyphenols, EGCG, L-theanine that collectively increase the body’s defense and help counteract antigens.
It is an antioxidant agent Matcha tea stores a large amount of antioxidants and natural polyphenols. A research study evaluating the antioxidant power of matcha tea has revealed that, compared to other green teas, matcha has the highest amount of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an extremely healthy component with many benefits. These antioxidants seek out oxygen free radicals and neutralize their harmful effects, thus protecting the body from the onset of disorders or inflammation associated with oxidative stress.
Control type 2 diabetes Matcha tea may be valuable in maintaining a healthy metabolism in people with diabetes. Antioxidant-rich matcha tea helps reduce levels of triglycerides, cholesterol and hepatic glucose in diabetic individuals. An investigation in the investigation carried out in diabetic subjects administered with the aim of demonstrating that matcha exerts an inhibitory action against kidney and liver damage by restricting the accumulation of advanced glycation end products in the kidneys.
Improves cardiovascular health Another valuable action exerted by the epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) present in the match is the maintenance of cardiovascular health. The richness of this component in matcha tea makes it a powerful concentration to keep blood levels low. cholesterol. A research study that suggested that EGCG helps reduce lipid accumulation and promotes autophagy in vascular endothelial cells.
increases energy The tea matcha contains a healthy form of coffee that should not be confused with the regular coffee presentation. This unique form of coffee known as theophylline boosts energy levels without adverse effects.
detoxifies the body The chlorophyll present in matcha tea accentuates its effectiveness in the cleansing process of the body. Chlorophyll is an excellent detoxifier that helps clean the blood. Helps maintain the alkalinity of blood and tissues. Chlorophyll also helps prevent harmful toxins from associating with the lining of the colon and expels them from the body.
Provides relaxation and mental alertness Matcha tea works wonderfully well by providing a calming effect on the body. L-theanine, a unique amino acid found in matcha green tea, possesses anti-anxiety properties, which helps boost alpha waves in the brain. These alpha waves stimulate relaxation and induce a deep sense of mental clarity and a more alert state of mind, just as yogic techniques impart.
A study conducted on theanine suggests that theanine acts as a neurotransmitter exerting a calming effect on the brain without causing drowsiness. This calming effect provided by matcha helped Buddhist monks maintain deep concentration during their meditation sessions and was the main reason behind its popularity. Another study has revealed the anti-stress effects of theanine present in matcha, which helps reduce physiological and psychological stress responses by inhibiting neuronal excitation.
Protects from infections As mentioned above, matcha tea contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which is also effective in fighting various bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Research investigation has suggested that EGCG binds to the lipid membrane and exerts an inhibitory action against the growth of several important human pathogens, including influenza A virus, hepatitis B and C virus, herpes virus, adenovirus Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans yeast.
Improves gastrointestinal function Match tea is useful for treating gastrointestinal disorders. A research study conducted in this field has revealed that consumption of matcha stimulates fecal excretion and helps rid the body of harmful chemicals and toxins.
prevents cancer Matcha tea collaborates in the prevention of cancer attributed to the presence of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that has chemopreventive properties. Multiple studies have shown that the polyphenols in matcha prevent the proliferation of malignant cancer cells, promote the induction of apoptosis, and help reduce the risk of developing various cancers, including cancer. bladder cancer and the Colorectal cancer
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Contraindications and side effects
Matcha is a healthy green tea with multidimensional benefits. However, it does contain some amount of caffeine that can trigger allergic reactions in some susceptible people. Allergic reactions may include diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmia, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Caffeine can also cause drug interactions depending on the amount consumed. If you are new to matcha and unaware of its sensitivities, then it is always advisable to ensure natural vigilance when trying it for the first time.
Before considering matcha tea for therapeutic purposes, an expert medical opinion would always help to better understand its effects, especially during special conditions such as pregnancy and lactation.
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