8 Secret health benefits of drinking matcha tea

Burn Fat, Fight Cancer: 8 Amazing health benefits of matcha

Angela Goh

01 Jun 2016

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Full of natural antioxidants
Matcha contains unique and incredibly potent antioxidants called catechins, which aren’t commonly found in other food sources. A study has found that matcha tea contains more than 130 times the catechin EGCg (epigallocatechin gallate) compared to regular green tea. Evidence has pointed to the fact EGCg has effective cancer-fighting properties and can counteract the damaging effects of free radicals.
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Provides energy while keeping you calm
One of the great things about matcha tea is that it goes through a harvesting process that increases the content of L-Theanine animo acid, which helps to balance the caffeine present in the tea. Of course, while matcha contains a similar amount of caffeine as other types of tea, the L-Theanine has been shown to create a sense of calmness in the mind and body without any drowsiness.
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A weapon for weight loss
The EGCg in matcha has also been shown heighten the body’s rate of converting stored fat into energy. During exercise, the catechins in matcha tea could also play a part in offering additional calorie burning benefits. In addition, EGCg may also be useful in decreasing the formation of new fat cells.
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Helps with a healthy heart
A study done in 2011 was able to determine that regular consumption of matcha had a significant effect on lowering LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol that can lead to heart disease). Other studies have also shown that consuming matcha could effectively lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of stroke.
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Increases brain power
Need to knuckle down and concentrate on your daily work but feel like procrastinating instead? The L-Theanine found in matcha is known to help stimulate alpha brain waves, which can aid in increasing your ability to focus on your tasks at hand.
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A great source of chlorophyll
Matcha plantations are shaded during their growing process, which causes the leaves to create an increased amount of chlorophyll (the pigment that gives plants their green colour). Some research has shown that chlorophyll may aid your body in getting rid of heavy metals, toxins and other harmful chemicals. Talk about a great detoxifying boost!
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Improves skin health and prevents aging
It’s true - Japanese women always look forever young! Perhaps matcha is the key to youthful-looking skin. Antioxidants present in matcha are great for supporting your skin’s health and radiance by reducing inflammation and protecting it from free radicals that could contribute to skin aging. They say the more matcha you drink, the more radiant you stay!
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Boosts your energy levels
Not to be mistaken for the caffeine in coffee, matcha contains a healthier form of this chemical known as theophylline. It allows your body to sustain its energy levels without adverse effects. Theophylline promotes a slow release of energy, which also aids in maintaining balanced hormonal levels and supports the functionality of your adrenal glands.

Add a little green to your daily diet – improve your health a hundredfold with the powers of matcha!

Sure, there are a myriad of benefits to drinking green tea. From helping with weight loss to supplying your body with antioxidants, this healthy brew seems to be one heck of a miracle cure. Matcha, being several times more potent than green tea, is what we should really be drinking if we want to truly reap all the benefits of the tea plant – after all, brewing a tea made of matcha powder allows us to ingest the tea leaves.

The world has gone a little matcha crazy over the years. We’re sure you’ve heard of matcha lattes, matcha parfaits, matcha cupcakes, matcha macarons… there’s just something about the earthy aroma and taste of matcha that screams “perfect dessert flavour!”, and yes, we’re huge fans too!

We’d like to introduce you to the amazing health benefits that matcha can provide to your body. Head up to the gallery to check them out – you’ll want to treat yourself to something green tonight.

Angela Goh

Photos: Getty Images

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